Christmas Festivities 2009

This year our family really tried to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks to my mom, I was able to take Bruin and Capri to see a wonderful musical put on by the Jurupa Stake titled, "Savior of the World." This just started the season out right. We also enjoyed doing some special acts of service this year which really brought a feeling of joy and love to our home. Its so interesting how service truly blesses the life of the giver. The kids and I also had a good time making many of our Christmas gifts including tutus and the Teach the Children Story. We have been so blessed this year in so many ways and we know that the Lord's hand is in each and every aspect of our lives. We are grateful for the many wonderful people that have been part of our lives and we were glad to spend the holidays with so many of them.

Christmas Eve

This year we spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Heaps' home. They always make our get togethers so special for the kids. Grandma Heaps told the Teach the Children Story and had Uncle Darin read the scripture story of Christ's birth. Grandma also made sure to call up Santa to come for a visit. They each received a gift and told Santa what they wanted.

Hudson was obviously having some allergy issues-we think it may have been the real Christmas tree.

Next the kids had a fun time opening gifts.

Hudson with his many Nerf balls. He also received a big wheel.

Bruin opening his spark scooter. I'm not sure how safe this thing is, but he sparked his way all the way down to the park and loved every second of it!


Capri with her beloved Twinkle Toes. They are very sparkly and light up when she walks. Her big thing this year was sparkles, so these definitely fit the wish list! Good job Grandma and Grandpa.

The rest of the day we enjoyed spending time together and the kids made some cookies for Santa. When we returned home that evening the kids opened their traditional Christmas Eve jammies from Kirk and I then we curled up and watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas, which is a tradition in Kirk's family that we will try to carry on. We also played a game of Sorry Sliders.

Christmas Morning
It was nice to be home Christmas morning and not have to rush off to be anywhere. Each year we are learning that rushing around does not make for happy children or happy parents, and its nice to have parents who understand that we need some quiet family time now that we have three children and one on the way.
We started off the morning with a breakfast casserole and fruit. Nothing can beat my mom's Christmas breakfast, but I will keep working at it. After that the kids opened their stockings and gifts from us. I love that my children are easily pleased. I hope this continues for at least a few more years.

Christmas Day

That afternoon we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Salmon's for the remainder of the evening. We ate a yummy Christmas dinner with all the works. We were then able to sit down and watch a video portraying the birth of our Savior. Grandma and Grandpa had a fun little quiz for each family to fill out. Grandpa Salmon bore his testimony of the Savior and invited any others to share their testimony. It was wonderful to feel the spirit together as a family and hear the testimonies of so many of our family members both young and old. I feel so blessed to be part of the Salmon family. They have raised their children in truth and righteousness, and I feel blessed to have one of their sons as my husband and as the father of my children for eternity.

Of course the kids had their gift exchange and received more gifts from their Grandparents as well. The rest of the evening they played together and watched a movie. The men enjoyed the Lakers game while the women played a game and just visited.

Day after Christmas

The celebrations didn't end there. We had a visit from my dad (aka Grandpa Mark) and my grandmother (aka Grandma Great) the next evening. We met over at Janell's house for a delicious dinner of carne asada burritos and ended the evening with gifts and pictures.

My dad with all 6 of his children. This picture has a 3 year record. (we had to stand in the same places and everything)

All 9 of the grandchildren. Next year we will have at least one more to add there. I think we may be finding a new location for the picture.

What a whirlwind of fun! We hope next year is just as enjoyable. We love Christmas time and being with family is the best part.