Christmas

Christmas Morning 2011

Christmas was fun and busy!
Of course I got a cold that week, but  I was able to enjoy the spirit of Christmas all month long.
All of the Cardon family was able to be together, which made it even more special.
Here are some of the highlights:

Joshua belting out "Frosty the Snowman"

We love all the Christmas music.
It was nonstop for us the day after Thanksgiving.
Joshua especially loves Christmas music.
And  I was loving the Michael Buble CD this year.

Kate reading to her new fluffy dog Rover on Christmas morning.

This year the kids wanted to be Secret Santa's to one another.
They were all so thoughtful in their gifts.
Jacob saw this big fluffy dog and knew Kate would love it.
She did.
It was fun to see their excitement in gift giving.

Kate as Mary and baby Braeden as Jesus

We were so excited to have Rachael, Steve, Andrew, Michelle, Drew, and Braeden come to share Christmas with us.  The kids were especially excited to meet baby Braeden.
And yes, Joshua fell in love with him.
He was more excited about spending time with baby Deborah and Braeden, then anything else about Christmas.
We had fun with all the cousins making carmel apples, gingerbread houses, playing at the park, christmas lights, and eating lots of yummy meals together.
It was especially special to be able to witness Braeden's blessing on Christmas day.

The Newlyweds- Megan and Scott

I love how our family keeps growing and growing!
The best Christmas present of all was just spending time with all of my family.
They are the best!

Stanely and Juliette Cardon's posterity

As always, Christmas Eve was the best at cousin Nicole's.
The house was packed.
This was the first Christmas without either Mita or Papa
And Emily made the point that they must be smiling at us from heaven,
knowing that we still chose to all  spend time with one another
Especially on this most special holiday.

Summer and Deborah

Santa is set at the Maxfields

Kate made all of that for Santa.
And we are grateful for all the Christmas magic that still exists in our home.
This year my goal was not to eat too many Christmas treats.
So I made less.
We made sugar cookies and strawberry tarts.
Christmas breakfast consisted of Lucky Charms and stocking candy.

The Nativity

Christmas Candle

Our family's favorite tradition is the Christmas Candle.
Every night we light it and read scriptures and sing songs about the birth of the Savior.
It keeps us focused on what is really important.

Alexis and Taylor on the Freestone Train

Although we don't have any white Christmases here in Gilbert, AZ -

(We did watch "White Christmas" as it is our tradition on Christmas Eve.)

We have lots of sunshine (which our Utah visitors love).

And no matter the weather,

Christmas is still my favorite time of the year!