The kind hearts of the children

I thought this was also worth a mention. I love it when my kids use their own money to buy presents for each other. It is very sweet and I love that they occasionally think of each other more than of themselves. It brings a smile to me and warms my heart to see them so excited about giving than about recieving. It makes Christmas so much better! Of course the gifts I truly love are the ones they make themselves and try so hard to make them perfect. This year Gavin's class at school didnt make presents for the parents and he was so sad, so he made his own card and asked to go shopping for us. Again, it's just nice to see them want to GIVE more than worry about what they are going to GET.

The treasure hunt

Yet another Christmas tradition for us is the final present for each child they first have to find by going on a treasure hunt. This year we did a huge combined treasure hunt and at the end there was a box inside a box inside a box (so each child still unwrapped something), and the present was two Kinect games for the XBOX. It's really so much fun to watch the kids figure out the clues and search for their last present (usually the best present). We did scale back this year a bit. Last year Faith's was a Barbie House, Gavin's was a Basketball Hoop, Brayden's was a pony that moves and Landon's was a jeep he could ride in. That year we went crazy, it's usually somewhere in the middle! Another year they found our trampoline(that was a combined one too)! Anyway, I thank my parents for this tradition, it has always been a lot of fun!

Griffin's first Christmas

I thought that I would dedicate an entire post to Griffin's first Christmas, and why shouldn't I! I know that he will not remember it, but I thought it was wonderful to have him there and well, he's just adorable. He got a Boppy pillow which I have never used with any of my children before, and I love it! He got some cute outfits, more for my benefit than his, but they will keep him warm. It was fantastic and fun to see Griffin and his cousin Zachary in the matching Christmas outfits I got them! It's amazing what a difference two months makes!

Christmas

I love to see the excited and happy looks on my children's faces every Christmas morning! This picture captured that moment perfectly!

Christmas Eve

Every year on Christmas Eve we dress up and act out the Christmas story. This year I snapped a couple pictures just for fun! This is another fun family Christmas tradition that I love, and we always have to act it out twice to change the characters. I remember doing this as a little girl and I am glad my children enjoy it too.

Ward Family Christmas Party

It has become a Ward Family tradition to have a White Elephant exchange party every year before Christmas and it's great fun. It's just one more reason that I am thankful to be back in Utah! The kids had a blast and it is always fun to get together and laugh as family. The fantastic food that was there was definitely an added bonus!

Temple Square

I love looking at the lights on temple square and sharing the beautiful spirit that I feel there with my children and my husband. It is such a beautiful place at Christmas time, but I need to make sure and take my kids there more than just at Christmas, when we can enjoy all that there is to enjoy without thousands of people there. It is still worth it to go each Christmas, it is a fantastic tradition that I love.