december 25

Santa came to the Johnson house! Once again, the kids chose this morning NOT to wake up super early. Instead we lovingly nudged them awake when we got tired of waiting. It was worth it though, they were excited to see the presents under the tree and in their stockings. This year we simply handed out the gifts and let them go at it (there were only a few gifts for each child). We were able to spend some time playing with our gifts before meeting up with my family again.

We snapped a family picture in front of the tree before heading out for the rest of the day. I have to say, it turned out pretty well (for our family that is).

We had lunch with my Mom's family at my uncle's house in Mesa. The kids loved playing in the backyard and spent most of the time there. Kimble especially enjoyed sharing the hammock with Emily, my cousin's daughter.

After everyone got a little something to eat, we played Christmas Minute to Win it. It was a riot watching people play the silly games. McKay did a great job unrolling the toilet paper.


After that, we all headed back outside for Tanks. Basically, you crawl down the length of the backyard in a cardboard box. Karter was a master at this game and made his way down the grass several times.

Apparently, this is what happens to your hair when you play Tank. Kimble could have cared less actually. She just let me take the picture and then continued down the lawn.

I am certain that the kids would have stayed to play that game all day if we had let them. Instead, we went back to my parents' house to open some more presents and to hang out until it was time for the Temple lights. We got great gifts, but none seemed to be quite as well received as this little taggie blanket Koltyn got. My mom made it for him because he is always walking around (and snuggling) just about anything with a tag. As soon as he saw it, his thumb went in his mouth and his head was down on the label. He LOVES that thing, I really hope that it never gets lost.

We still had not been to see the Temple lights, so we figured that Christmas night was the perfect time to visit the light display and nativity scene. My sister, Heather, came with us and was a huge help with the kids. We love to see the temple!