No pictures, just memories

I don't have any good Christmas morning pictures. I tried, but it was so hard to get a good shot and still be in the moment with my family. None of us were very presentable anyway, so I put my camera down and just enjoyed our morning. Since I didn't get any good pics, I wanted to be sure to document it for them.

We had such a nice Christmas. We tried to keep it simple this year and focused more on giving back to our community than the overload of presents that are quickly forgotten. But Santa just can't help himself (herself) and my kids were very good this year, mostly. ;-) While we were blessed with many wonderful gifts and were able to do some nice things for others, nothing will ever compare to the gift of our Savior. My older children know this and it makes my heart swell to see that Linzi is beginning to understand it in her own little 5 year old way. This year was a nice blend of childhood magic and watching her little heart grow.

The big hit was the Wii and the Wii Fit. We are a little late jumping on board with the Wii because we already had an Xbox when the Wii came out. I don't know why we waited so long in getting the Wii. It is so much fun! And the Fit takes it to a whole new level. We have been playing it nonstop for almost 48 hours now! Linzi is a yoga master, Mandi is a yoga trainer and Alex made the bodybuilder level on the strength training. I never imagined our whole family doing yoga together, but there we all were, practicing our tree poses and sun salutations. So much fun!

Linzi got a beautiful new dollhouse, complete with an elevator. Only my child would toss the people aside and set up house with her ponies! She spent most of the afternoon with all of her ponies in the house, lounging on the beds, eating at the table and of course, using the po*tty. She thought that little detail was hilarious!

Our new little kitty got his first taste of catnip! He likey likey! He couldn't get enough of it. Then he spent the whole day hunting with his toy mice. Every time he slowed down someone gave him another whiff of the catnip and he was off chasing that mouse again. Too funny! He slept on my feet last night and I don't think he moved the entire night. This cat that we never intended to keep has become such an important and beloved member of our family. He is one of our greatest blessing of 2008.

Teddy had a good Christmas day too. Of course, everyday is a good day for Teddy. But today was especially good. The thing I love about Teddy is that he is always so happy and grateful for every. little. thing. He had a whole stocking full of treats and toys, but it took him the whole day to get through it all. Each time, we would give him one thing and he was off, enjoying it for hours, before coming back for more. If he wasn't enjoying his treats and toys, he was right in the middle of the action. He tried to lay on the Fit board only because the kids were playing with it. When I made the lasagna dinner, he stayed by my side and supervised my every move. And he was more than willing to help with clean up! My sweet doggy, he is the definition of love, happiness, enthusiasm and laughter.

Santa was good to me too and gave me a new lens for my camera. He even knew exactly which one I wanted. I think DH is home the rest of the holiday season, so we are going to focus on the family for the next week. One of our Christmas presents to the kids is a little getaway for the New Year's celebration. We are looking forward to some fun in the mountains at a new resort that has an indoor waterpark. We are hoping to find snow to play in too. Swimming AND Snow. We must be crazy, it sounds like I am totally setting us up to get sick all over again! Just in time to go back to school. Brilliant. Hopefully, not!