Christmas Eve 2011

 This year the weather cooperated and we were able to go up north for Christmas Eve and enjoy sometime with family.  It was wonderful!  Hay got to be Mary this year in our nativity play which was a big highlight for her.  We were able to drive home that night in time for Santa to come.  It's always a wonderful thing when we get to spend time with those we love.  We were also able to go and see the lights at temple square that Hay has never done before.  We took a couple of cousins with us and had a really fun time.  I LOVE christmas lights so it's always so fun to enjoy them at such a special place.

Since we were going to be up north for Christmas eve we had our family Christmas eve traditions on the Monday night before Christmas.  We had a nice dinner and set a place for Wyatt. We talked about our no empty chairs theme and how Wyatt's chair is gone at this table but he has filled his seat at our heavenly table and that is the goal of each of us.  We then went to his grave and put battery operated candles on it.  It was so nice to have his bench there this year.  We then sang silent night while the girls played the violin.  We came home and there were Pj's wrapped up for all of us to open.  It was a fun and memorable evening together as a family.  We continue to miss Wyatt and wish he was with us physically.  We do know he is with us spiritually on these important family activities along with I'm sure many, many other times as well.

 Our table set for our Christmas Eve dinner on the Monday before Christmas. 

 Wyatt's place setting. It is always something I look forward too each year when I get to get out 6 plates and set a place for Wyatt.  I feel a sense of completeness when I get to set a place for him.

 This year I bought these cute little snowflake place card holders.  We used it in January as well.

The Nativity

 Ty played the piano for all the songs we sang.

 D as Ceasar

 Wyatt as the star.

 Hay riding the donkey.

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

Christmas Card 2011

This was our Christmas card this year.  It's not the best quality because I took a picture of a picture.  Maybe next year I'll try scanning it. 

Santa/Polar Express

 I love Pinterest and all the great ideas that are on there.  I saw an idea for the polar express with free printable tickets.  I decided that we would do that for one of our Christmas bags.  I put the polar express tickets into the bag along with some hot chocolate cups.  I then had them put their PJ's on.  While they were doing that I had D get the van running with the polar express music playing.  He had a hole punch to punch their tickets before they got into the van.  We then went to visit Santa at Tuacahn.  It was freezing cold that night.  Once we finally got to Santa, Hay sat on his lap and told him what she wanted for Christmas.  I then wanted a quick picture with the kids.  Ty being the teenager that he is didn't see the fun in that.  Santa picked up on that and had a good time teasing him while he was sitting next to him.  We had a good laugh.  We then went to the van and had hot chocolate and went on a drive to see all the beautiful Christmas lights.  It was a fun and memorable night.

Temple Square

 We went up north a few weeks before Christmas for my nieces missionary farewell and decided while we were up there we would go see the lights at temple square.  This was a tradition for us when we lived up there  We would stay the weekend in a hotel and enjoy the lights and shopping in SLC.  We realized that Hay was a baby the last time we went to see the lights so we decided we would do it this year.  I absolutely love Christmas lights especially at Temple square.  So beautiful!! We decided to have a couple of cousins come with us which made it that much more fun.  We started off by going to our favorite burger place...JCW's.  We then went to see the lights.  It was very crowded that night but that didn't hinder us from enjoying the beauty around us.  We also went to see the Joseph Smith movie while we were there.  Such a great movie with the spirit so strong.  It was a fun and memorable night.

Family Pictures 2011

This year I was debating on if I was going to do a Christmas card or not.  Last minute I decided I would and therefore our family picture had to be a last minute thing.  I got the tripod out and put it up in our backyard.  Not the most ideal situation but I think it worked out ok.  We had one of Wyatt's butterflies from his tree with us but for cropping purposes it didn't make it in the picture.  At that point I decided to put his picture in the corner.  That became our picture for our Christmas card.  Here are a few other pics I took.

 Hay was helping me get the tripod in the correct position. 

Pure JOY!

Wyatt's Tree 2011

I received this beautiful butterfly in the mail for Wyatt's tree yesterday.  I love it!  It's perfect!  Thank you Michelle.  So grateful to everyone that has contributed to his tree.  It truly is a tree of love.  It's always an emotional event each year as we place each ornament lovingly on the tree and think of the amazing people in our lives.  We just feel so beyond blessed for all the kindnesses people have shown to us the past 3 1/2 years.  Thank you to everyone!  We love each and every ornament!

 The doll my uncle gave us and the sweet quilt we received from Kamber's grandmother.

 The hat Wyatt wore his first and only Christmas with us.  It always will be a top his tree.