Christmas Memories

We had a wonderful Christmas.  I hope Ya’ll had a wonderful day also.

We enjoyed a nice quiet Christmas Eve just us, as a family.  It was really nice.

We were able to keep up with our traditions.

Cookie Baking

Stories and Songs

The Christmas Story

A few gifts to each other

and a special gift for Jesus.

A little closer look at the journaling for those of you who forgot your glasses.

This year our ornaments went as followed:

Tess: The most adorable owl to represent her first birthday.

Isaac: A key because he really holds the key to all our hearts.

Stella: A bird because I had to let her fly this year when she started Kindergarten.

Jex: A white snowflake to represent his baptism year.

This year, I decided to give one to Jonathan.  It said, “Joy to the World”, because he is has brought so much joy to my world.

We started a new tradition this year.  We have always done something similar but this year I think I finally got it right.

We talked about it being the Savior’s birthday and explained how we can’t give him new shoes for Christmas, but we could buy new shoes for someone who needs them.  We could also try to be better at obeying a commandment.  Then we thought long and hard.  We each wrote down something we wanted to work on this year on a 3x5 card.  We placed the card in the box and wrapped it all up.  We plan to open it next Christmas Eve and then do it all again.  Hopefully we will have made some improvement or progress with our goal.

Then it was time for PJ’s and Santa to start working his magic.

The kids left Santa cookies, and the reindeer carrots.  I think Santa was extra nice this year.

When the kids woke up, they found an envelope tied to the tree from Santa.

They couldn’t wait to see what was inside.

Santa is sending the Swenson’s on a little weekend getaway; to a hotel with a waterpark inside.

The kids, including mom and dad are pumped.

In keeping with tradition the kids received four presents each from mom and dad.

Something to wear

Something to read

Something you want

and Something you need

Grandmas and Grandpas always throw a few gifts in there too, and we are so thankful for that.  It helps us feel a little more at home.  We miss them.  The kids even got a few gifts from a Adopted grandparents out here.  We truly are blessed.

By the end of it the kids make out with a haul.  Mom and dad are left with a mess; but lots of smiles on little ones faces.

I remember feeling the let down when I was a child when there was no more gifts under the tree; and then…

I remembered my Stocking.

Tess was pretty excited about her stocking too:

treats, bows and jewelry.

What more could a girl want?

We hope your Christmas as just as Marvelous.

…a little eye candy for you.

2 scrapbook pages of our Christmas Eve.