Christmas

 With Baby Brother's due date so close to Christmas, we decided to play it safe and stay home for the holiday.  It was a fun and relaxing Christmas.  Faye was excited about Baby Jesus, Santa, "Happy Christmas Trees," snowmen, and the works.  It made all the little moments leading up to Christmas just as exciting as Christmas morning.

Even though Faye was excited to see Santa pictures and to point him out in the mall, she was still hesitant to get close to him.  However, she did warm up to Mrs. Clause, who we referred to as the "Christmas Princess." Faye was excited to show her pretty orange dress to the Christmas Princess. 

We enjoyed another quiet Christmas morning this year.  Faye woke up at 7:00, her usual time.  We went down stairs and ate breakfast, played with Grandma Lisa for a while, and then we woke up Alan, Greg, and Reed. 

All lined up with our stockings.  Faye Finally caught on to the fun of opening presents.  Each present was exciting to Faye, even the new clothes.  We brought down a mirror so Faye could try on each new outfit and check herself out.  She eagerly helped Greg and Reed break in their new toys as they were unwrapped. 

It finally snowed in the valley.  I quickly called dibs on shoveling the driveway with secret motives of hoping to induce labor.  After working on the driveway we headed over to the Calvert home to join in on the Skype call with Elder Calvert.  It was so good to hear from Drew, and always fun to spend time with the Calvert clan.  

I'm so grateful for the Christmas season, but always disappointed at how quickly it ends.  I wish the warmth and kindness shared by strangers could continue year round.  I'm especially grateful this year to have had both of my brothers home for Christmas, it was an unexpected but delightful treat.  They are such fun uncles to our Faye and their laughs light up even the darkest days.