Christmas 2011

Our first married Christmas was absoutely wonderful. Christmas Eve was spent with the Lanham/Yandow clan eating dinner, playing games, looking through old scrapbooks, skyping Mark and Stephanie, and back massages. The best part of the night was when we opened our one (usually pajamas) present. Kim first gave us each a little book of pictures from past Bald Head Island trips, which we thought was random. We then each opened a card which contained our ticket to North Carolina on August 4th, followed by new towels and matching t-shirts. We were all freaking out! The family has not been to this beach in years and the in-laws have been looking forward to a trip to our spouse's favorite place forever! Everyone was so excited that we obviously got in a huddle and jumped up and down while saying, "We're going to the beach!" 16 plane tickets, 16 towels, 16 N.C. Beach Trip 2012 t-shirts, and 16 happy family members was better than any Christmas PJ's! :)

Braden was so excited about the trip that he spread his towel out on the floor and pretended to lay in the sun, Sarah was crying, and I couldn't stop saying, "I'm so excited!" 

Beach kissing pictures here we come! 

We opened Christmas pajama's with my family, watched A Christmas Story and went to bed, eager to wake up the next morning.

I'm quite in love with this little elf...

This was our awesome trick... before falling backwards, being caught at the last second by Jesse, and almost breaking my neck. No more tricks. 

Christmas morning was so great! We were spoiled, spoiled, spoiled. Mom and dad put pictures of the beach on our T.V. and set out towels.... yeah... they surprised us with a trip to Cabo! Can you believe it? Yeah, we were all so excited! We LOVE beach trips! The next few hours contained of being spoiled some more with opening everyone's presents. Our Santa present was a new sound system for our T.V., which was so awesome!

Papa surprised the girls with iPod Touch's... yes, they are 3 and 5 years old. They were ecstatic! 

Too spoiled... flight lessons, new running shoes, an iHome, car stereo, new Vanz... lots to be grateful for! 

Ky's new scooter :)

After a delicious breakfast, we went to church and listened to beautiful Christmas music the whole time. 

We spent the rest of the day back at the Yandow's. Once again, we were spoiled by our wonerful parents. Kim and Chris gave us the cutest basket of things we would need for the NC trip, gift cards and treats. After sibling gifts, a delicious dinner, and nap, we watched The Help.

This is the present all the kids gave Kim: a picture of her "Stripling Warrior" and "Mama's Boys" sons along with a booklet of thoughts about Kim from all the kids. 

Although we were completely spoiled and were given lots of wonderful gifts, that was hardly the best part of this Christmas. My favorite part of Christmas is spending time with my family and reading about the birth of Christ in Luke. I am always reminded, especially during this holiday season, of how truely blessed Jesse and I are; not only for our two outstanding families, but for the gospel and our Savior. What an amazing time of year the Chritmas season is. I am very much looking forward to next year :)