Christmas Day, 2012

After watching "Luke II," I picked up a poem someone gave us called, "Merry Christmas from Heaven." Without trying to read it, I passed it to Rob to read, Rob passed it to MK, and MK passed it to Getty, who thought he could get through it:

"I still hear the songs,
I still see the lights
I still feel your love on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes and all of your cares
I'll even remind you to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you, you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment, to stay in his grace
I came here before you to help set your place

You don't have to be perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip, if you continue the climb

To my family and friends,
Please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you,
In a new special way

I love you all dearly,
Now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year"
—John Wm. Mooney, Jr.

Pretty somber. But then, Mia started laughing and holding her neck, because "my throat tickles when I laugh!" (physical complaint of the day—check.)

MK's gift to Mia from Hawaii

Cy's favorite Oregon Duck's hat.

Cam's Santa gift: Kirby's Anniversary 20

Beats knock-off headphones from China did the trick.

Cy trying to hug on Getty

If I know Cy, he's saying, "Beast!"

M&M's umbilical cord. (I always knew they had one.)

Cy's Santa gift:

A camera for MK's Santa gift

For Getty's Santa gift, we sent him on a hot/cold hunt. He's telling me, "I have no idea what this is..."

It's his first phone. He doesn't get excited—much.

(He had to sit back down again to take it all in.)

A very Merry Christmas morning! And we're off to Grandma's for Christmas breakfast and more family fun and gifts.

At Grandma's watching Luke II (again). Time well spent.

Cousin Clint got the boys U of U footballs and is having them signed by the team. (I know, Jen!!)

First throw

Grandma has terminal cancer, so we're hoping this isn't the last Christmas we get to spend with her.

"Pops, will you do Superman for me?"

Over the river and through the woods to Granny's house we go for Christmas dinner and more family fun and even more gifts.

I got awesome gifts this year, like this from my mom:

and this from Marie to remember her by:


and this from Elle's best friend to match her own charm bracelet, along with Justin Bieber concert tickets (!!!), row 1.
No biggie.

and this heart-melter from Britt:

On the way home, we drove to Elle's snow-covered grave and wished her a Merry Christmas. Because it was.