Christmas in Kentucky

Lexington Kentucky Philharmonic

Brad and I wanted to celebrate the season with Handel's Messiah this year so we watched a performance by the Lexington Philharmonic's Chamber Orchestra with some amazing guest soloist. 

Brad's birthday cake - better late than never! 

Brad's birthday falls on a very busy time of year so Merinda finally made his cake (she makes them the best) two weeks late. So I guess by then it was too late to be considered a "birthday cake".

Manwaring Center Rexburg Idaho

Right before coming home for Christmas, Aubrey runs into the school bookstore, soaking wet from the snow, and bumps right into our good friends from Washington State, Roger and Leanne. Love this small world!!!

Popcorn and snack mix - best idea ever!

In the interest of time, I made holiday popcorn and snack mix this year to give our friends and neighbors. We might need to make this a regular tradition.

First Christmas in our new home...

Speaking of traditions - our annual Christmas Eve candle light ham dinner. 

 Girl bonding with a movie and popcorn, on my bed :/  (only because it was Christmas Eve!)

Christmas Day 2014

 Christmas morning - our traditional walk down the stairs when the music starts. Aubrey is looking pretty thrilled.

 Since Aubrey was the oldest child home, it was her job to pass out gifts from under the Christmas tree (Aubrey can still hardly contain her excitement).

Good thing Breck is a morning person, and not afraid to show his enthusiasm over the latest game, compliments of Merinda.

 This is the only time all year I let my living room get this messy - but it's for a good cause. 

Me enjoying my gifts,

 and the kids modeling theirs: custom-made bags from Grandma Virginia,

 Breck's good-lookin hoodie from Aubrey,

 and Aubrey's comfy infinity scarf from Breck.

 Everyone loved their gifts and expressed thanks with hugs all around (wait...is that Aubrey actually smiling in the background?).

  

 The traditional Christmas morning breakfast of cinnamon rolls and eggnog.  

  But my favorite part of the day was Skyping for almost two hours with Brittney! The kids enjoyed showing her their treasures,

and I had fun just seeing her face again, and listening to her speak with her Mexican accent. It was a very good day indeed!