Christmas 2014

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas morning filled with family traditions.  Larry, our Irish friend joined us for our Christmas Eve dinner and special family night.  Every family member shared a talent, Larry read the account of the Nativity in his Irish accent, we gave our "Gifts to Jesus" and shared our feelings about Him which was the most reverent and memorable part of the night.  Whenever all our boys are together in the same room there is usually a lot of giggling and rowdiness but on this night they managed to pull themselves together to listen and feel the Spirit.  It was wonderful {and slightly miraculous}!
Excitement filled the air as the boys opened their new Christmas pj's and gave each other their "brother gifts."  I love this tradition of letting them open just one present on Christmas Eve and having it be a gift from their brother makes it even better.

The boys proudly modeled their new pj's and slippers

Brother gifts!

Christmas morning began at 7am.  The boys could barely contain their excitement as they opened gifts in record time despite our efforts to slow them down and take turns.  Here are a few of my favorite moments from that morning.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. . .

Bean was completely surprised Santa gave him a Kindle Fire.

Parker loves his "manly" tea set and promptly served tea to his stuffed animals

Enjoying free screen time before I crack down on time limits

Landon wasted no time getting dressed so he could start building his Legos

Our tall entryway is the perfect place for flying remote controlled helicopters

I took advantage of the spring-like weather and went for a 5 mile run

Sneaky Parker

We had a few families over for a Christmas party that night.  We ate and ate and ate and I was so glad I had gone running.  I'm sure the calories I burned didn't put a dent in the calories I consumed!

And when we couldn't eat anymore, out came the chocolate fountain. 

Rock Band followed by our most memorable round of Telestrations yet.  Seriously people, buy the game!

The sign of a party at the Ball's home:  empty bottles of IBC Rootbeer