A Christmas and a Birthday

We had another low-key holiday, but sweet none-the-less.  

We had to continue our gingerbread decorating tradition.



Cute little pizza face kisses!



Instead of having a big tree with presents underneath, we had two mini trees on a table with presents in the pacn'play.  Kinda sad, but it saved my sanity this year.

We have very mis-matched, random decorations, but each item reminds us of specific memories and phases in our lives, so I wouldn't have it any other way (until we can afford to buy new stuff in 50 years:)

Awww... a Santa photo without a screaming kid in it...
just wait a few minutes...





On the first day of winter we celebrated by creating our own snow flakes since we don't have our own here.  (I totally missed not having snow!)

 On Christmas Eve, after dinner and reading the Nativity, we opened family presents and played until bedtime.

On Christmas morning the kids opened their presents from Santa, we ate breakfast and rushed to early church. 

Finally, in the afternoon, (after some much needed naps) we celebrated Hyrum's Birthday! 

Hyrum decorated his own cake with an elaborate scene from Star Wars (you'll have to ask him what's going on, 'cuz I can't remember all the names)

We are so lucky to have this boy in our family. 
He watches out for all of us and is so kind-hearted and helpful.

(Bry did the cool decorations)
He loves to make us laugh and gets so sad and frustrated when he slips up and misbehaves.



He is very smart and hard-working (when he's interested in the subject matter)

He has captured the hearts of his teachers at school, church, and many neighbors. 

They constantly compliment him and tell us how sweet he is.

But, best of all he's an amazing big brother and gives love to everyone around him.
We love you Buddy!