Christmas

Merry Christmas!

We had several days of celebration for Christmas this year. We held our annual Christmas sing-along and invited the Bishopric's families. We attended the Ockey Family Christmas Party. Grandma and Grandpa Daniels came to visit and deliver presents. We even made sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies.

Mark sat next to Santa this year. He's getting a little big for Santa's lap.

Dax asked for chocolate milk. 

Seth loves talking with Santa.

Grandma and Grandpa Daniels came down a few days before Christmas.

Dad was excited for his new Boston Red Sox paraphernalia. 

Laurie & Glen also stopped by to exchange gifts.

On Christmas Eve, we frosted cookies to eat and share with Santa.

Dax is a great cookie decorator. 

We loved our Christmas trees this year. 

Best of all was Christmas morning, though. The boys woke up to find some amazing gifts from Santa Claus. Mark got a brand new guitar, and he has been playing it almost every day. He has such a natural talent for music and has nearly passed Dad on his guitar playing. Dax got an amazing new fishing pole and a fishing box full of equipment. Though he hasn't been able to use the pole, he and Dad added line to it, and got it rigged and ready to go. Dax is excited to get out to the lake, pond, or river. Seth received a brand new camera. He has been using it every day and has been getting better and better at taking pictures. At first his pictures were grainy and blurry, but after a few hundred shots, he has gotten quite good at taking pictures. He's excited to take his camera on a hike so that he can take some pictures in the woods.

Coming down on Christmas morning!

Mark was surprised to receive a new guitar.

Seth loves his camera!

Dax got a lot of new fishing gear.

Our boys were such great gift givers, too. They used their own money and bought each other gifts. They also made games, books, and art for one another. We were so happy that they understood that giving can be more excited than getting this Christmas. As we unwrapped presents around the tree, we went slowly and took our time, perusing each present rather than rushing to rip them open. The boys were excited as their gifts were opened, and that made everything worth it.

Seth got Mom this necklace for Christmas.

Seth made Dax a fishing game. He loves it!

Christmas morning was perfect.

Dax carved Mom in this soap for Christmas!

So many fun gifts shared at Christmas!

Dad got Oregon Trail and everyone is a big fan.

Grandpa Ockey stopped by for a bit on Christmas, too.

Mom made an amazing Christmas dinner that featured ham and twice baked potatoes. We even got the china out of the cupboard and made it a special day. Our boys may be getting bigger, but they are understanding what Christmas and the spirit of giving really means.

Our only fancy meal this year.