Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. First off, on Christmas Eve, we did something new and had some family over to act out the Nativity. I remember enjoying doing this as a kid, and our kids and the cousins seemed to like it too. Jonah really got into his part as the angel; he kept posing with his arms stretched out. It was pretty funny.
Our actors: Jonah- the angel Gabriel and the angel who spoke to the shepherds, Eden- Mary, Matthew- Joseph, Chloe- Shepherd, Levi- Well, he was supposed to be a wiseman, but we didn't really do that part, so I guess he was a shepherd as well.

Afterward, we sang a fun version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, complete with lots of funny actions. Then the kids played and we drank hot chocolate. It was a fun night. I think we'll have to make a tradition out of this.
After the kids' cousins left, we cleaned up and got ready for bed and we let the kids open one present, chosen by Mommy, of course. They loved their new pajamas. Jonah got Cat in the Hat, Eden got Curious George, and Levi got dinosaurs. We practiced getting in our hiding spots and put out some goodies for Santa.Christmas morning came early, and Peter woke us up when he heard Santa. We let Levi sleep through it, but Jonah and Eden woke up pretty well and we went downstairs and hid in the dark with just the tree lights on. The kids liked seeing Santa and I was worried that Eden would be loud and scare him away, but they were both pretty quiet, except when Jonah noticed that Santa had brought Peter a new mountain bike. Peter was surprised and loved it.

The kids looked through their loot and played with the things Santa brought them before we hit what was under the tree.

The kids did good at taking turns opening presents. Eden loved her new dress-up clothes and even Levi got in on the action. The boy cannot resist shoes, even princess heels!Levi also loves his new dinosaur that walks and growls.
The boys got some more trains and tracks, which they love to play with, so Santa did good! They played with them all day.We had a fun dinner with our Willard cousins and Packard 2nd cousins, and then we played a few games, including Beatles Rockband, which they brought. I love Rockband anyway, but a Beatles version? Super awesome. By that time, Grandpa and Grandma and the rest had shown up and we were getting excited for our gift exchange.

The grandkids were barely hanging on; it was pretty late. So they got to open their presents first before they went to bed. My mom always makes the kids awesome homemade pajamas, and this year, she even made Jonah and Eden robes! I didn't get any pictures of Levi and Eden's, but they are so cute! I will get some pictures up soon. Jonah got baseball pjs and a striped robe, Eden got navy blue satiny flower pjs and a matching robe, and Levi got trains pjs and a matching pillowcase. These pillowcases are a work of art! And I loved the robes this year! My kids will definitely get lots of use out of them. I have to say, being a girly-girl, I love Eden's pjs the most. They are so cute with the ruffles on the bottom of the pants!The kids also got some paint and dot-to-dot books, puzzles, and cars from Grandpa and Grandma. We had a fun gift exchange. My dad got me a new EZ curl bar, something I wanted. Look at my scrawny arms- I need this!I was so excited to give Lexie her gift, because I knew she would love it! I gave her an edge brownie pan, knowing that she won't eat a brownie that doesn't have an edge on it. Of course, she was excited.Landon gave Peter a book about Russel M. Nelson, which he loved. He loves reading about the prophets and apostles.My parents also spoiled us with some awesome homemade gifts of pomegranate jam and syrup.
My favorite gifts this year were of course, the homemade ones. My mom made each of us girls amazing quilts, especially for us, with our personalities and tastes in mind. I love mine, of course! It is so beautiful with all the white and the romantic floral patterns too. This looks like it belongs on Anne Shirley's bed. Thanks, Mom.
Michaela also has been hard at work, making these necklaces for all of us girls and Mom. She made these herself and also personalized them. Mine has an aqua blue charm and a pirate's wheel. They all say "Shulte" on them, which is a word we made up as kids that means sisterly love. So cute and creative! Michaela also took this beautiful photo of Oceanside Pier and framed it for Peter. It is so pretty. Thanks, Michaela. (Sorry about the glare.)
Even after opening all the presents, we still had time to play a few games and hang out the next day before everyone had to go back home. We found out how dumb we all are with Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader? and tried out In a Pickle.On Saturday night we went to the Mesa Temple Lights again. It was pretty cold, but still a fun outing. We are so glad that everyone could come, for a little while at least!So now we are just hanging out the rest of the week, trying to get this place back in order!

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!