Christmas 2011

Christmas was wonderful this year (as it is every year)!  Paul and I decided to go shopping for each other while we were with each other.  So Christmas Eve morning we set out to find our presents.  We started at Kohl's, where Paul got a new sweater and shirt.  Then we went to the mall where Paul picked up a remote control helicopter.  I was hoping to find some new boots, so after looking around the mall and coming up empty, we went to DSW (my absolute favorite shoe store).  I was in luck.  Boots were 75% off, so I went ahead and got myself two pairs.  Lucky day for me!  Then we drove up to Paul's parents house.  On the way we stopped at the Aggie store so I could get a couple t-shirts and Paul could get himself a sweatshirt.  Then we went to the mall and I got a pair of gloves.  We finally made it to Paul's parents house where the celebrating was in full swing.  It is an annual tradition on Christmas Eve to make mini pizza's.  So we made our mini pizza's, which were delicious.

Then we enjoyed spending time with the nieces and nephews and visiting with everyone else.  Paul and his 5 year old niece have a little joke going where she always tells Paul that he's full of bologna because he likes to joke around A LOT with her.  She brought up a present for him to open.  Boy was Paul surprised when it was some bologna!!!  She was so cute giving it to him.  She sure does love her Uncle Paul.

We stayed the night at Paul's parents and woke up the next morning where I had only one thing on my mind......Kneaders French Toast with Cinnamon syrup.  Paul was such a sweetheart and made breakfast while I finished getting ready.  The french toast was as yummy as I had been dreaming about.  After breakfast, we and Paul's dad went to church with Paul's sister and her husband.  Paul's mom was feeling sick.  I felt so bad for her.  She LOVES Christmas.  She looks forward to it every year, and it was a huge bummer that she had to miss out on some of the fun.  At church, the music was beautiful and the spirit was so strong.  There is just something about attending church on Christmas that made it that much more special.  After church, we went back to Paul's parents and opened our presents.  There weren't many surprises (since we bought our own presents), but I did surprise Paul with a meatloaf pan from As Seen on TV.  Every birthday and Christmas he gets an As Seen on TV present.  He loves them!  It just wouldn't be Christmas without one.  After we opened presents, Paul's brothers and sisters started to arrive.  We had french dip sandwiches and then began opening the presents from each other.  It was great to spend time with everyone!

That night we went to my sister's house and got to see my Dad and Carma, along with our other niece and nephew.  They were so excited to show us what Santa brought.  We played with all their toys and it was so nice to be able to see them on Christmas as well.

Overall, Christmas was wonderful.  I am truly grateful for such wonderful families that live close by and that we are able to spend time with.  I am so thankful for the birth of our Savior and the opportunity to celebrate His life, not only on Christmas, but every day of the year.  Merry Christmas everyone!!