A Jackson Christmas

Christmas Day was celebrated with my family.

Funny enough, all the older 'kids' were up and ready to open presents 

while the younger two had to be woken up

I love that we all still gather around the tree to open presents 

 

This year we actually took time to open the sibling presents
one at a time :) Parker and Wesley both got t-shirts that
they seemed to like

Dad loved his new Harley Davidson curtains :)

 

Of course Grandma was there for all of the excitement :)

 

Katie and Jameson got the Big Bang Theory board game

Eventually we decided that the kids should be allowed

join in the excitement too

Mckell's first Christmas

I love that excited face :)

Jameson got her tickets to see Aladin at Tuacahn 

so Steven created an Arabian setting to present it.

 

Dad with his new neck massage machine

Steven in his suave new sun glasses 

 

Look at that excitement

Steven and I love bread-dipping oils, so he got one in his stocking :)

 

 

Debbie was very excited about her new Ipad

Not too bad for a home-made tie :) 
 

 

A heavy duty Cricket bat! It might get more use as a self-defense weapon, 

but I'm sure he'll find more opportunities to play cricket now that he is

properly equipped :)

Enjoying a little Christmas nostalgia 

 

We were pretty spoiled and had a really great Christmas morning, 
complete with a delicious Christmas breakfast.

Christmas morning aftermath

I love the craziness that is my family 
To be continued

Christmas with the Powells continued

As Cheesy as it is, it really is great being surrounded by our awesome families at Christmas.  We really couldn't ask for more. That being said, we still enjoy giving each other gifts :)
After the kids opened their gifts the siblings all opened 

the gifts they got each other

Steven and his sister Laura

The adorable hat Simon got 

Sarah got a Harry Potter sweet shop kit

Annie got a Golden Snitch necklace

Jesse, who is in med school, got 'petri dish' soaps that look like

bacteria, they were pretty cool

Ryan got Star Wars ice trays, and a Star Trek pizza cutter

Danny got the complete works of C.S. Lewis

Laura got jewelry, lotion, and a nifty history book

Chip got a photo, game, book, and Harry Potter scarf

(a lot of Harry Potter gifts this year)

I got this really cute painting! and an awesome quote nicely penned out

by Danny and framed.

No, Steven didn't get an Iphone; his gift hadn't arrived yet,

but on the phone is a picture of the Portal (video  game) coasters

that are on their way.

I love the sibling gift exchange and the unique interests of each sibling.

This year I especially loved the homemade gifts, and have come to appreciate them so much more. 

Then we busted out the chimes!

A couple years ago Steven's mom got these chimes from a ward member who makes them.

Each chime is a different note and played together correctly can make beautiful music :)

Annie is our ever vigilant conductress 

It can get pretty crazy

Even the younger ones help out.  

It really is fun to learn the different songs

Then Hadley and Piper delighted us with song and dance :)

I still can't believe how blessed we are to have such wonderful families.
The Powell Christmas Eve was spectacular as usual :) and everyone was there! I think that was the best part.  There are six kids in Steven's family, and I love it when everyone is together.
Of course I can't forget Steven's parents who put this all together and make it all possible, and I know I got pictures of them I just have to find them :)  But they are awesome and we are very grateful for all they do!

Christmas With the Powells

We are very lucky that Steven's family celebrates on Christmas Eve and my family celebrates Christmas Day.  It means we get to enjoy both celebrations every year :)

The newest addition to the Powell family, Mr. Simon, all cocooned 

Jesse and Danny put together a delicious cheese and fruit platter

Steven with his favorite baby (for now:)

The two youngest Powells, Simon and Korver are almost a year apart, 

yet not very far apart in size

I think Steven was protesting his picture being taken

Danny and Laura

Annie, Jesse, and Caroline

Add Sarah :)

Children's table

Proud new dad Ryan, and little Simon

He was so good and calm, I'm glad I got to hold him :)

After dinner it was that special time the children had all been 

waiting soo patiently for....presents!

Miles

Haegen

This is Piper's funny photo face :)

 

Korver was just excited with all the excitement :)

This is a Bayberry candle that Jesse got in New England.  It is a historical tradition

to burn it down to the stub on Christmas Eve.
Dinner was Delicious!
More Powell Christmas to follow shortly :D