We had a LONG 2 day drive back to OK and we were able to surprise Justin's family at church on Sunday. They even had a little luncheon after their Christmas program so it was nice to relax and visit with everyone.
Maren stayed at Grandma's for Christmas Eve and Merilee had the honor of sharing a room with her while Cara got to sleep in Grandma's bed. Here are the girls waiting to go open presents Christmas morning. Holland was still asleep, so we let him sleep as long as possible.
They quickly found envelopes with their names on it hidden in the tree. A tradition Grandpa has continued with the grand kids.
They opened stockings and then we waited until Holland woke up and other family arrived before we opened the presents under the tree. We brought a whole tub full of wrapped gifts with us so the kids actually had more than they ever have for this Christmas. In previous years, we have had to be a little less generous but I collected gifts throughout the year and it just so happened that I had plenty saved up this time!
Some of the gifts included, keyboard, magnet princess paper dolls, thomas the train tracks, pajama pants, video camera, dolls, cars, snuggies, beauty products, etc. I think my favorite part was seeing Merilee and Cara hand out the gifts they bought for their siblings from their school store. They each had some money and could pick out whatever they wanted for eachother but nothing for themselves. I thought they would be more selfish but they were so thrilled with what they had purchased for the other one and the gifts were well thought out. This will definitely be added to our family tradition and I will try to involve them more in the spirit of giving by actually letting them choose what to give.
They are such awesome kids and don't expect too much. I have had the feeling of guilt when I see that someone they know got something they really wanted for Christmas and they didn't. They are not spoiled with "things" but I know they feel loved. I want them to focus more on the gift the Savior has given us and how we can show our appreciation for that gift by serving others.
I think this year they were actually overwhelmed with all the "stuff" they got and so I have a plan to scale back and think of quality over quantity from now on and involve the kids more in picking out things for others.
Grandpa gave the kids a booklet to start a coin collection. One of his favorite hobbies. He took the girls aside and taught them how to look at pennies and find the information on them. They caught on quickly and started filling their books. Cara popped in and out of this process. Other than that, we just sat around and enjoyed being together with yummy food.
The next day we spent with Justin's family and I didn't take any pictures. They were excited as everyone else was to learn that we are having a baby and would find out the next day what the gender was.
Our crew plus grandma headed over to a 3D/4D ultrasound place by their house and found out we are having a BOY! I'll admit that I was a little disappointed because I am ready to frilly up another baby girl, but the idea of a boy has grown on me. I think Holland needs a little brother around and it will be nice to have 2 girls and 2 boys....at least until the next one (maybe;) We have chosen a name and will keep it secret until he is born. My due date has been moved up some from June 8 to June 3. However the latest ultrasound shows an EDD of May 20, so we are expecting a baby the end of May.
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