Merry Christmas

The other day, Parker was talking about his favorite days of the year.  Christmas was his obvious first choice, but his second favorite surprised me - he said it was Christmas Eve.  We are a family of traditions, we do the same things each year, and on Christmas Eve, we get to spend lots of time with our California family.  The "other Chases" and Dee usually come to our house and the kids get lots of cousin time.  We eat yummy food - including a ham dinner, play games, watch Christmas videos, reflect on the birth of our Savior, and open presents (our favorite ones are our pajamas).  This year we had a wonderful time and even were able to include Grandma Sue and Grandpa Jerry via Skype.

We got a smile from everyone - that was our Christmas miracle :)

Rick chats with his parents over Skype

All the kids in their Christmas pjs

These pajamas were lovingly made by Grandma Sharrid - another tradtion

All ready for Christmas morning

Christmas morning was a bit different this year since it is a Sunday.  We practically had to pull the kids out of bed to get ready for church and eat breakfast (our kids truly appreciate their sleep and aren't early Christmas risers).  We had planned on opening stockings before church, but ran out of time.  Church was wonderful and we heard great talks and music.  I think I really like Christmas being on Sunday!  After church, we came home, put our pajamas back on (everyone except Rick), and got down to business opening presents. 

After everything was opened and cleaned up, it was time to play......Parker discovered these blocks when we were at the science museum in San Diego.

 We are especially grateful this year for our health, amazing family and friends, and for our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Merry Christmas everyone!