Wiley Christmas 2008

Before I begin, I want you to see how many times you can spot Easton's ball. He can't go anywhere without it! He even sleeps with it!

I'm overwhelmed. I have no idea how to start this post, to even begin to explain our Christmas this year! Personally, it was one of our best. The kids are at that perfect age where they get so excited and can hardly contain themselves. I too was so excited cause I KNEW this was going to be a great Christmas! Our festivities actually started the week before Christmas, at least for me, to get the Christmas Spirit flowing. Nicole and Evan invited us to see the lights at Temple Square with their family, which was awesome since I thought we'd miss them yet again this year. I just love Temple Square, especially this time of year, it brings me such comfort to see the lights, the glowing Temple, and to hear music throughout the grounds. Thanks Dickson's for letting us be a part of your family that night!

Then it was our turn to be with Nate's family this year for the annual Christmas Eve party! Let me just say we are a crazy bunch! It was fun to laugh and visit with eachother, and to eat until we were about to explode. The fare that is put on is fabulous, and I swore I wouldn't have to eat until the new year!!! We got to hear a great message from Nate's dad, and to hear his testimony, and the kids got to open their Christmas Eve present. Instead of the traditional jammy's or as Easton says, "jamz", they got some darling robes to wear Christmas morning.. It was a great night..

I think the highlight of Christmas Eve was getting a call from my little sister Lisa at about 11:30pm to let us know she just got ENGAGED!!! What a great Christmas present!! They will be getting married on Valentines day, and I cannot even wait!!


Christmas morning came really fast, and Emily came running into our room with a smile clear across her face! She was intent on finding out if Santa made it to our house, but we did the waiting game while daddy got his teeth brushed, dressed, the whole 9.. It was fun to make her wait just a few minutes longer!

Seeing their faces as they realized Santa did in fact visit our house was priceless. Now I know as a parent, why my parents always seemed to enjoy Christmas so much! I could relive that moment over and over! Emily was given a fancy doll crib with a new baby doll with clothes to go with it.. Easton got a scooter, and a spiral racing track with cars..

In the photo above, Emmy is saying "look mom, her eyes are the same as mine!"

There was magic in the air for sure! We had a great Christmas day, just enjoying the moments and knowing we didn't have to go anywhere! We did however go visit Nate's brother Michael and his wife Melanie for a bit that night, which was fun as usual! I just wish Christmas Day could last just a little bit longer, I just loved it this year!!!

The day after, Nate had to be back to work, and I had a Duke Family Christmas party to be at down in Lindon. I was worried about the roads, cause they were so bad but we made it safe and sound. It's always fun to see cousins, aunts and uncles. Plus it's a treat as always to see my Grandma Duke. We ate good food, and opened some white elephant gifts, and got to get caught up with family. Two of my highlights were seeing my old roommate Jen, her baby and hubby, and having my dad show me what he made the kids.. Let me just say that my dad is amazing. He can fix anything, and now he has proven that he can MAKE anything as well! All from scratch, he made/sewed this awesome tipee for the kids to play in!!!






Yes, he will be making them to sell, so if you are interested let me know! Thanks dad, for taking the time to make such meaningful gifts for the kids. They will remember this for a lifetime!!

It was great to get caught up with Jen, she is so much fun and I miss her! I wish that I had more time to visit, it was sad leaving, knowing that we would be going home to a quiet house with no family staying the weekend.. However, the kids zonked out and it was nice to have some quiet time to clean up and get ready for the new year!!! So for all of you, I hope you have a fabulous New Year!!!!

(You should've counted seeing the ball 6 times...The boy is attached to a ball... What can I say? It's hilarious.)