A VERY Merry Christmas 2010!

This year we spent Christmas with the Jones side in Wyoming. As you can see above, everyone was quite spoiled this year... as we are every year. My parents even sent their presents from Minnesota, so Kaylen actually had to take a nap break to get through it all! As always, we were very blessed this Christmas.

Kaylen giving Uncle Ian a smooch

Grandma Cherie got Kaylen some bath toys so that she didn't have to go without bath time fun even away from home.

Kaylen playing with Grandpa Waz

Kaylen got her dance on with Grandma

You may or may not know, but Gregg's Dad, Warren is a full time engineer as well as a pastor at a local church in Star Valley. What you may not know is how very talented he is. Among his many obligations, he also leads the music team at the church organizing the music, playing multiple instruments, singing and writing some incredible songs. His church did a combined Christmas Eve service this year with other local churches, so there was no Christmas Eve service at Morning Star. He later realized what a tradition it is for me to go to Christmas Eve service, so he was extremely thoughtful and brought home these congas and other instruments so that we could have a "jam session" and sing Christmas songs. Kaylen was a big fan of the maracas.

Here is Gregg playing the congas with Kaylen

We always have to get outside and enjoy some of the very chilly Wyoming weather while we're home. Gregg is always dying to ride the snowmobiles. So, Gregg got some riding in and we were able to take Kaylen around on one of the sleds! Gregg actually took Kaylen for a very slow ride on the snowmobile as well!

Kaylen and her Auntie Katie

Our amazing family

Kaylen helping Daddy pull the sled so she can sled down the lane with Katie and Ian

Going for a little ride with Uncle Ian

Our pretty girl

Her Auntie JJ took her around the house... only about 100 times... in the laundry basket! Kaylen even got the dogs to go on a ride or two with her. In the background was my very talented hubby and my very talented father in law getting ready for our jam session!

This was hilarious... Kaylen would brush Katie's hair into her face and Kaylen thought it was HYSTERICAL! It was so fun to watch her laugh and laugh that hard. We love these girls!

Kaylen just chilling with Uncle Ian in his new chair Christmas morning opening presents.

Kaylen playing on her new slide

The choo choo train making its rounds

Our family

Kaylen and Grandpa

Kaylen just hanging out on her new couch she got for Christmas

We really did have such a great Christmas. Kaylen got lots of new big girl toys, her couch, a great folding card table and chairs just her size, a slide she can use since it's not good playground weather, and many, many, many, many other great things. Can you tell she's the first grandchild on both sides of the family? Gregg and I always feel spoiled by our families. Gregg and I will be able to do lots of shopping thanks to a great many dollars given to us on gift cards, which we were both feeling pretty ready to do! My parents got me a keyboard this year because I've been thinking about getting one for quite some time. I took piano lessons briefly when I was younger, but it didn't really stick. But growing up with a Mom who could play like riding a bike ... I've learned now that I would like to be able to play for my daughter and my kids like my Mom was able to play for us. I want it to be a hobby of mine, so slowly but surely, I spend a little time when I can practicing. Hopefully, before too long, I'll get comfortable.

We can't thank both of our families enough for always making Christmas and so many other moments and visits so special. This year was wonderful. We are incredibly grateful for each smile, hug, minute and dollar that we share with all of you.