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| All ready for church |
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| Christmas Eve at Dad & Yvonne's |
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| Bryce & London |
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| All the kids ready to open gifts! |
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| Tough guys: Brody & Hudson |
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| Leaving snacks for Santa & his reindeer |
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| All the gifts, wrapped in my very own wrapping paper! |
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| Christmas morning |
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| Santa brought Hudson Ninjago legos!! |
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| Hudson & Gramma Red |
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| Happy Birthday Jesus! |
Christmas seems to get more fun as the kids get older. For the last couple years, we've made a birthday cake for Jesus (German chocolate to represent the dirt and hay). This year, Hudson decided he wanted to do carrot instead. I found a recipe, we made our ingredient list, and the 2 of us went grocery shopping on Sunday night. (Hudson really wanted to go with me to the store.) The next day, the kids and I made the cake so it would be ready for Christmas Day. It's a fun tradition, and a good excuse to make a yummy cake!! :)
On Christmas Eve, we went to church at Saddleback, then headed over to my Dad & Yvonne's house to celebrate with the family. We had a meal together and opened gifts. I was amazed that London stayed awake all night and even on the drive home! She's usually in bed around 7, so we kept her up a few hours past her bedtime! Once we got home, Hudson made sure we got everything ready for Santa. We left him a brownie and milk, and left carrots for the reindeer.
On Christmas morning, we were all up around 6:30 (which is actually a little later than usual!) and ready to see what Santa left. Hudson had asked for a "big box of Ninjago Legos" and was thrilled that Santa delivered! London got the Elmo doll she wanted, although she wasn't a fan of it when it started talking and singing. Ha ha! Grandma Joan came over later in the morning and we spent the day with her, opening more gifts and eating a nice meal together. Brandon made a turkey, stuffing and sides. We finished with singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and enjoying a slice (or two!) of cake. Even Brandon had seconds, so I know it was good!
**For the best carrot cake recipe,
click here. I added a small can of crushed pineapple.
