There's something tangible about the joy of Christmas. It starts as soon as the decorations come out, each symbolizing the life and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The music starts and the excitement builds. Everyone wants to help. Everyone feels how special this is.
The early morning peace after fresh snow...
Our neighborhood Christmas Party is always fun, getting to sit on Santa's lap.
Ryn had her first chance to attend the Christmas Concert at the Conference Center with me, Mama KK and Papa Stan.
BECAUSE she was 8!!!!! Blowing out candles on Grandma Carma's famous cheesecake
She got a fun candy experiment book from one of her friends and they had a blast doing all the experiments!
Elle got the Star Student award and she and Ryn received medals for their Reflections entries. Ryn thought it would be fun to make one for the little kids so they wouldn't feel left out. So Ryn :)
Darren continually finds new ways to make statements through dress-ups.
Our lazy snowman lying down on the job....
Fun in the snow with cousin Anna!! Rolling up the snow-sod :)
Hope waiting by the chimney....
We decided to put our main Nativity set in the middle of our big table and I loved having it there in the center of our home.
Christmas Eve caroling--our favorite family tradition ;) Sweet Grandpa Tom came to help us.
After the caroling, we headed home for our live Nativity. Beautiful Elle as Mary, Eden as an angel... 
Ryn the Wise
Darren was the sweetest Joseph ever. He kept holding and softly rocking the baby Jesus the whole time. 
The elves got to work after the kids were all tucked in their beds...
We even caught Santa on the roof!
Band-aids and scooters for everyone!
Hope loved her Little People
Darren and Dad loved the Star Wars guys
Hugs all around!
Ryan and Laura headed up the egg Mc Muffins
Zack appreciated Kevin's creative wrapping for his iTunes gift card
Sleepy, happy family
Lots of games
They rode their scooters so much that we had to make stop signs to direct traffic around the kitchen!
New Years day we spent in Salt Lake with my parents, Rae and Conlon, Rob and Christa and Spencer.
With Ryn's baptism (see separate post) thrown in to all the other magic, it was an extra busy, wonderful Christmas!!
