Christmas 2008

Before I start our Christmas photo celebration ~ I couldn't resist posting these two shots from our time w/ the Western DuRoss clan over Turkey Day. Chip and Audz already made a great post from our time together, but these were two adorable shots I had to put on here! Finn ~ we miss you buddy and the kiddos do too! And to all those Western Clan DuRoss's ~ we miss you too and hope you had a great time with your family over Christmas!

Below is a shot of our sweet Selah as she just discovered that Santa really did come to our house this year and ate all the cookies and milk she left out. Even Rudolf enjoyed the yummy carrots she remembered to put out for him! This was an awesome year with both our kids ~ Selah was REALLY into the idea of Santa and all those fun tales we told her, but even more than that ~ there was never a doubt in our minds that she completely understood what Christmas was truly about and the great sacrifice that Christ gave to each of us as a humble child coming to this earth. If that doesn't bring a parent joy, I don't know what does! As for Judah ~ he may not get the meaning yet, but he certainly did get the idea of ripping open presents!!!

Selah got a baker's outfit from Mommy for Christmas this year. I love our time in the kitchen together and now she is all set to dig right in there with me!

We spent our Christmas Eve over at NeNe Heather's home. As the years go on, I just love the traditions we're establishing for our children to not only count on but come to love as much as I do. This year Heather and I did a CRAZY amount of baking cookies and even made Grandma Hoy's marshmallow log roll. What's so special to me about making this, is that Heather was the one w/ the sweet memory of my Grandma making these many many years ago ~ but it wasn't until we actually cut into it that my memories came flooding back and even now it makes me want to cry.

Uncle Gordy, Alexa & Selah

Is my man cute or what???

The three amigos "Leah, Kayla & Selah" ~ yes the beat red faces are from playing non-stop!

On Christmas Day we got to spend the whole day over at Nana & Papa's which the kiddos couldn't wait to do. Little did Selah know that they had quite the Christmas surprise waiting for her! This picture isn't Nana sneaking her some spoonfuls of Cool Whip (although she does that plenty!!!), but one of the hidden clues for the scavenger hunt she went on to find her AMAZING dollhouse!!! Our girl has quite the imagination ~ so I can't wait to watch and listen to her through the many years she is going to love this special gift.

We were also excited to spend this Christmas with not only Nana, Papa & Gammy ~ but Susan, Stephanie too! My only regret is there wasn't more time to spend with you two. I am hoping for next year though and Dave can come along too! Selah loved getting to put on her "performances" for you guys ~ hopefully next year Judah will join in on the fun!