Christmas

The week before Christmas we had a lot going on.  I was just newly called about a week prior to our ward Primary Presidency as the second counselor.  This was my 5th primary presidency, but I love the calling so I am excited.  I ended up being in charge of sharing time and singing time the Sunday before Christmas.  And then I was asked to speak on the same Sunday.  My friend had her baby that same Sunday, so after church, I ended up watching her three kids for 2 days.  Nick's birthday was the Friday before, and my family was all coming into town that weekend.  Probably not a huge surprise that on Tuesday before Christmas I got sick again.  I came down with a bad case of strep.  I was nervous to take antibiotics because I have been trying to build up my immune system but it was necessary.  I was in bed for a day and a half with a 102 fever.  Horrible time to get sick.  But luckily Bri and Ronell came into town and were able to take care of my girls for me.  Nick was stuck working unexpectedly.

They took all of the grandkids downtown on the MET to see Santa at the Macy's.  I was sad I had to miss it but glad they were still having fun.

We went to Pump it Up one morning and the kids had a blast running around, being crazy.

Christmas Eve Day, we continued our tradition of going to Holly's grave and singing Christmas carols.  We quickly realized that we need to work on memorizing the lyrics of a lot of them.

We also went with a little singing group to a local rest home.  Briz sang some Christmas songs with her friends and after we spent some time visiting with the residents.

Christmas Eve I hosted at my house.  We had a really fun night.  I didn't end up doing quite as much as I thought I would because I still wasn't feeling great.  We had a delicious dinner.  After the kids participated in a talent show and then they acted out the nativity.  Afterwards, the kids got in their Christmas jammies and we ate dessert.

We sent the kids upstairs to watch a Christmas movie while the adults had a White Elephant Exchange.

Nick and I were much more prepared than we thought we would be.  Normally we're up until about midnight getting stuff ready, but we were done by 10 p.m.  Christmas morning, the kids didn't get up too early.  We were downstairs just before 8 a.m.  It was so fun to see the girls excitement.  Bri and Ronell had Christmas in the other room, but the kids would run back and forth sharing the presents they were excited about.

We take turns opening up stockings individually while everyone else watches.  We started with Holly's stocking, then did Wembleys, then Brizzy's.  Wembley loved all of the stuff in her stocking.  I was pretty surprised how into she was.

Brizzy also loved everything.  She particularly loved this scarf and the beanie boo stuffed animals.  She has worn this scarf literally every day since Christmas.

After stockings and presents, everyone came over for a big breakfast.  We opened some more presents, took naps, then headed over to my parents for dinner and some more presents.  It was a great day.  I loved dragging out the presents opening.