just christmas.

this year we spent christmas with a lot of my family at my parent's house in utah. we were missing 11 grandkids but still managed a full house with 14 kids under the age of 12! we loved having so much cousin time along with all of the craziness that happens with that many people under one roof! there was a lot of playing, fussing, crying, laughing, running, sledding, eating, barfing (ew, sorry), and sleeping. this year was especially fun, too, because santa was apart of all of the festivities like he hasn't been before in our little family. calvin was so excited to see what santa brought him. we enjoyed being with my family for all of the traditional christmas festivities including a nice dinner, short talent/variety? show, caroling with candles, and setting up for christmas morning. we had a great week and i know all you christensens know exactly what it was like!

we are so grateful for all of the presents we received this year. calvin is especially grateful that santa remembered his tow truck, miles could care less, travis is anxious to try out his new gun cleaning kit (yep, remember i married a hunter?), and i...i got the only thing i really put on my christmas list. a new nikon camera. it's a good one. i have been so spoiled by talented friends and their amazing pictures that i had a hard time taking pictures on my little point and shoot. i am in love. obviously. i took a million pictures and i still don't even know how to use the thing! i am learning but am still okay with just the auto button. enjoy the pics. we hope you all had a very merry christmas!

best grandma award. seriously.

proof that the over 30 club probably shouldn't try to stand on the sled going down the hill like your 12 year old son.

christmas eve pj's! thanks grandma and grandpa.

christmas morning. kids, toys, and wrapping paper. everywhere.

waiting on the stairs. sorry, these pics are definitely out of order and i'm not switching them tonight!

haha, i love this picture. all of the kids had to wait upstairs until everything was ready downstairs on christmas morning. everyone was anxious but no one as anxious as andrew. "come on mom!"

christmas eve. one of my favorite traditions is turning off all the lights, lighting candles, and singing christmas carols together.

acting out the nativity.

one sad sheep.

i think he prefers cheering from the sidelines.

you want me to be a shepherd, huh?

he'd rather wrestle. especially the big guys.

ho, ho, ho.