Christmas with the Olivers

As much as most of us love presents at Christmastime, being with family is so much more important. Getting to unwrap gifts is hardly the essence of Christmas. I think that being with family and sharing in great memories, all the while remembering the birth of Christ is what should sum up Christmas. This was my first Christmas without my family. It was incredibly hard and I now fully appreciate all of the past Christmases with my family.  I enjoyed Christmas with the Olivers this year. And I know that Glenn and Glenys appreciated us being with them for the first time since we've been married. These are just a few glimpses of our day. 

Our cute little Santa!

Christmas morning was spent watching a John Wayne movie. I know...not really Christmasy.

Sawyer LOVED opening presents. It was fun to watch the kids enjoy opening gifts this year. And next year will be even more fun.

Yes, even Ezra's JD tractors made an appearance.

All ready to help Mommy in the kitchen. 

It was SO beautiful outside that Glenys, Morgan, Sawyer, Ezra and I went for a walk. Glenn and Steve stayed inside to watch Ryder and Cooper (but mostly to work on some new Lego), and Correna enjoyed a nap with baby #3.

Even the dogs got a Christmas gift. A great BIG stick!! YAY!

What a great way to end the day!

It's not really looking like Christmas...

With the lack of snow it really doesn't feel like Christmas is just a week and a half away. But it is!! I suited Sawyer up in her snow garb today for the first time. It only took about 15 minutes, but it was worth it to see her trying to walk in it. She fell down A LOT and couldn't get back up. It was really amusing! 

Enjoying the beautiful day!

Not too sure of the snow... 

'Icing' sugar cookies.

Yes, she just ate a bowlful of icing...at 7pm. I was NOT thinking.

I finally made Christmas balls with the kids hand and foot prints. It is way harder than you would think. One child is so wrigley that you can't hold her still long enough to get a print. And the other clenches his fists so tight that you can't get anything more than a smear on a ball. Oh well, better luck next year?!

Coopers photoshoot

We are fortunate enough to have a couple photographers in our family!! Correna took these amazing pictures of our newest addition. Unfortunately Morgan wasn't there so we don't have any complete family pictures.

These great booties are from Odd Duck Creations! Thanks Karis!

Sawyer had had enough of Cooper, and I think Cooper enough of Sawyer.

This great toque is also from Odd Duck Creations.