December

In December we did a lot of baking! 

The first Sunday in December we made homemade gingerbread (a tradition started by my mom), as a treat after the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.  

The girls loved it!

Savannah snuggling with her animals and reading them books

Making Grandma Stouffer's molasses cookies

Jayson's birthday dinner at Old Chicago

(he wanted to go to the Fork, but a 1.5 hr wait wasn't going to happen with our two little girlies)

This was the first year that we spent Christmas at our own little home with our own little family. I was excited, but nervous. I didn't want it to feel lonely. Luckily, Jayson's parents came up and even stayed at our house Christmas Eve and Christmas. Christmas Eve we spent with Mike and Sicily and Taylor and Jannie. It was amazing to see just how many grandkids there are between the 3 families in Boise. We had a delicious dinner, the cousins played a white elephant gift game and we ended with a very neat movie about the relationship of Christ and his mother (to the song "Mary did you know").
The girls stayed up and watched A Christmas Story with grammy until about 11ish. I tried to have them write a letter to Santa and leave cookies, but they weren't that interested. I think they knew he'd come anyway.

Santa brought Sophie a baby stroller and a baby Cinderella doll

Santa brought Savannah a big girl Cinderella bike and a toddler Cinderella doll to ride with her. 

She loved it!!!

 Opening the stockings...

Jayson opening his stocking

The most popular stocking stuffer was the lipstick. Referred to as "lippy" at our house.

Christmas Breakfast!

Complete with quiche, tea ring, sausage, oj and hot chocolate

 Sophie didn't realize the sour cream was supposed to be eaten with quiche.

 Trying to teach the girls why we give gifts at Christmas

 Savannah was very cute opening presents this year. She opened them carefully and wanted to enjoy each present before opening the next one. The gift I thought she'd be least excited about- clothes from mom and dad- she opened and ran upstairs to her room to try them on. When she got a toy, she wanted to open it right then. When she got the dress ups- she had to run to her room to try them all on. She would come down and model them for us.  

 Jayson gave me the sweats and white puffy vest. I love them!

Dress up #1

My thoughtful gift to Jayson, a biking jacket (that he picked out himself) 

 Gift from my parents. We have wanted one of these for about 7 years. Sooo excited! 

Should make the resolution of eating healthier be a little easier.

Dress up #2

This girl is all girl. 

 Jayson favorite gift was a brand new tv!

We had such a magical little Christmas at our own house this year. It was so wonderful to have Jayson's parents there to help fill the void of usually being with more extended family. It was such a relaxing and enjoyable day!  I almost forgot one of the best gifts.. talking to my brother Andrew on his mission in Panama. We were able to do a group skype with him, my parents, Jason and Courtney, Jen and Kylan and my grandparents. It was a good reminder about what is truly important on Christmas. Oh how I love the Christmas season!