Christmas 2010

Christmas this year began with the Open House at the governor's mansion and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert, both of which were amazing. We had a nice dinner before the open house and then took a picture by one of the many trees in the mansion with the governor and Greg. I have never been to the Governor's mansion before, but let me tell you, it's breathtaking in it's ornate-nous and beauty. It was built in 1902 and is mostly untouched from that time. There are beautiful murals on the walls with scenes from around Utah and the furniture is so classic and elegant. It was such a huge and stunning home. The Christmas Concert with David Archuletta and the MoTab was equally as amazing. The Church does such a fabulous job making things like that so nice. David was so cute- like a little teddy bear and the audience loved him. There were great dancers and the music was beautiful and we got treated to awesome front and center seats. We also got to meet Pres. Uchtdorf before the concert began. He was so nice and has such a beautiful wife!

Helping Daddy put the angel on the tree.

Enjoying the finished product.

Dinner before the open house at the Governor's Mansion.

Amelia and Belle giving each other loves at the open house.

Some of the sweet Bell grandkids (Molly, Oliver, Amelia, Lucy, Belle, and Rex).

In front of the huge Christmas tree in the foyer at the mansion.

We had a really nice, low-key Christmas this year. We went up and stayed at the Bells for the weekend. The kids got one present from Santa and a couple from Mom and Dad and then one each from all their grandparents. They were in heaven. But, for some reason, Oliver (now 4 years old) still kinda doesn't get it. He woke up at his regular time on Christmas morning, walked upstairs and started playing with some old toys. When Grandma asked him if he thought Santa had come to visit last night, he said, "No, why would Santa come here? Where is he then?" We try and explain to him every year, but don't want to make too big of a deal out of Santa, but it looks like we still might have a couple more years before he starts waking up at the crack of dawn and tearing in to his toys. Hallelujah!

Christmas Eve present. Oliver LOVES to draw and spends at least an hour every day doing it.

Some of the Bell grandkids singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Sooo cute.

On Christmas morning (at about 9am) getting ready to open their presents.

A puzzle for Oliver.

A stuffed tiger for Amelia, our animal-lover.

Breakfast after opening presents (a Whatchamacallit bar).

Oliver playing with his new "car road" which is all he wanted this year.

All the Bell grandkids waiting to tear in to their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.

Amelia got a very authentic grocery cart from G&G Bell that she LOVES.

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. We're so grateful for this time of year and the special spirit that accompanies it. And, we're especially thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ.