Christmas in Arizona

We were able to spend a few days in Arizona at the ranch over Christmas this year. It was a quick trip because this is Allen's busiest time of year at work as he closes the fiscal year. We left Thursday after work and he had to be back yesterday. After traveling for the past two years at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have sworn off traveling for the holidays for awhile.

Christmas Eve

We chopped down our own tree on the ranch and then decorated it. It was a cute, scraggly little thing but it smelled delicious!

Studly:

The kids also went 4 wheeling, we had a YUMMY Asian dinner and then acted out the Nativity and had dessert.

The holy family:

Shepherds, wisemen, angel & holy family:

Addie lying in the manger:

Christmas Morning

Carter was up by 7:30 and we waited until almost 8 and then woke the girls up. They were SO excited for Christmas but we convinced them to pose for a couple of pictures before the excitement began!

Carter - favorite gift was Hogwarts Castle but he was thrilled with his iPod as well!Makenna - over the moon with her new camera and had it in every one's face for the rest of the weekend. She also loved her AG stuff and has spent a surprising amount of time playing with her Tag reader.Addie - would have been happy with just her Disney princess Barbies. She is hugging Cinderella and Jasmine in this picture. She is in loooooove. She has also had a lot of fun with her new stroller.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing, playing, talking with extended family, eating yummy food, visiting Allen's dad's grave, 4 wheeler riding, more eating, etc.

We were able to go to church on Sunday and then Allen's mom hosted an open house for Jake and Erica (the newlyweds) that we were able to stay for most of. We headed home in the late afternoon and were home by bedtime. We were so happy to spend Christmas with some extended family and missed those we weren't able to be with. We had a truly joyous Christmas season this year and are ever grateful for the Savior's birth and mission on earth.