december 25.2008
Everyone had so much fun opening and playing with their gifts. The girls got up at 6:40, and we were able to talk them into waiting until 7:30. Valerie, my sister, and her husband got in late Christmas Eve. Everyone was able to get some sleep before the opening of presents,thank goodness.

For Christmas dinner, we are very traditional in having an untraditional dinner. This year, we did fondue. It was yummy, and easy. The Waldon’s joined us for dinner too, which made it even more fun with all the family around. The baby cousins enjoyed playing by each other, Kaylee handing Nadia paper to eat to distract her. Pretty funny.

december 24.2008
For the second year in a row, we have started a new tradition, which has been so very memorable. We have been included in on this with two other great families, the Baxter’s and the Parker’s, and now the Waldon’s got to join in on the fun.

We pick a different country every year to make food from. Last year was Sweden, and this year was Germany. Everyone makes different dishes, and we get to try fun and new and weird foods. Then, all the kids dress up in the appropriate attire for the story of Christ, as it is read out of the bible. We sing songs from the hymn book throughout the story too. It brings such a great spirit as we focus on Christ, being with friends and family, and feeling the magic of Christmas. Then there’s the other tradition, of everyone having a bell, and us trying to play songs by numbers that correspond with the bell. That’s always fun to see how good we can get. It was so great, we’re so very grateful to know these people, and be included in their lives.

The evening was followed by a great tradition of opening one present, which are pajamas. I love new pajamas, and waking up on Christmas morning with new pajamas is so much fun!

december.2008
Adorable…happy and not wanting to miss a thing. Wait for it…completely out. This is amazing, considering Nadia is the lightest sleeper ever. Even if you whisper, she perks up. I was lucky the sound of the camera didn’t wake her before I got this shot.