Christmas Morning 2011

Christmas on Sunday started out as any other Sunday, get dressed for church, eat a little breakfast before going to meetings at 9AM. It was a clear sunny day full of excitement.

Lisa was all smiles, like usual.

When Brady came down and saw that Santa had come there was no holding him back...he darted...

Even his brothers couldn't keep up. He ran right over to his new train set.

Ryan had written a note to Santa requesting a hoofprint from Rudolph for Brady. So the boys showed it to Brady and explained what it was...

Santa told Ryan he was a good brother. He wrote notes to Mckay and Bryson too and even gave them hoofprints!

After church, everyone but Tyler wanted to get back in their PJs to open gifts as usual. Of course we still had to take the traditional pictures on the steps too.

There was a sufficient delay to build excitement--McKay nearly burst, were it not for his loud yelling and frenetic motion as a release we may have had a major explosion on our hands.

McKay loaded up on Cougar paraphenila and some other stuff. McKay gave Tyler some flamin' hot Cheetos and a Slim Jim, some of Tyler's favorite snacks.

Ryan got an iPod touch that he and Tyler had set up quickly. Ryan gave Bryson some candy.

Bryson got Legos, some much anticipated video games and some other stuff. He gave Brady two packages of Skittles, Brady's favorite candy.

Lisa got a bunch of clothes and a new bedspread (more pictures coming). She gave Ryan a toy airplane.

Brady was so fun to watch. He was so grateful for everything and shook with excitement while opening his gifts.

He loved this John Deere excavator.

It received one of Brady's trademark funny expressions and some hilarious words and happy dance at the end (on video).

He just needed sand or dirt.

We ate the traditional sausage and egg breakfast casserole--it is so good!

Tyler received an acoustic, electric bass guitar with a Fender amp. It's fun to listen to him play. More to come tomorrow.

Extended Lindsay Family Party

We started with eating and mingling while most of the little ones were excited to run downstairs and watch Polar Express in the theater.

It was fun to talk. McKay was especially glad to see Adam and was with him all night. We had been praying that Adam would return home safely. It was great to see him and to hear of his miraculous return from Afghanistan even though his face grew some fungus that could not be controlled--even at the party it was still clinging on for life.

More mingling...

One of the tables downstairs...

More excitement when the Julia, Ryan and family arrived

Desserts always bring Lindsays closer together.

Then it was on with the Nativity by the great gandkids...they did a great job.

There was a lot of picture taking...even then, the Spirit came.

Then grandma bore her strong testimony of the Savior, of the reality of His birth and life as well as His death and resurrection. She challenged all of us to do those things that will keep our testimonies strong: reading the scriptures daily; attending our church meetings; praying; following our prophet; going to the temple and providing loving service. After grandma's testimony we all went into the theater and watched a video that Patrice and Hillary put together on the life of Christ put to music. The Spirit came with strength bearing testimony of the reality of our Savior. I know He lives and because I know that, I know our family and families can be and will be together forever. It was a great event!

October Catch Up

Tyler turned 17! The boys are always excited to be around Tyler.

Brady had something very important to say, Tyler was all ears.

Ryan's flag football team finished first place with an undefeated season!

Jana and I were excited to end the season...it was cold!

McKay's fall soccer team went to a Salt Lake Real soccer game. I was asked to go to help with the boys. We had a lot of fun.