Christmastime

We started off the holidays with a visit to Santa Clause. As always, McCrae did not disappoint. With one click of the camera, we got a picture that Conner would say is "one for the books." 

Unloading this year's Christmas tree... 

Sinterklaas was good to us this year...I still can't get over how cute the mini wooden shoe slippers are.

Conner insisted that we had a Christmas activity EVERY night (we tried anyway). One night we made some Christmas sugar cookies since Conner can't stand the nutmeg and anise cookies my dad makes every year. They turned out terrible but we had fun frosting them anyway. The poor neighbors who received a plate of these cookies on their doorstep-I hope they didn't break a tooth.

We stepped it up this year and put lights on a couple trees.

The Grammy party. Let the festivities begin!

We made sure to have Jon and Jenny's family skype in.

The crowd continues to grow.

Have you ever seen a cuter face in your life?.Conner was so worried to let anyone hold him. He was convinced everyone was going to get him sick.

Grammy insists that everyone is quiet before she begins...the kids try so hard to behave so they can get their Christmas bag.

Yay! McCrae's very first Grammy bag.

 We are sure lucky to have Gram in our lives. She is such an example to us all-always giving and caring for others. A true disciple of Christ.

The Egbert party. It sure wasn't the same without Grandpa there but the show had to go on. It kind of felt like there was an elephant in the room since we went about the program without him, but I'm sure that's what he would expect us to do.

And just as Grandpa would have us do, all the missionaries sang "Silent Night' in their missionary tongue.

My dad did a little makeshift program. No one else wanted to speak...we never have a hard time getting my dad to speak. Although he did a great job, I was really starting to miss Grandpa.

But grandma seemed happy as ever. Although she put up a good fight, we insisted on a picture with her.

The Christmas Eve party at the Nielsens. After a delicious dinner, the kids presented the nativity while Grandpa Craig read from the scriptures.

Guess who had the honor of playing baby Jesus?

Ironically, it looks like baby Jesus has a halo!

T'was the Night Before Christmas. During the story we could hear Santa's bells!

He dropped his bag down the chimney...

with a present for everyone!

Christmas jammies for one and all.

Time for the gift exchange! We had Doug and Jami's family this year. Conner and Doug are planning on building themselves new mountain bikes so Conner got Doug (and himself) mechanic shirts with their nicknames embroidered on the chest. It was a huge hit.

JRA Cycling Co. (Just Ridin' Along)

A darling hat from Grandma and Grandpa

And his very own stocking!

Christmas morning.

Santa came!

And Conner gave me a shopping spree-tucked inside Christmas lights. It was quite the setup.

Opening presents with Grammy and Papa on Christmas morning. They came for breakfast since they are officially empty nesters. It was fun to have them.

 Although McCrae may not remember his first Christmas, we will never forget it. He is the greatest gift we could ever receive. I can't explain the joy he brings into our lives. I still have to pinch myself to remind me that he is really ours. We are so lucky.

Later that day, we were able to go up to my parents to talk to Marissa. Its always crazy with 20 people trying to talk to her at once, but it was great to hear her voice. She is doing great...but we can't wait for her to come home!

Although we had a great time going to all of our Christmas parties and spending time with family, I think the most memorable day for me was the Sunday before Christmas. Sacrament meeting was incredible. I have never felt so grateful to my Savior for coming to this world knowing that he would have to sacrifice himself so that we may all live with our Father in Heaven again. I was so emotional and grateful for the life He has allowed me to have here on earth. It truly was a very merry Christmas.