A White Christmas!

We actually got a white Christmas this year! It seems like it's been a few years, and we actually had quite a bit....so fun!! If it wasn't so dang annoying to drive in the snow, I might actually like it. Anyway....Christmas. This year was especially awesome because Austin got a whole week off of work. It was so so so so so nice. It was so busy and so fun. We had lots of Christmas parties with the families, and we got to sleep in and Christmas shop together. Good times.

This little lady made it extra special and brought on a whole new meaning of Christmas to me. Cindi gave us a book and CD of Faith Hill's "A Baby Changes Everything". That song is so powerful, and I felt like this Christmas I was really able to ponder about Mary and relate to her and her huge responsibility of birthing the Savior. A baby really does change everything, and makes life so much more complete and happy!

Christmas Eve.....Austin had the day off, and it was one of my favorite days of the whole break. Austin and I both miraculously got up before AJ. We looked out the window and saw all the snow!! Everywhere was white and untouched with huge snowflakes falling. Our house was so snugly and warm and we just had time to hang out on the couch together for a while before the babes woke up. It seems weird that I think that was so great, but it was. As soon as AJ got up (like 8:15ish), we headed to the grocery store to get some last minute items for our party and deliver some Christmas cards since I am a slacker. We had breakfast burritos at Betos too. YUM! We had on our coats and snow boots and drove around in the snow all morning. It was soooo pretty, and it seems weird we thought that was so fun...but it was. AJ was in her jammies and fur hat, and I was just so happy Austin had the day off. Afterwards, we shoveled the walks, made lunch, took naps, cleaned the house, showered, and got ready for our party at the Ingersolls. 

I love the Ingersoll house at Christmastime. I love their tree, fireplace, Christmas music, and food. Oh, the food!!!  The Lindsleys and Gene and Carl came for dinner this year. We had lots of appetizers, salads, and prime rib.

After dinner, we did the nativity. We were the family of angels. Austin talked about the significance of Angels, and how they have been a part of every important event in the church. Ari and Jake were Mary and Joseph, Adam and Alissa were the shepherds with their little sheep, Jeff and Ammon the nephites in the Americas, Lindsley boys were the wise men, and Lindsley girls were the stars. 

Next was present time! AJ opened her first present from Jeff and Cindi. By this time it was already past her bedtime, and she was being so happy!

 

Cindi always wraps our gifts beautifully and has a theme. This year was "It's Time for Some Fun!" We got watches, and pedicure gift cards, and we each got a pass of all passes.

AJ playing with Grandma! She is in love with stuffed animals, and was mauling this monkey. I couldn't believe how much fun she was having, and how happy she was after 10:00 at night.

The kids were such troopers! We got them in their jammies and put a movie on for them. Allegra started off in her jammies, but they were too hot. We tried so hard to get a pic of the 4 of them in front of the Christmas tree, but that was impossible. It was even hard getting them all on the same couch!!!! Ethan was so sweet and wanted to hold Allegra all night long. He kept saying "HOLD YOU!" Then he would open his legs and just squeeze her. So sweet.

The boys also got Nerf guns. They sorta thought it was funny opening them up, but Cindi sure knows her boys. It didn't take long until they were in a serious battle, and they played with them the rest of the night until     we had a tragic ending (HA). It was 11:00, AJ was still awake and I told Austin they could have one more game and then we needed to go. On the last game, Austin threw a pillow at his dad to get him to come out of hiding, so he could shoot him. Well, the pillow hit Jeff's gun, which hit his tooth, and totally chipped his front tooth! OOOOOPS! We all cleared out of there pretty quick. haha!

We slept over at my parents because Matt was calling at 8 AM! No way we were waking AJ up and driving to my parents in the snow at 7, so we slept there. AJ went to sleep after midnight and woke up at 8...poor girl was so tired. Talking to Matt was amazing. He was so funny and happy and so easy to talk to!!! We talked for an hour and he basically cut us off the minute it became 9:00. What a good missionary he is!! 6 more months!!!!!!!!!!!

We then we home and opened our own presents. Austin spoiled me rotten with Hudsons, a Nike coat, and tan boots from the Rack. Austin got a nice pair of church shoes...I didn't spoil him. Sad. NEXT YEAR!

Of course Allegra got spoiled. Duh! Her own exersaucer, books, stuffed animals, toys, clothes, and a movie. I wish my name were Allegra Jo Ingersoll!!

We talked to Aaron at 2:00. He is always so sweet!! He gets emotional and gives everyone compliments!! He is known as Elder Smiley!

Afterwards, Allegra took a 4 (yes, 4!) hour nap, and we went to my parents for a yummy dinner. This year was kind of sad because we were missing the Maughans. Sylvie was sick on her first Christmas :( We took some dinner up there, and opened some gifts at their house. We finished the gift opening, and everyone ended the night way too early. Er left, and Michelle had to work early the next day, so Austin and I stayed with Kip and Jer. I honestly don't remember what we did, but it was a great, relaxing Christmas.

The best part was that Aust got the next 5 days off, and we spent lots more family time! Family is the greatest!!!  Can't forget a copy of the Christmas cards. They are way too cute. My parents with the 4 granddaughters.....

....and or last minute card. Next year we will try for a family pic :)

Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday!!!