Christmas!

We had a great first Christmas with our little ones. They were very excited about opening presents. Timothy and I are concerned about the way Christmas has become over commercialized and a time of greediness for children. We made it a point not to ask them what they wanted for Christmas, but to think about what others may like or want. They got to pick out presents to give to Mommy, Daddy, each other, cousins, grandparents, and their former foster family. We also tried to make a point during the opening of presents about giving to each other. So, they each took a turn finding the gifts that they had gotten for others and handed them out. During the day we spent a lot of family time playing and exploring. After ham and rice for Christmas dinner we went on a walk to try to unwind the children from their sugar high. We sang carols as we walked and stopped at one neighbor's house to sing to them. We also took the time to watch a DVD about the birth of Christ Christmas evening.

On Christmas morning we let them get their stockings when they first woke up. After breakfast and getting dressed we began the giving of gifts. Hyrum started, although he wasn't sure he wanted to let go of the gifts he had. He got excited when Bekah gave him one to open.

Here is Brigham giving Daddy his present


The children opening the presents I gave them- New Towels!!


Timothy gave Brigham and Rebekah tents and Hyrum got a flash light and ball to go along with the theme


Despite the fact that Bekah has so many dolls she was very excited to get three new dolls for Christmas from various people.

Brigham got a wooden puzzle train (sorry, had to delete the picture temporarily)

Hyrum got this raccoon from his "Nana" (previous foster-mom) and loves it!

We hope each of you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful new year!