Christmas Day 2009

Merry Christmas!

Eric visits with Santa who ordered MORE puzzles for his sleigh!

Mom and Cody getting ready to open presents

Dad reads the Ensign and teaches about the hope only the Savior can give to us all

Everyone loves the Christmas stocking!

Grandma's gifts first ... Joey gets a cowboy hat

Cody gets a Cars sleeping bag

Oh my ... gloves

Autumn gives a thumbs-up on the new beanie

Granny gives her daughter a special singing ornament, and ...

... a new exotic scarf. Thanks Grandma. You're the best and we love you so much. You are the definition of Christmas.

Now on to the presents! There's so much more ...

... and after the gifts were all opened, my sweetheart surprised me with a piano! I will go pick out the one I want this week. Piano lessons for everyone!!!

We all played with toys while wading through wrapping paper - too much excitement to clean right away

And then we enjoyed a huge crepes brunch. All the unwrapping led to big appetites. But the best part of the day was still coming. At 5:00 p.m. Ryan, our missionary, would be calling home.

Eric and I talked to Ryan for a few minutes and then little brother grabbed the phone. They talked of rock climbing and girls and languages and everything else until I hurried the phone to ...

... little sister. Autumn has missed Ry so much! Unfortunately Joey was gone (snowboarding). But Cody got a turn (no picture - sorry) where he sang Up On The Rooftop for Ryan. Ry said, "Oh I love that kid! My heart almost burst!" Now that's a cool big brother!

Brennan surprised Ryan by being home for an unexpected spanish conversation. Ryan was so excited!

And then to add to what was a perfect evening with the family, David Nyman (Ry's best friend) surprised him with more Spanish conversation. Brennan served in Mexico and Dave served in Argentina. The phone died while Dave and Ry were talking. I was hoping for a little more time with. Ryan said he had two phone cards so I held the phone and walked around the house with nervous energy hoping he would call.

About 20 minutes later I was about to loose hope, but then the phone rang. I jumped up and down. Shawn got a picture of me talking to him last. I went into my bedroom and my son and I chatted for another 15 minutes or so. He said, "did you have faith that I would call you back?" He was laughing. I told him I did and he said, "and so I have called you back!" He said he needed to talk to his Mom a little more. My heart burst into happiness and we were so happy to hear each others' voices (although he sounds way more Spanish, and he says I have a "cute accent" Now that's funny). 

What a perfect way to end a great day. I am so thankful for my Savior. He is the light and life of this world and I love Him so much.