Christmas 2013

Our Christmas celebration was different from any we've had before.  It was the first Christmas in my 33 years that I wasn't at home in Utah with my parents and whatever siblings could make it.  There were some sad and homesick moments, but there were many happy and joyful moments, too.

Dad had to work for a few hours in the morning.  I wanted to get a workout in, so the kids and I went for a little jog/bike ride/rollerblade.  Love my posse!

We spent Christmas Eve with many from our branch family here in Sigonella.  We went to Susanna and Matt Fomby's house and had homemade pizza and tons of other food.  We kept our tradition alive and had all the kids act out the Christmas story.  Mom had sent costumes a few weeks earlier, so they were all decked out.  

Here's the crew as they wait for their scenes to come.  

Any guesses as to which scene this was?  Graham really go into his character.  

Benny was channeling his inner ninja the entire time.  Surprise, surprise.  

Susanna Fomby, ME, Shevaun Davis

After our program, we came home to finish the evening with some of our own traditions.  The kids opened up their pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa and their ornaments.  Graham got Luke Skywalker, Benny got a Rabbids pirate, and Lucy got a Minecraft piece.  

Then it was off to bed to wait for Santa.  Love this picture I took right before J and I went to bed.  

Christmas Morning!  We started the day with a crisis.  Benny had a major tummy ache and ended up having diarrhea all over the bathroom.  We woke to a loud cry of terror from him.  Lucy had been up since 3 am and was laying in our bed with Jason.  I had gone to lay down with Graham, who couldn't sleep either.  Jason cleaned it all up (because he loves me) and then we were able to go downstairs.  Benny kept saying, "No!  My new Superman jammies!"  We were able to find last year's pair and Christmas was saved.  

You'll notice the pictures get a whole lot better from here on out because....we got a new camera!!!  Very exciting!

Lucy and one of her favorite presents.  She got this Lego set and a Galaxy Tablet.  Santa's a softie...that's all I'm gonna say about that.  

This was the year of the dragons from Benny.  He got three different ones along with a Imaginext castle he had his eye on for months.  

Both boys were excited about their little Power Ranger Legos.  Graham also got a new bike and helmet.  Happy day for everyone!

The day was beautiful!  The kids were in and out of the house and we all relaxed.  Friends from the branch came over in the late afternoon for dinner.  

Little Sullivan was there, too!  Here he is in his new pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa.  He was pretty thrilled with his haul:  diapers and formula.