Since today is Sunday, we were able to go to church for Sacrament meeting. We had breakfast - monkey bread, eggs, and sausages - and then got ready for church. We had just enough time to do stockings but then we had to head out. (I didn't take any pictures of the actual stocking opening. Mostly candy and pictures but I was surprised with an iPhone 7! We did not talk about that at all.)
We did give each of the kids a game or treat.
Back home and into Grammy Jammies, ready to open presents.
Everyone received some type of candy.
All the kids received a Lego City set.
Kevin received two long-sleeve button down shirts.
I made myself some Shutterfly scrapbooks.
Grammy is looking at one.
Everyone received books.
Except Kevin...
who received a new coat.
Ready to move to the next presents,
after reading some books.
New shoes!
Everyone received a new movie DVD.
Kevin received jeans.
Next...
Everyone received socks.
Kevin received new gloves that he can use with his iPhone.
Grammy looking at another one of my scrapbooks,
Grammy and Gaffa received a present from Alise.
She makes them a family reunion calendar every year.
Now we are to the special gifts.
Everyone received one present that was different from everyone else.
gloves, which she asked for
dominoes, which I just thought she would enjoy
Harmonie was next...
She asked for a dog and a dog house.
This was the closest we could find.
I love it! It is so soft!
(Good job, Kevin, for seeing it first.)
Domonique's up next...
So excited...
A fan and a mouse for her computer!
(she asked for both of them)
Kemiah...
She asked for a bag to keep her stuffed animals in.
This was the closest thing we could find,
and figured it will do the job really well.
Xiomara... small box...
Happy...
she received best friend necklaces for her and Katelyn.
Emily... really big box, that was bulging.
Giant teddy bear!
She has asked for one for several years so I finally gave in!
Marissa...
Oooo! Pocket knife and tools.
She asked for the knife.
Ben...
We couldn't find what he asked for,
so we got him a new Risk game.
Should be interesting.
Kevin received two pairs of sweat pants,
so he won't be so cold when they go to the Y in the mornings.
The kids bought Grammy and Gaffa some presents.
Mostly candy.
He opened a box of chocolates from Marissa.
Grammy opened some chocolates from Emily.
Emily also bought all her siblings presents.
It was wonderful to see her want to give them something.
It was also wonderful to see her joy in giving the gifts.
Manicure set
Pens
Flying chickens
She got herself a rubix cube
Presents from Grandma and Grandpa Nichols.
They gave us one for each buddy pair.
Book of Mormon card game.
Watch ya mouth game.
Pass the Pen game.
So that is the end of all the gifts. We had a wonderful time together. It was so joyful to share with each other and to spend time together.
Finally got her fingers into the right places.
Tops from Emily to Domonique - they sure are fun.
Domino affect.
Enjoying some reading with a very soft seat.
They are learning the new game.
Risk with some twists.
Watch ya mouth -
I had to talk them out of leaving those plastic things in their mouths...
I was tired of all the drool,
and who wants their face to stretch out like that forever?
Naomi fell asleep in the car on the way home from church so I put her to bed. She actually slept through all the presents and lunner. (I think that's what she did last year when she was just under two month old.) So we had a special moment for Naomi to open her gifts.
The box was deceiving.
Dum dum suckers. She likes them.
Emily's gift (and her paper that she bought)...
Naomi's first doll - it's so soft and cute.
Board book - Giraffes Can't Dance
Movie - Ice Age Christmas
Lego City extra people and park stuff.
No, she probably won't play with it,
but she will share it with everyone else.
More of a family gift that she opened.
She seems to enjoy Emily's giant bear, too.
We know that the greatest gift is that of our Savior. His miraculous birth, exemplar life, suffering and atoning for our sins, pains, and afflictions, and then his death and resurrection. Our lives are only as important as we make them because of Him. He showed us the way to love others, serve and give of ourselves. Life is not about what I can do for myself, but what I can do for others. As I serve and help those around me, I am able to become more like my Savior and that will bring me eternal blessing, peace and happiness. Thanks be to Jesus Christ and we celebrate our love for Him with our family and all of you!
