Christmas Day!

We had to keep reminding Leilani that it was "Christmas Time" but not "Christmas Day" yet.  That's a confusing one.  So when Christmas Day finally came she could not contain the excitement.

This was our first Christmas at home as just our little family.  I was nervous about it feeling different since we usually have family coming out the woodwork during Christmas time:)  But we had to grow up sometime right? And I think we pulled it off well.

Me wearing my mom's Christmas apron.  This thing has probably been worn for 30 years and I felt a little sentimental pulling it out knowing my mom would not be putting it on this year, so I wore it in her honor:)

I made my family's traditional Christmas dinner.  And was so proud of myself all day.  But what a lot of work!  Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, veggies, and even pumpkin pie!

Just call me Suzie! 

I also got to pull out my own china for the first time since we've been married.  That was fun.

This wreath is a little bit of a family joke.

Targhee won it at work last year on Christmas Eve. He brought it home, stuck it on the porch railing, and didn't say another word about it.  Christmas morning was hectic with 5 of my sisters and their family's staying with us and then trying to get ready for church on time.  As we plowed out the door we all finally saw the mysterious monstrosity of a wreath sitting on the porch.  We all wondered where it had come from and then laughed when Targhee said it was his.  It wouldn't have been so bad except it was adorned with this hideous red and lime green joker plaid ribbon.  It was not good.  

Well this year we pulled it out, smiled to ourselves and said, "Do you think we can find a place for it?" We gave it a ribbon makeover and stuck it above the garage.  Now if only we could have got the Rudolf nose sized light bulbs to work then it would have been something!

  

Family tradition of acting out the Nativity.

Leilani was all over this activity.  She got to dress up!!

Round 1

Mary, Joseph, and our not so silent or still baby Jesus

Round 2

The Angel

Targhee reading the Christmas Story

TJ didn't believe that angles needed halos or wings

Round 3

The Shepherd

"Mom you can be the wise woman."

Christmas Eve Jammies

"This is my jaguar smile."

Finally Christmas Morning did come!!

She wore this the rest of the morning

(Not an exaggeration)

Lunch at Grandma and Grandpa Fuzzy's house

Great Grandma and Grandpa Checketts

waiting patiently to open their presents

Grandma (Fuzzy) Cole made all the grand kids a handmade bug in a jar quilt this year.  I know it was a lot of work, but they turned out adorable. Leilani pounced around with her quilt for days pretending to be all sorts of animals that eat bugs. 

Leilani and TJ becoming presents:)

It was such a fun day. I'm glad we were able to pull off the Christmas by our selves year.  It gives me confidence for the future:)

p.s. Today while I was taking down the decorations, Leilani asked, "Where are you taking Christmas?" I explained we put up all the Christmas stuff in December and then when Christmas is over we put it all away until next year.  It helps keep Christmas special.  She thought for a minute then sighed, "I miss Christmas."  I guess that's her way of saying she had a good Christmas too:)