December Part 2: Christmas at the Coast

Man, December was fun and busy!  After we got home from California, we tried our best to get into the Christmas spirit.  First, we hurried out to pick out a Christmas tree.

While Ryan and I set up the tree, the boys played together.  And by played, I mean dragged Eli around the house.  Literally.

It reminded me of when they used to take little newborn Eli for rides in his chair around the house.  Apparently, they don't bother with the chair anymore.

Once the tree was up, the kids wasted no time in "helping" me decorate.  Basically they unwrap/unpack everything in about 2 minutes as I frantically gather up the breakables.

Austin showing off their finished product.  A little heavy handed around kid eye-level, but not too bad!

We had a minor catastrophe a few days later...but we considered ourselves lucky as no kids or ornaments were hurt.  Just our Christmas cheer :/

The boys loved playing with the Nativity set.  Every time I walked by, someone new would be on top of the stable in the angel's spot.  Usually a cow or sheep.

Austin had lots of fun helping me with a special project.  Our friend Tucker in Utah sent us Flat Stanley for a visit.  We loved showing him all around Vancouver.

Flat Stanley really liked the tall trees that grow all around and the big lake that is right by our neighborhood.

He laughed when he saw all the moss.  It grows on everything!

Usually it is a free-for-all wrestling match around here, but every once in a while I spy some brotherly love.  And then I get the camera :)

This year we were invited to Grandpa Jeff & Grandma Susan's new beach house on the Oregon Coast.  Sam and Austin jumped at the chance to go a few days early with Grandma and Grandpa.  They had a blast making crafts...

...helping Grandma at the grocery store...

...and watching the huge winter waves at the beach.

Eli enjoyed getting some one-on-one time with Mom & Dad, but he was super excited to see his brothers again!

Ryan, Eli, and I headed out to the coast as soon as we could Christmas Eve.  We couldn't wait to see everyone and celebrate Christmas!  Everyone wanted a turn holding Baby Gromit.

Baby Gromit is the newest addition to Uncle Carson & Aunt Catherine's family.  He sure is a cutie!

After dinner, we put on a little Nativity play, complete with costumes!  How cute are these shepherds?  They only needed a few reminders that shepherd staffs are tools, not weapons.

It was a great way to help us remember the Savior amid the holiday excitement.  Kudos to Grandma Susan for putting it all together!

The kids couldn't wait to go to bed so Santa could come.  Time for the Christmas Jammies!  Of course they wanted to show off their best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle poses.  Even Eli learned to say "Hi-YA!"

Woohoo! Finally it was Christmas morning!  Believe it or not, the kids were not the first ones up.  Ryan couldn't wait to wake them up for presents :)

Sam and Austin were so happy with all their gifts.  All the boys were super spoiled by Santa and our family.  They quickly got to work building with all of their new Lego and Duplo sets.

Eli was happy that Santa brought him some treats...

...even though he tried to show his best grumpy face.

By far my favorite part of Christmas Day was getting the chance to talk to my favorite missionary, Rachel, on Skype!!!

The rest of the weekend, we played with our Christmas toys and games.  The boys practiced their archery skills with homemade targets on the garage.

Both Sam & Austin were great at it!

While we had some sunshine, we checked out nearby Depoe Bay, which is famous for its whale watching.  The boys and I tried our hand at scanning for whales with binoculars.  It is harder than it looks!

It took a few days, but even Grandpa Jeff couldn't resist Baby Gromit's charms ;)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Coast!