Early Christmas

Since we will be in Illinois for Christmas this year we decided to open presents today so we don't have to haul them to Illinois just to haul them home again.
Samantha quickly figured out how much fun it was to rip open presents. She opened a box, pulled out the contents, then discarded the contents in order to play with the box. I expected this, but it was much more entertaining to watch than I had anticipated.

Michael gave me this black sweater. I accidentally found it while cleaning out the car yesterday. I wore it to church and during Sacrament Meeting Samantha decided to bite off one of my buttons. Fortunately, I was able to get it out of her mouth before she swallowed it.

Samantha has sat on Santa's lap twice this week and has HATED it both times. She immediately started screaming.

We had our friends Jennifer and Jann and their girls over for dinner earlier this week. They gave us some nice presents and I knitted a couple scarves and a hat for their girls. They loved them! Samantha is also showing off her cute knitted hat!

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Christmas Tree

I think one of my most favorite parts of Christmas is putting up the Christmas tree. I grew up with the tradition of getting a new Christmas ornament every year. My mom would often get an ornament that reflected what we did that year. For example, I have a hiking smore for the year I went on a hand cart trek. Another year she got me a cowgirl hat because I was in Annie Get Your Gun. Whether the ornament reflected the year or not, they all have fun memories attached. I think that's why I love putting up the tree. We are going to have the same tradition with our kids and hopefully they'll love it just as much as I do!

Another favorite of mine is the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. Growing up I couldn't wait to hear what story President Monson would tell. He has never failed to capture my attention. Samantha enjoyed the devotional this year as well. During the song, "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" she conducted the music by waving her hands and nodding her head to the beat. She didn't take her eyes of the choir. She also joined in singing every once in a while. It was adorable!!! I kept thinking, "I wish I had a camera!!!"