Christmas

Christmas was truly wonderful this year. Before even setting up the Christmas tree we had a family home evening all about the birth of Christ and why Christmas is celebrated. It was great to start things off on the right foot. When we did get out the Little People Nativity the kids retold the story to us. We were touched by how much they remembered and the way they expressed things.

Since last Christmas Penn has loved the movie "Polar Express". Its about a train to the North Pole. We had to borrow it from our friends in July because he loved it so much. So after the decor was up we surprised the kids with their very own copy of the book and movie. Throughout the month even Logan kept asking if we could ride the Polar Express some day and that's just what we did the Sat before Christmas. We told the kids we were going to find one and loaded everyone into the car and went "hunting". Of course we already had tickets for the Polar Express in Heber. It was just more fun to make it an adventure. 

So Happy

Having too much fun to pose for a picture

I highly recommend this adventure. We all had a great time. The train ran on "Christmas Cheer", had elves and a fun host for each car. They played Christmas music over the speakers and the passengers just randomly burst into singing along. Even the kids enjoyed singing Jingle Bells and Rudolph. Mrs. Claus served homemade cookies and we all enjoyed hot chocolate (until it ended up in my lap, courtesy of Logan). We made it to the North Pole and Santa boarded the train to say hello to each of us and present us with our very  own sleigh bell. Someone even got engadged with Santa's help. The ride was about 45 mins long which was just right. Not too long and not too short.

Dancing with an Elf

Every year the first gift of Christmas is opened on Christmas Eve, before the P.J.'s. It a picture of Christ to help us remember the true reason for the season. Penn was so excited he already had an idea of where he wanted to hang it in his room. Christmas morning was great, Aunt Becky even came up for the fun. We opened gifts kind of slowly and allowed the kids to play with their gifts as we went along. It extended the fun and gave the kids a chance to play with everything.

A singing, pretty princess castle. Audrey was in Heaven.

Remote Control Trucks, a huge hit

Nerf Guns! Yes

Christmas is always so full. There are lights to see, cookies to make, family to visit and lessons to learn. But we are truly grateful for the reminder of the love our Heavenly Father and Savior have for each of us, and the love we share with our family and friends.