Christmas 2023

The kids absolutely love our sibling gift exchange we do every year on Christmas Eve.

It was nice to have the extended family thing done in advance so we had Christmas Eve all to ourselves. It was a Sunday so we had just one hour of Church, went to Taco Bell for food, and just enjoyed our day. Made cookies for Santa of course. I woke up with a sore throat and was worried about singing in the choir but made it through. Later that night I was feeling really sick so I just slept in bed for hours. Brandon made breakfast burritos for dinner, brought me one in bed, I ate it, and went back to bed. 

So fun having everything all ready for the kids to wake up to in the morning. I was able to get up and help Brandon get everything out, but man, I was not feeling great.

Christmas morning was great. I wasn't feeling good, but was able to sit there through them opening presents and then made breakfast before I crashed in bed for like 4 hours. We started out with telling the kids we were going on a cruise in 12 days. It was so fun to finally tell them. Brandon and I had booked it months earlier.

Kallie got her long awaited mannequin. Even creepier than I imagined.

Had to get her a pickle blanket to match the one she got for Sophie for her birthday.

Got to surprise Mckinley with these slippers that she thought she wasn't getting anymore. That was a fun one.

Ava loved the coat she already picked out and knew about.

Tyler was stoked about his new suit since he is getting the priesthood and will start passing the sacrament soon!

Sure love these kids and how much joy they bring into our lives!

Christmas tree french toast for breakfast.

Headed over to Brandon's parents' house at 2:00 for food and presents. We had a good time. I was super tired but made it through.

Went back home and I slept again from like 6 to 10. I don't know what I had, but it sure wiped me out. I still feel like it was a great Christmas. I just feel bad that I wasn't there with the kids while they were opening their new stuff.

Boxing Day the next day Brandon just went off with the kids but I wanted to be there and was feeling a little better than the day before so I showered and met them there. It's funny how most of the kids talk about this being one of their top favorite traditions.

Karen got breakfast burritos from Betos for everyone instead of doing scones which I think everyone really loved.

Tyler had an indoor soccer game that evening. He had three games the week of Christmas! Their team went undefeated for this season and had a blast.