Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas, except for the death of my camera on Christmas Eve. I won't dwell on it, though. Tifanie has an extra one she's letting me borrow until I figure out which kind I want and can save up enough to buy it.

Anyway, we spent Christmas Eve with Brad's family at their annual gift exchange. 30 people came and it was a blast as usual. Brad's two cousins with their families, his brother & family, his sister Alicia who just moved back from Hawaii (welcome back, Alicia!), his parents, my parents, the missionaries, it was a lively group! I didn't get any pictures like I wanted to, but I'll survive. Once again, Pat brought the most fought after gift. He made two fencing swords out of stainless steel rods with metal spoons for the hand guards and bolts and washers on the handles. Genius! Jonathan ended up with them, because as Ben said, "Uncle Jon's family always gets the good presents!"

Christmas morning, the kids were up at 5:15 to open their stockings. We told them they couldn't wake us up until 7:00, and they were very prompt! Here are some gift opening shots:

The kids gave Brad a "boom-box" because he wanted a radio to listen to when he's out working in the yard. Brad found these mugs with the girls' initials on them. They were a big hit!


Ben got this great treasure chest. He is quite a treasure collector, so he'll be able to fit alot of treasure in this!


Brad LOVES See's candy, and was very happy to open this box.


Jillian gave Nate a "real" wallet. He's very happy not to have to use his old velcro one anymore.


I got Smartwool socks! Three pairs! The only thing I asked for this year. I can't wait to try them out next time we go kayaking. I've got high hopes for warm toes.


I made each of the kids a fleece blanket. This is Kylie's.

Ben has geckoes on it, Jillian's is covered with peace signs and flowers, and Nathan's is brown/red plaid.


Even Matzo got in on the action. Kylie gave him a tug-of-war toy, which he loves, except he can't figure out why the two tennis balls are connected by an annoying rope and keeps trying to chew them apart.

Here's my newest Christmas ornament, in honor of the Fantastic Four.

I also got this awesome Cocoa-Latte maker. It heats and whips the milk to a delicious froth. I've been over-indulging in steamed almond-flavored milk!

Christmas evening, we went over to my parents' for a delicious dinner and opened more presents. Nate and my Dad played their annual pool tournament.

Here's Tif and some of the kids waiting to open gifts.

We had a great two days with family. I love Christmas!