Fillmore Christmas 2019

January 08, 2020

Fillmore Christmas 2019

Christmas once again came and went and the season always reminds me of just how fast time is moving at this stage in our lives. I can remember just as if it were last month Christmas of 2018 and now we are already moving on into 2020.

This year I tried to think of a new idea to keep Christ at the front of our Christmas so that we didn't get lost in all the extras. I assigned each of our kids with a report on the following: the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They presented their findings as our family home evening lessons and I couldn't have been more thrilled with how serious they took it and how much we learned as we studied the nativity story in depth. It really added a special touch to our Christmas that kept the Spirit close this time of year.

Charlotte and Bronson had Christmas programs.

Charlotte got to sing a small solo and we were so proud of her for her bravery and how good she sounded with the pressure of a huge audience.

And Bronson was an adorable reindeer and sang "My Teacher got Ran Over by a Reindeer"

Several of us got crafty with our gifts this year. Charlotte was inspired by a story told by her Great-Grandma Gerry about her most memorable Christmas when her brother and sister had hand crafted her some doll furniture. So Charlotte decided to make Whitlee a rocking chair for her Barbies.

Zac and the boys made us a game table that our whole family can fit around for family game nights and they did a beautiful job!

And I made a custom version of Fillmore Clue!

Whitlee got over her fear of Santa this year!

We had a fun holiday party at Grandma Kris' and Grandpa Rich's house and another great party another Day with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Cresta.

We adore this Grandma of ours and are so proud of her for her fight against cancer and how well she has done this past year!

We performed the nativity for Grandma and Grandpa! Charlotte was Mary this year.

And on Christmas Eve we decided to go bowling to pass that long day of waiting for Santa.

Later that night we headed over to Grandma Julie's and Grandpa Bob's where we put on the Nativity Pageant with our cousins. Bronson was Joseph this year.

The Girls got matching pajamas for the first time ever for Christmas Eve!

And the kids pushed the giant bean bag into Ashlyn's room to have a slumber party on Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas mornings always look so huge with 8 people for Santa to spoil. And also as the kids grow older, their gifts grow a little more sophisticated and seem to take up more room than their toys of the past.

We were very blessed with lots of fun gifts.

We told the kids that they couldn't wake us up until 6:30 or 7 a.m. But as usual, Tanner was the first one up and got everyone else up and had them playing games downstairs waiting for Mom and Dads negotiated wake time.

Ashlyn was thrilled to have some Torani Syrups to doctor her drinks as she has become quite a mixologist.

Whitlee got the dancing flower that she had asked Santa for.

And Ian was completely surprised with a 3D printer that he didn't ask for, but Santa thought he might enjoy.

Tanner got a treadmill so that he can stay in shape for track. He has set some huge goals for himself and it is hard to stay in shape all winter without some equipment. Though he was just as thrilled with the ice fishing stuff he received.

Bronson got a remote control car that can drive on the walls and ceiling... so cool!

All of the boys got fishing gear.

And Whit got a gymnastics mats so that she can practice at home.

But her favorite gift was her hover board that she convinced Santa that she could ride without injury.

Bronson stayed busy with a couple of Lego kits.

Charlotte desperately wanted some fake nails for Christmas. Santa not only brought her fake nails, but also brought her this really awesome nail stamper. It has special tape reels that transfer designs onto your fingernails.