Christmas!! Caution..lots of pics!!

Cory's mom happened to be in town so we decided to go find a christmas tree. We took Gage and Taya with us. They were super sleepy so they just sorta stared into space..but it was fun to have them with us! We put it up a couple days later. I love Christmas!!

Christmas tree shopping.. Putting on the lights!"O Christmas Tree!!" Here's the tree with the lights on it!

"Our First Christmas!"
Do you know who is who?

The 6 of us ventured up to Montana for Christmas this year. This was the first year I wasn't with my family. It was different but still fun! We did a lot of hanging out and the kids always enjoy relaxing around the house. Cory was excited to show me his family's traditions and how they do Christmas.

Hanging out during the trip..
I absolutely love love love Christmas lights. So on the 23rd, Cory took me out. We drove around neighborhoods that are lite up really nice! It was fun to get out and see some beautiful lights!

On Christmas Eve, we all ate at Burger King and then went to Wal-Mart. We each choose a name and we buy a gift with the money his dad gives. This year it was $10. We had Cory's mom, his sister Heather, nephew Carson, neice Anna, Peyton, and his brother Ryan. We had a lot of fun choosing gifts and trying to hide them when we would see each other. Afterwards, we went back to the house and handed them out. The younger kids really like getting a present before Santa comes!

Later that night, we went to the live nativity that their ward puts on. It's a really cool idea. The neighborhood that the church building is in turns their Christmas lights on and is lined with candles in brown bags. You drive through with your car lights off and are guided by the lite bags. Then you drive through the church parking lot and see the nativity and give items to the food bank if you choose. The last time I remember seeing a live nativity was when we lived in Florida!!

Christmas morning was full of excitement and presents! Gage was more into his..and Taya's..milk cups and Taya was definately more into playing with the paper and the toys after they were open than they were in actually opening them. But it was still fun to watch! They got a lot of cool learning toys that play music..which they love..and so do I..it keeps them quiet and occupied!
Cory and I decided that him and his dad are going to build the kids awesome things throughout their lives. When each child turns 1, they will get a toy box that Christmas and when they are older (not sure what age yet), they will get a hope chest. Cory and his dad got busy with the toy boxes this year. He had a lot of fun spending that time with his dad doing something for his kids.

We also enjoyed Heather's farewell the Sunday following Christmas. She went into the MTC on the 31st. She is headed to the Idaho, Pocatello mission. She is close to home, but she thinks that may actually be better for her. Congratulations and Good Luck Heather..oops..Sister Wardell!
We had left following Sacrament meeting. We stopped in Idaho Falls to see my family. The kids got some more presents. Gage got some awesome cars and Taya got a baby doll that giggles when her tummy is pressed. They also got some cool stacking blocks.

We gave them our presents back at the house. They got a lot of cool stuff. Most of which are too old for them to enjoy now, but throughout the year they will enjoy them. Cars and a track, big tonka dump trucks, a learning baby doll, a tea set, a blow-up ball pit, a backyard slide..and more!

Christmas is such an amazing time! I can't wait until they are old enough to enjoy, not only the presents, but also the true meaning of the Christmas season. I hope we can keep that spirit in our hearts and home throughout the entire year!