Christmas Day

We actually got to sleep in Christmas Day, all the way until 7:45. Probably don't have too many more years like this left :)  As usual, we started the morning by seeing what Santa had brought us! The family present was a waaaay cool play table, Max got the football gear he asked for, and Luke got a play mat, which he loves. After family presents, we went over to Grandma and Papa's and got spoiled more than we could ever deserve. They got us a new TV as well as a bunch of fun things for the house. We also all got clothes, and they got the boys my kind of toys- open ended and eco sustainable. I love having parents that support our parenting decisions, even when they might seem a little wonky :)

After going home to shower and letting the boys get some much needed rest, my family came over to our house to see the boy's toys and chat with us for awhile before we went back to their house for dinner. Grandma Great prepared an awesome feast for us, like she always does, and we are all so grateful to have such a dedicated cook in the family. We all tried out Kayla's new video game system, but we had to get home on time to get the boys to bed. Luke and Max had about had it with the crazy schedule. Max, especially, was more than just a little wild over the holiday. He's all boisterous boy and a little rambunctious (he's also slightly hard to discipline, but we love him all the same). I'm just glad he so obviously enjoyed himself.

We had fun with the food and presents, but I'm mostly grateful for the reason for the season- the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's easy to get caught up in the unimportant aspects of Christmas, but I'm so grateful that we have the true meaning of Christmas in our home. While we opened presents this morning, Darreck stopped Max and asked him why Santa brought presents. Darreck then explained that Santa brought us presents to remind us that the Savior was the ultimate, most-important gift the world has ever received  Max asked why, and we explained that because of Jesus we were able to be a family forever, even after we die. He's been very concerned with death after Grandpa Hale's funeral, and our answer greatly reassured him. He stopped playing with his toys and took the time to hug every member of the family and tell us that he loves us. He may be wild and crazy most of the time, but Max is an intuitive, sensitive, loving little boy. We're lucky to have him in our family. Luke as well, and I think he enjoyed his first Christmas. It's certainly one we'll all cherish.