THE COLEMAN FIVE: The Coleman Five Christmas

Christmas time...what a fun time! Especially when you have young kids who make it so magical! :} Since funds were extra tight, I was a little nervous that they may be disappointed; but, it's not about the presents....it's about sharing the spirit with your loved ones! And I believe our kids really got that this year. We always say we're going to open one present at a time, but, it never ends up that way. Well, this year we actually did & it was nice not to rush through it (and it helped make it feel like it wasn't over too fast :}).

We shared Christmas Eve with Greg, Angie & Jazzlin. We enjoyed homemade soup & a a fun Christmas Movie, Four Christmasas, together. And, of course, just enjoying our time together. I always talk about this sweet side of Dylan; but, not everyone gets to see it too often. Well, I think I captured it here, when he was playing with the girls. Cute :}

He even read them a Christmas Story

And somehow, with Kaley's insistance, we, once again, had another dance performance. Since everyone who comes over must see one! :}

Cute lil' Jazzy! She was loving the Minnie Mouse that Kaley picked out for her from her bin of stuffed animals. That's the sweetness of Kaley, knowing she would like to have one of her special ones! :}

The girls were having fun teasing "Uncle Bug"/Daddy

And even cuddles with him too! :}

Kaley really loves her notes & pictures lately, which made for an extra special Christmas. Here's hee writing her note to Santa.

And this one to remind Santa the back door is open (since we don't have a fireplace, how else would he know how to get in? :})

So we woke up, after getting to sleep in (YEA for that rule they actually obey, usually), and then to see the table set with the Christmas plates. She was full of sweetness this day!

Then it was time to open presents. She knew Bradon would "just love" the Cowboys bear she got him! And the beautiful picture included with that too! :}

This was two of about twenty notes & pictures that she made & wrapped up for everyone. I had to laugh when I opened one of mine that was wrapped in wrapping paper, so I had to be extra careful not to rip it! :} Daddy's was also extra special because she took the time to punch holes & put the ribbon through to make a star. Now how precious is that?!

Dylan was happy to get the one thing he really wanted, the game for his PSP, Little Big Planet

And Kaley was happy to get the new boom box (since the old one didn't work too well, and she couldn't play her MP3 with it) so she can "dance all the time!" :}

She was also thrilled to get this cute doll, who looks a lot like her, and outfit that matched. She thought that was extra special! (YEA for Santa! :})

And Dylan was also excited to be surprised with a camera too. Love it when you get something they like, that they don't actually expect to be getting! (and thankful for getting my Avon discounts :})

Bradon is a simple guy, and just as happy with a new jersey (especially when it's a Utes one! :})

My favorite thing was the Precious Moments Figurine that Doug picked out. I haven't gotten a new one in a long time. This one, that's dumping a can of Peas, says "Peas On Earth" :}

OK, is that not a bundle of cuteness?!

I've never been able to surprise Doug. So, I was excited to give him (OK, really it's for the house; but, something he has mentioned & looked for before) my great finding in St. George. I had it hidden in the shed & behind everything on Christmas morning.

He has a thing for suns, and likes the cool different metal designs, like we have in our backyard. We've had this bare wall in our Southwest Room, trying to find just the right thing. So, I think I did pretty good, I must say! :}

This is our Dylan being his spazzy self, in excitement for getting what he wanted.

And I think Toby was happy with his bone & toy too

...fortunately, it doesn't take much to please a dog! :}

After having our nice morning together, it was time to head over to Grandma's house. Fortunately we still caught many of the family since we got there a bit later (we were just in no rush this day! :}).

So, it appears we missed most of the "silly picture moments", directed by Sherrie, of course. I saw all kinds of squishy face & all smushed-in-together kind of pictures. I'll have to get a hold of some of these. My silly family!

We kept trying to get pictures of Mary & her new haircut; but, she kept hiding from us.

Either she just wasn't paying attention this time, or gave in. I think it's cute, she's a little model! OK, not so little, she's gotten so tall!

Mom was so excited to share her gift, which was a copy of the scrapbook we all made her & Dad for their anniversary, for each family. This includes pictures & notes from everyone...it really is a treasure & glad we get to have it now too! :}