Arizona Christmas

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, and this was our first time hosting Christmas in our own home. Obviously we had a lot of preparations to make. We had to crank the Christmas jams.

And put up our Nativity and Bethlehem village...

Then we were ready to celebrate! On Christmas morning we let Paul take a look at the gifts under the tree and in his stocking while he brushed his teeth.

Last Christmas Paul was too little to care about anything but sleep. This year, he was very into presents and stockings, though he seemed to like Lee's presents just as much as his own.

Paul is very attached to Lee's new cocoa mug.

His wooden cars are pretty cool, but not as good as the mug.

As is usual, Grandparents really know what to get for their grandbabies. This year Grandma Jamie outdid herself and found a toy more fun than the box it came in:

In addition to the shopping cart, he got a cool new sword and Lee got some Legos to set up so Paul can knock them over.

He also got some toy food to go in his shopping cart, but it was very confusing for him to have plastic food...

Our family was extra spoiled with service related gifts this year. Earlier this month, Lee's parents helped us do this to our backyard:

We are looking forward to some non-rainy days so we can use our fire pit again.

The hummingbirds around here are very well fed.

We are treated to a pentatonic symphony everyday.

And starting right after Christmas, my parents helped us do this to our first floor:

We painted every inch and it makes the house feel brand new (and not the "gently used" it felt like before.) We did "scarlet past" (red) in the kitchen and "clouded vision" (grey) everywhere else. It makes for a pleasant change.

And now for a final cute picture and video of Paul before we say adieu.

Ninja Turtle shirt and hat. This kid has style.

Happy New Year!