favorite christmas memories

i don't have pictures for all my favorite christmas memories, unfortunately, but here are some of them that we were able to capture:

wellington parade of lights - it was COLD, but so much fun!

the ward christmas party. anders was so excited to see santa, until he sat on his lap.

christmas morning... my favorite! i love andrew's bed head and he was so excited to play with his toys. he loved and showed appreciation for each one which made me happy.

the licorice that started a 3 day sugar binge for andrew. the only way i got him to eat a bagel the next day was to tell him there was sugar in it! peaches don't fall far from the tree, i guess!

even though santa was unemployed this year, i think we made out pretty well (we found a great garage sale in june!). andrew was a good boy this year so he deserved it! the dog is handmade by andrew's great grandma ellgen. andrew was more than happy to add him to his small, but growing collection of stuffed animals. he treasures and loves each one.
this is a prime example of how giving feels so much better than getting... seeing logan so happy that day made my entire year! and mason's too i'm sure. this was one of my favorite moments!

but, i do enjoy the receiving end too sometimes... i got the "nourishing traditions" cookbook that i'd been wanting for months. thank you mary & allan!!

it was a wonderful christmas! i missed my family (parents & sibs) but i enjoyed being with my other family (mason's family). we were able to start some of our own immediate family traditions this year and that was very special to me. it was a special holiday for several reasons, actually, and i know we'll look back on it with fond, happy memories!