Christmas with the Nelsons

We were very fortunate to spend a few days with my parents and family this Christmas.  On Christmas Eve, we gathered at Grandma and Pap Pap's home for a delicious dinner which included homemade chocolates for dessert--yum!  Grandma also shared a touching devotional about how the angels rejoiced at the birth of Jesus Christ and that most of our Christmas hymns sing of their declarations.

On Christmas morning, Hylie and Eliana were excited to find that Santa did indeed swing by Grandma and Grandpa's house to drop off some gifts for them.

I giggled when Hylie didn't believe the kitchen set was for her!  When she first came out, she walked right by it and said, "That's for someone else."  It didn't take too much convincing that it truly was for her and she's been whipping up some fine feasts for us ever since!

When the entire family gathered for Christmas dinner, Dad shared a few words and we watched some videos about the birth of our Savior.

On Saturday, Geoff and I slipped away for a special date to watch the new Star Wars movie and Jared and Genevieve arrived (in amazing time!) and we were glad to spend time with them.

At the family gift exchange, we were spoiled silly and Eliana's favorite moment was finding the bag with all the wrapping paper.

Janna received the game "Pie Face!" and never complained once when the whipped cream landed on her nose.

Mom was an amazing sport and joined in on the fun!

A beautiful highlight of our trip was being present for Bridger's baby blessing.  It was a precious blessing and so special to see four generations gathered in that circle.

And, of course, a Christmas trip wouldn't be complete without Mom's famous and oh-so-delicious dumplings and a quick project with Dad!

 Pap Pap showed off his mad skills on the harmonica.  So very impressive!

Christmas Dinner

I know, it's not Christmas yet, but we jumped the gun and had a little Christmas evening with our family on Sunday.

We had a wonderful time singing and talking about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Had some yummy dinner.

Geoff's 'artistic' shots of dinner

And exchanged family gifts.  I love how excited Hylie gets when presents are being opened, it doesn't matter who is opening it--she just loves the thrill of finding out what's inside!



I also decorated our Star Christmas Cookie Tree for our center piece (and dessert).  Technically, I was supposed to cut out twice as many cookies as I had done, but that would take a TON of cookie dough, so I thought I could put pieces of bread in between each cookie to give it a little bit of 'lift' so it didn't look so short and stumpy.

By the end of dinner, this is how our dessert was faring.  I think next year I will just make more cookie dough...ha ha!

We are so grateful for the Christmas Season and the opportunity it brings to reflect on the gift of our Savior.  As I was reading the scriptural accounts of His birth, I decided to focus on what we can learn from individuals involved in bringing this precious Baby to earth.  I was touched to see Mary's example of willingly (and without hesitation even though she did not understand all thimgs) accepting a call.  Joseph taught us how we can love and sustain one who has been called of God, he did not dismiss Mary when learning and believing her sacred responsibility.  When Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem and were not able to stay at an inn, they went away from all the hustle and bustle and chaos that was found in the city to a quiet spot.  I need to allow myself to step away from the busyness of my life and turn to a quiet place where I can recognize how Heavenly Father can guide my path.  The shepherds demonstrated leaving what they were doing (which was quite important) to give time to the Savior (which was more important.)  And finally, the wise men.  They devoted years of their life to find the Christ child--years of study and of travel.  Their path was most likely not easy.  Yes, they had the star to guide them, but I'm sure there were cloudy days during their travels.  Because of the knowledge they had gained, they were able to keep progressing on their journey even when the light from the star was not visible.  I know I don't know and understand all things about Heavenly Father's Plan and our Savior's atonement, but I'm grateful for the things that I do understand.  This understanding continues to guide me, enables me to learn more, and helps me come closer to Christ.  May we all feel of His love and light this Christmas Season.

Making Cookies

One Sunday evening we had a fun time making and decorating some Christmas Cookies.

Geoff inspecting Hylie's work

Not quite sure what the two clowns in the back are doing, but isn't this a cute picture of Eliana?

Stocking Holders

It only took 3 years to complete--but our little 'wood house' stocking holders are finally done and we even took pictures to put in the windows.

I was so excited to make us little elves and reindeer with some fun photo-shop stickers, but when Hylie saw what I was doing, she FREAKED out.  She didn't want anything done to her picture, but she did get a giggle out of everyone else's new look!

Counting Down to Christmas

Last year, Grandma Nelson was here for Eliana's birth and she was kind enough to help get things set up for Christmas.  She pulled out the advent calendar (which so happens to be the one she made and used with us kids growing up in PA!) and also introduced Hylie to the elf on the shelf.  Well, Hylie ignored the elf and didn't show any interest in the advent calendar.  That has changed this year!  Every morning she can't wait to pull out another surprise to hang on the tree and find where "Corny" (our elf) is hiding now.

Meeting Santa

Santa Claus was kind enough to visit our Ward Christmas Party.  This was the first time both girls have met the big man, so I didn't know what to expect...

They didn't cry,

But they didn't smile either!  Ha ha!  I'm glad Hylie and Eliana weren't (completely) traumatized by him and hopefully will warm up to Santa each year.

Decorating the Tree

We pulled out our little artificial tree and decorated it a few weeks ago--actually it gets worked on every day, thanks to Hylie.  She loves the Christmas tree and always wants to make sure the decor is perfect, so you'll constantly find her re-arranging the ornaments.

As I was assembling the Christmas tree, I turned around to see Hylie sporting the tree skirt:

She thought it was the best outfit in the world until she realized that because of how it was made, nothing was covering her in the back!  We giggled over her new look and then put the skirt where it really belonged.

As our kids get taller, I'm sure the decorations will work their way up to the top.

Letter to Santa

At the beginning of the month, Hylie wrote a letter to Santa Claus.

Every day Hylie asks if she received any cards in the mail, so you can only guess her excitement when not only a piece of mail was for her, but it was from Santa!

Christmas magic is definitely in the air--and we love it!

Eliana's 1-Year-Old Photo Shoot

Gotta love that sideways tongue!

How we adore this little girl!

Happy Birthday, Eliana!

We had a wonderful time celebrating this wonderful girl on her 1st birthday.  We started the celebrations early while we were in Pennsylvania and had a few fun things at home on Eliana's actual birthday.

Getting spoiled in PA

Getting ready to dive into her cupcake!

Once Eliana realized her cupcake was food and not a toy, she was pretty excited to munch away!

Eliana has had a full year full of people who love her very much

Eating some of her favorites: noodles, peas, and bread

Getting spoiled at home, I don't know who was more excited to open the gifts, Hylie or Eliana!

Eliana adds such brightness to our days and is such a sweet and loving little girl.  This past year she has brought much delight, love, and laughter.  We are so blessed to have her with us and we look forward to watching Eliana grow and discover her gifts and talents.