Christmas!!

Since we have moved back, closer to family, by far the biggest blessing for us is watching our kids with their cousins on both sides. There is such sincere love, interest and friendship and I hope they can always depend on each other. 

Christmas Eve was different this year with Gummy and Gumpy out of town. There were some new traditions started at my parents' house that will be lots of fun to continue in the coming years!

First off, dinner of salmon and ribs with a BLT salad, fancy fruit, rolls, appetizers and delicious dessert was certainly a nice way to kick things off. We all know how Olsens love their food.

Then we gathered for a little fun and a little spiritual. We started the candy bar game in our family with some serious prize money as a possible and a mandatory trading. The kids ate it up...it was so much fun! 

My dad was in charge of the program this year and did such a wonderful job and bringing the spirit and engaging every one of us. Just a warm and cozy night all around as we reflected on the love of our Savior. 

After the spiritual side of things, the present fun began. We took things slowly, one by one and it was so much fun!! All the kids were thrilled with the generosity and love!

Thanks to my parents for always making the holidays so special, for bringing a sweet spirit to everything they do, and for always being more generous than we ever expect. They are wonderful examples of family unity and love. I have always known that we are their greatest joy.

We got home in time to do our brother gifts, one of my very favorite moments of the season. They are honestly, the kindest, sweetest boys to each other. I hope they always show their love like this.

And...Christmas Jammies!!

That morning, everyone was up at a normal hour...around 7 and we started down with that little cutie just so incredibly excited!

Santa, mom and dad, and grandparents absolutely spoiled the boys this year. They got everything they were hoping for. For Pierce it was "sweet cars," that he couldn't get enough of (though he did ask where his new track was...ooops, Santa!), Parker and Jace got a Lagoon Pass, James got a new baseball glove and basketball, everyone got a cool new scooter and the family got outdoor soccer goals. Pretty sweet!!

Grandma and Grandpa popped over right as we were cleaning up and checked out the boys cool stuff. They also brought one extra present since we were not going to California with them like the rest of the family...a new HOVER BOARD. The boys thought that would never happen so these shocked smiles could not have been more honest. Lucky, lucky boys!

It was a GREAT Christmas!