Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2009

In the afternoon on Christmas Eve, after packing the car with what seemed like enough stuff to stay at the Grandparent's for a year, we were off over the river and through the woods to Grandma Jeppson's house. On the way there Rubie surprised us by throwing up twice. That's always nice to have happen in the car on a long drive. It wasn't too bad though as all she would eat that day had been an apple and some juice.

We enjoyed spending time with Jared and Chantel who came to visit from Washington and with Joe and Tai. We exchanged gifts, had a good dinner, and a very nice visit with everyone. Just little Rubie wasn't feeling too well and stayed very close to me.

Here is the family gathered for Christmas Eve. We are missing Jessica and Emmanuel, Ben and his family--Cassie, Koen, Heidi, and Meja. Hopefully we will have a Christmas together in the future.

The gift exchange. Rubie not feeling well.

Eric received a very cool Lighting McQueen set that included folders, pencil pouch, eraser, pencils, and book. Thanks Uncle Andy and Aunt Beth.

"I love it! I love it! I love it!"

Rubie received a magnetic fashion book. She and Eric both love putting the magnetic clothes on the fashion divas.
Rubie exploring her gift.

Eric showing the cool little fire station he received from Joe and Tai.

Jared and Chantel happy to be here.


Tai is happy the kids like her gifts. She and Joe also gave us a date night which includes gift cards for dinner at Zupa's, a show at a theater, and babysitting by them. Joe and Tai are really great gift givers.

Joe.

Rubie loves the music and noise this toy makes.

Joe and Tai opening the gift from Mom and Dad. A neat patriotic picture and some Christmas Books, including Mom's traditional Christmas story. They also gave this gift to me and Scott, and Jared and Chantel.

Joe knows how to keep Eric under control.

Christmas Day was a very nice day. Rubie slept through the night without throwing up. Yeah!! Since the kids slept well I was able to start the day out with some yoga. We got to talk to Benny on the phone and wish him Merry Christmas. We tried to have a bit of a spiritual discussion around the meaning of Christmas. And then the present-opening-fury began.

Thanks to Santa and Grandma, we didn't want for anything. We are very blessed to be able to have so much. I feel humbled that people love our kids so much. Thank you.

Rubie wondering what to do with it all.


Eric knows what to do, he dives right in. He finds a toy in his stocking he has been wanting for a long time--an etch-a-sketch!

We gave Grandma and Grandpa a calendar with lots of different pictures of Eric and Rubie and the family throughout it. We hope you will think of us everyday, Grandma, as you look at your calendar.


Grandma really likes this gift.

I got yoga pants!

Eric took it upon himself to help everyone open their gifts. He was so fun to watch as he just moved from gift to gift tearing off the paper. Sometimes we didn't even see who the gift was supposed to go to.

Eric gave Grandma a beautiful snow globe/music box.

Grandma had so much fun building Eric a Fireman Teddy Bear at Build-a-Bear workshop.

Eric and Rubie received lots of new books. We love having new books.

Grandma gave Rubie a very beautiful dress with matching bows.


Rubie has been quite jealous of all the little girls with pretty pink coats. She doesn't quite love Eric's navy blue hand-me-down as much. She is so happy to get a pretty pink coat of her own.

A matching purse and cell phone!

And a new car (from Grandma and Grandpa Wilson). She is quite the princess with her coat, purse, phone, and car. Wait a minute, I thought those kind of gifts didn't come until she was well over 16?

Grandpa got lots of wonderful new books to study and read. He is so wise.

He has lots of reading to do.

Grandma and Grandpa Wilson sent a new scooter for Eric. This is perfect for him.

Now the princess wants to try.

Oh my goodness!! New cycling shoes! I can't wait to try these out.

For our gourmet chef, a new apron that also celebrates his Cougar loyalty. He made us a truly yummy breakfast of sweet potato hash browns, eggs, turkey bacon, and beans.

Eric's new bear also came with a BYU cougar shirt. They can be matching in more than one outfit. Firemen and Cougar fans.

Later that morning Jared came over to visit. He brought his little dog Gabana. Gabe and Eric quickly got involved in a game of chase.

Here comes Eric around the kitchen...

And here comes Gabe....Who is chasing who?


Our family tradition has always been that Mom's family comes over to visit on Christmas Day to eat, play games, share some talents, and just visit and enjoy each other. The crowd has gotten smaller as her siblings have lots of their own grandkids now. We still love having Great-Grandma Perry, Vic and Janice, Parker, and Mindi and Corey with their little Nathan. John and Spring with their four kids, Makenzie, Stetson, Sage, and Holden. Later in the day even Uncle Lloyd came over with three of his kids, Chet, Autumn, and Mariah.


Uncle Vic with his grandson, Nathan.

Mom is always the gracious host. She looks beautiful and so does her house.

Holden enjoyed playing with Eric's new fire truck and crane.

Stetson and Sage enjoyed their music on whatever new devices they have there.

Spring always has a good story.

Grandma Perry paying attention, is Parker?

Mother, wife, sister, Grandma to me, and Great-grandma to my kids. We love you Grandma Perry.

John and Makenzie.

Someone was funny. I love hearing Dad and Janice laughing.

Aunt Janice.

Janice and Mindi.

The beautiful table with all the goods.


A festive centerpiece created by Mom.

Merry Christmas, Jared and Chantel!

Thumbs up!

Rubie loves the puppy puppet.


See how cute it is.

I know I just threw up all over you, mommy, but can I eat that olive?

Mindi and Nathan.


Parker getting ready for his performance.

So stunning in her shades.

Mmm, my cell phone also tastes good.

The thinker.

Parker has become a very good violinist. He surprised us all with his playing. Thanks for sharing your talent.

Nathan wants to try the sunglasses and cell phone.

Let's see, who should I call?

We had planned to stay for a few more days after Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Jeppson. But Rubie passed the flu right on to Grandma Jeppson. She was up all night and slept most of the day on Saturday, the day after Christmas. So we packed up and got ready to go. While I took care of Rubie and started getting us ready to go Scott took Eric over to Chantel's family's and went sledding with Jared and Chantel's sisters, Faith and Elise. The snow was frozen and crusty but enjoyable for a few rides down the hill.

Anticipating the ride down.

Jared and Eric ready to take on the hill.

Those are some wings, are they going to take flight?



Oh, those wings also act as brakes. Did Eric keep his eyes closed all the way down?

Faith and Elise made it on a little saucer.

They look like they are having fun.

How did they end up in opposite directions.

When we got home Eric was excited to try out his new scooter.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!