Christmas 2011

Christmas was so much fun this year! Tyson loved seeing Santa at the mall even though he wouldn't go sit on his lap. He just wanted to sit by the gate and look at him! We did things a little different this year than we originally planned but it was still a great experience. In order to catch Ben and Wendi on Christmas Day we would have to be to Laurie and Clair's as soon after church as possible so we decided to open all the presents under our tree on Christmas Eve! It was actually really fun! We didn't feel very rushed and liked that we could just lay around and play for a while after getting them open. Tyson absolutely LOVED ripping open all the presents this year! It was adorable! We got some good stuff and were definitely spoiled! We got Tyson the Little People Farm! He absolutely loves it, mainly cause it makes animal noises but still he has fun with it. We also wrapped up the little potty Laurie got him. We are looking at starting to potty train with in the next couple weeks...or at least trying to see if he'll give it a go. Tyson got some cute little Cars character cars from my Mom and Dad that have a button you push and they talk. My mom didn't think they would be such a big deal but Lightning McQueen and Mater ate breakfast with us the next day and have been carried around the house and car for his amusement almost everyday since! It is great. He also got some horse figurines from my brother Brian that he loves to play with. He got so much more that night it is hard to list it all. The big things for Chris were the Texas Longhorns quilt I made him, with his mother's help, and the dutch oven that my dad got him. He has never used a dutch oven before but looks forward to learning from my dad! Chris spoiled me this year...again...and got me a new sewing machine. It wasn't a surprise on Christmas because he had to ask what one I wanted after his Mom failed at spying on me and getting info from me but I absolutely love it. I haven't done any projects with it yet but have many plans for it! My mom decided to coordinate with him after I told her what he got me and she got me my first pair of Gingher scissors! I am SOOOOOOO excited to put my crafting tools to use! My mom also got me my first Tupperware brand bowl and some matching measuring cups and spoons. It was an awesome Christmas Eve! 

Christmas Day we got up bright and early to go to church at 9 AM. It was a wonderful meeting that brought the true spirit of Christmas into our hearts and helped to remind us the real reason for the season. Then it was home to change and off to Laurie and Clair's. We got some good stuff from them. They gave us money to put towards our lovely couch that will be paid off by the end of the month and a really nice 72 hour kit! We hope it is a while before we need to use said kit but it is very comforting to have it in the house and ready to go when needed! We traded names again this year like always but we decided that couples would do each other and then Brandi and Corey would get each other. That means we had Ben and Wendi and they had us. They got us some fun camping stuff, a nice lantern, some hot dog roasting sticks, and a folding shovel! They got Tyson a cute car that he loves pushing around the house. Tyson was beyond spoiled with new clothes, lots of new toys, and some coloring stuff. Chris's Grandma and Grandpa Lamb got him a tent that is now permanently set up in his small room because he freaks out when I try to take it down. We spend a good hour in there everyday! It is hilarious! We spent the rest of the day hanging out at Laurie and Clair's just soaking up the family time. It was a great day! I called my parents to thank them for everything and then they called me when Ben called so that I could be in on that exciting event! I can't believe that tomorrow will be a year since he left on his mission!

I definitely felt very blessed as I spent the day surrounded by family that loved me and with the Savior's love for my in my very full heart! I am grateful for this time of year to remember the birth and life of our Savior and the example He set for us.