Christmas Day

Christmas morning we woke up a little after 5 am (my parents just couldn't wait any longer to wake us all up). First we checked out our stockings full of candy and the Santa presents for the kids.

her new hair bow and adorable stocking Aunt Becca made her

Instead of candy, Paige opted for new spoons and baby food

Her snail toy from Santa...just what she asked him for

 Then we all moved in by the tree to open the rest of the presents. Paige enjoyed opening a few, then passed out on Grandma Jean's lap, and then woke up at the end for a family picture.

We opened some great gifts and even some fun surprises from family. Next we got ready and headed to church. My mom convinced Bryce, Brandon, and I to sing with her in the choir Christmas cantata. It's always fun to sing next to my mom (even if I had to mouth a few parts :)

Trying to get a picture of the girls. I love how Grace is sitting, and that Claire is patting Paige's head.

4 generations

After church we had my mom's side of the family come over for dinner and our $5 gift exchange. It was one big fun group.

Ben and dad imitating John

Paige's first time meeting cousin Leigh!

My cousin Julie and I are only about 2 months apart, and so are our babies

The cousins in their matching outfits from Grandma

This Christmas was extra fun for us as it was Paige's first Christmas and our first Christmas with a baby. I love all the cute traditions you can do with kids and can't wait for more Christmas' with our little family.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve morning we had my dad's side of the family over for breakfast and a gift exchange.

 When we were little we would always perform "The Friendly Beasts" at Christmas, so this year Becca's kids, with the help of Graham, performed it and did a great job.

Grammie and Gramps and all the grandkids

The Warnings

In the afternoon we played games and made cookies to leave for Santa.

 Paige helped by holding/sucking on the sprinkles.

  

 Then that night we did our little Christmas Eve program.

Paige folding her arms, ready to sing some songs

Singing Jingle Bells with Grandma (bells in hand)

We did the Nativity Dash where we all scrambled for outfits and acted out the Nativity. Paige (being the youngest) got to be baby Jesus and Ben and I were Mary and Joseph. I thought my Udder Cover was an excellent touch to my costume.

Riding in on my donkey

Mary and Joesph

Grandma as the innkeeper

Paige as happy baby Jesus

Mom, who felt the need to sing her part from the Messiah, as the angel

Bryce and Camille as the Wisemen

The Stuckis as the shepherds and half-dressed sheep

The gifts (aka Snickers tins) they brought for baby Jesus

We finished the night off with Bryce reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

Then the kids set the carrotts and cookies out for Santa and his reindeer and headed to bed to make sure they would be asleep before Santa came.

Pre-Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year in Washington with my family. We still enjoyed our own Christmas tree before we left, and even let Paige open a present early (one less thing to pack).

Paige and I flew out the 17th and Ben flew in a week later. It was my first time flying by myself with Paige, but it went so smoothly, Paige was a great traveler. This gave me time to play with my family before all of the festivities began. We enjoyed a little last minute shopping, eating out, and being worn out by the trainer. My dad was off work the whole week so Paige got a lot of snuggle time with Grandpa. He was also determined to get her to roll more, and he succeeded....now she's a rolling machine!

My aunt and uncle came up for the annual sing-a-long Messiah. It was my first time going and it was actually pretty fun.

Paige had her first baby food, sweet potatoes, while we were. She wasn't the biggest fan at first, but now she loves all kinds.

 

 So sleepy watching Grandma get ready

 We took Paige and my sister's kids to see Santa at the mall. Grace was pretty much screaming at the thought of seeing Santa, but Paige (no stranger danger yet) smiled for the camera.

It was so fun to play with my parents and sister for a week, but we were sure excited when Ben and Bryce's family flew in. Let the festivities begin!

Fall Family Pictures

So I'm way behind on blogging and I realized I haven't even posted our family pictures we had taken at the end of October! We were giving them to family over the holidays, so I didn't want to post them before, but since they've been framed on my wall for over 2 months, maybe I should actually blog them now :) And thanks again to Camille (aka our professional photographer)...we love how they turned out! If we ever move away from you guys I'll have to fly you in for photo shoots :)