Merry Christmas!

The girls woke up pretty early this morning--before 7, which was exhausting, but we kept them occupied for just a few minutes while waiting for Grandma and Grandpa to get home.  Then, all of a sudden--they must have heard them come in the door--the girls all ran out into the front room without waiting for us!  They first found Snowbell, who made the journey on the plane with us.  She was sitting in the middle of the floor, sporting her little airplane wings pin.   She left the girls a note saying goodbye until next year.

Santa left the girls a little note, which Leiden read for us.  He talked about how he really liked one of Mac's requests, which Leiden liked.

Mac's request was Disneyland, and because Santa liked it so much, he decided to send our family to Disney World!  We'll be going in about three weeks, and spending a week there.

I am so upset, but I didn't get pictures of the other little tokens Santa left the girls.  He made each of them a Rapunzel wig and told them he hoped they would see her at Disney World.  I'll have to get a picture of them later.  They are really cute, and the girls like them.

Mac was super excited to open up some gifts--she got some Littlest Pet Shop toys that she had asked for, some markers, paper, and Grandma and Grandpa gave her lots of books and games that will keep her busy and learning.

Mimi got some books, too, and a cute little bear jack in the box, that she loves.

Brad's gift was too big for us to bring to Utah, so it stayed home, and the side of the box came here to be wrapped and opened.  I got him a smoker, which should be fun.

We were all spoiled much more than necessary!  Grandma gave Brad and I new sheets and a new comforter--we're super excited to sleep in flannel sheets in our cold Minnesota winters!  Thank you so much, Grandma!

After presents, we left for church, which was just Sacrament meeting.  Quite the crowd came after church for brunch at Grandma's house, and we managed to get a picture of all of us together.

The kids even complied for a picture.

After some good food and Mimi's nap, we headed up to Great-Bapa's house to exchange gifts with my brother and parents.  Mimi got a giant gift that came in a box bigger than she is! 

It was a Radio Flyer, which will have to be shipped home and assembled there.

Assembly does not seem to be necessary for a good time!

Mac got a giant floor piano.

Leiden got an American Girl Doll, which was also on her list for Santa.

More playing in the wagon body.

Leiden named her doll Rachel, and is so excited.

Here's one of the only pictures of me--trying to keep Mimi from slamming into the table while opening a gift.  I got a Volcano stove, which is awesome.  I need to get the oven tent for it, and practice making bread in it!

Brad got a turkey fryer from my parents, and his response to the day was something like, "We'll be buying a lot of meat!"

The girls got cute little temple blocks to put in their room to remind them they're going there someday.

Thank you to Mom and Dad and Mad and Joni for the wonderful Christmas presents!

We had a lovely afternoon and then got to see hordes of my family for Christmas dinner--hamballs!  I can eat them once a year, and that's about it.  My big family did a gift exchange, so there was one more round of gift opening, and then the girls were about shot.  It was a wonderful day all around, very nice to attend church on Christmas morning, and we were happy to be able to see our families for the holiday.  Merry Christmas!