Christmas 2011

I'm thinking that I kind of liked that Christmas was on a Sunday this year. For one...I was ready for pictures, with makeup and all, instead of just getting out of bed. Also, I loved going to church and looking around and realizing how much I really loved the wonderful people in our ward. Our ward meets at 9:00 so we were blessed to have the whole day ahead of us. Connie and Peter attended their Sacrament Meeting that morning also, and was on their way to Nevada by noon. We got home from church, changed into our PJs, had our traditional breakfast (at 11 a.m.), and then went into the family room for the opening of presents, all that is, except for our exchange presents for each other. The kids were adament about not even looking at their stockings until we got home from church. Stockings are Michaela's favorite part of Christmas morning...
Connie and Peter showed up around dinner time and Levi had to show me what he got for Christmas... This kid is the "dress up King!" (LOVE the boots...)

Connie made Tibi and Landon pillowcases this year.

Landon's new wallet from Tibi.

Kira surprised all of her siblings with their own "jewelry tree." For those of you who don't know about these...I'm sorry. They have been in the family since church "bazaars" were around. Any of you remember those days? In a nutshell, the children have all called "dibs" on our family one when I die, but I told them I wasn't planning on dying, so Kira got smart and made one for everyone instead.... Smart girl. Jewelry tree = wood, fabric, Christmas lights, lots of costume jewelry, BEAUTIFUL!! (The kids are in charge of their own jewelry)

I got the only thing I wanted....a blender. Life stinks without one, I've decided.

Kira is always so cute with the nieces and nephews. They love her to death...

The next night we attempted to take family pictures. These two got a little giddy...

A cute one of the Hill family...

All the kids in order...from youngest to oldest. (Landon is happy to finally be the tallest!)

How did I end up with such cute kids?!

Kevin couldn't quit laughing....!

We needed the sun to hurry and go down for a better shot...but have you ever tried to do this with tired kids? No time for the sun to go down...

Another of the kids...

Much better lighting...Kira, Connie, and Lexie

That's better...

Love this one...

I'm the luckiest girl in the world...