This is what the tree and gifts looked like the night before (or the morning of). Not too many, or they were all small. The kids woke up at their normal times, read their scriptures, wrote in their journals, had family prayer and family scripture reading AND watched a general conference talk. That's our normal morning routine. Kevin and I were still sleeping but they went ahead and did it without us. When we did get up, they were ready for presents! We had to wait a little longer because the baby needed a new diaper and a bottle, and we had to get the cameras ready... then we were ready.
Camdilyn will suck her thumb automatically if anyone sticks hair in her ear.
Funny!
Stockings were first.
Everyone got new socks, candy, pencils, erasers, and more candy.
Excited about the big Milky Way bar.
Tryin to eat a Mary Jane while still in the wrapper.
The first present.
She wasn't sure what to do with it.
Magic Tree House books
The oldest six kids received walkie talkies.
They were all very excited about them.
They will be great to use outside come Spring.
Ben caught his next present in the mouth.
Good thing it was only books.
Her own beads to make necklaces and stuff!
Getting to eat a Mary Jane without the wrapper.
She loved it!
Marissa made him a scarf.
Her very own sticker book.
Her very own sticker book.
Books were a theme.
The three oldest received a book by John Bytheway,
as well as a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys book.
We found some cheap DVDs so all the kids
(except for Camdilyn)
received a new movie.
Just adding to our road trip collection for next summer.
Still loving the Mary Jane!
The last 2 A to Z Mysteries that we needed for our collection.
Big book of different books. They love these.
New tie! He's wanted one for a while so he's excited!
Emily made presents for all her siblings.
They each received a stuffed paper picture of their pet names.
Monkey.
Goose.
Cow. (It's in her hand, you just can't see it.)
Pig.
Cat. (She is really chipmunk
but Emily was not confident drawing one of those.)
Parrot.
Grandma and Grandpa Nichols brought each child a present.
Most of them were new games to add to our collection.
So fun!
Emily crocheted Camdilyn a hat, without instructions,
and with only a little help from me.
It even has a chin strap and covers the back of her neck.
Regifted dolls and she loves to carry them around.
More games from the Nichols.
She'll stick anything in her ear.
Gpa and Gma Nichols gave Harmonie a new doll,
which sings "Itsy Bitsy Spider"
and she sings right along with it.
So cute!
She wasn't really into opening the presents.
Now it is Daddy's turn.
Marissa made him a calendar for 2015.
She drew pictures of Calvin and Hobbes.
I made him a white board.
It will have his name on it for his office.
New work ties.
Heat packs for him and me!
Wait for it.... are you ready?
New flannel, hang-around-the-house, pants
(to replace the torn ones I wouldn't fix).
Another present?
New boots, again.
Family gift.
Canvases, paints, paint brushes, and Bob Ross DVDs.
We are all going to learn to paint!
What fun!
Christmas dinner.
We actually had ham, our very own pig!
Fruit salad, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and rolls.
It was all yummy!
What a wonderful Christmas. We are so blessed and thankful to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. We know so much and try to continue to learn and do and be so much more. It is through Jesus that we know what to do and how to live. It is through Jesus that we know where we are going and how to get there. It is through Jesus that we can repent and be better each day. It is through Jesus that we receive comfort, guidance, love, and support. We hope you can find these things, too!
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