Team Kearns: Christmas 2011

We had our traditional Christmas Eve with our good friends, the Dyers. This year the kids were old enough to reenact the nativity scene. It worked for a few minutes, then we had angles and Joseph and Mary running all around the house. The little shepherd stayed put for the most part with his staff. We always have so much fun with them and it's good for the kids to hear the story of Jesus' birth again.

Since Christmas was on a Sunday this year, we did things a little differently than usual. We still got up early to do stocking and hobble pobble. I cut the potatoes and peppers the night before so all I had to do was assemble and bake. And, I have to say, this was the best hobble pobble I've ever had! Sorry Mom and Dad, you've put up winning dishes in the past, but I think this girl has it down! (Of course I did learn from the best).

While the hobble pobble was baking, we opened stockings. Bailey had goldfish and puffs and some toys in her stocking.

Bailey opening her stocking.

I had earrings and candy and other goodies.

Andrew had cars that he had picked out a few weeks earlier. Of course I mailed them to Santa. Oh, we also did the Elf on the Shelf this year. Basically a little elf comes to visit the month of December to see how the kids are behaving. The kids get to name the elf and with a little help Andrew agreed on Elfis (like Elvis). It was pretty fun. Elfis couldn't be touched and he went to the North Pole each night to report to Santa and when he came back he would be hiding in a new spot. Andrew enjoyed looking for him each morning. I forgot to take a photo of Elfis. Next year buddy.

Andrew opening his stocking

Here are some photos from Christmas morning before church.

The first present we opened was from Mom and Dad K. It was a nice new SLR camera and we took all these photos with it. Thanks for helping us preserve these memories. This was the only photo we took of our tree and presents and it's not that great. Sorry.

Andrew got a cool art set on Christmas Eve, and was still excited about it the next day.

Ryan got a new paintball mask.

Ryan opening presents and Bailey waving

Andrew and Bailey playing with their new musical instruments. Bailey isn't too happy here.

Andrew got a bike helmet, but Bailey loved trying to ring the bell.

Bailey's

First

Christmas!!

Then we ate and got ready for church. Church was only one hour (instead of 3) and it was wonderful. We came home for lunch and naps. The kids were good and waited to open the rest of their presents. We decided to let them take their time and play with the toys and things before making them open more. Andrew really seemed to enjoy it. I think Bailey just liked to rip off paper and play with tissue paper.

After church we let the kids open more presents. (Andrew saw this book in the store and I told him if we got it he would have to wait until Christmas to open it. I think he asked every day if he could open it)