A perfect day

Our Christmas morning began with a 4 am wake up call. Erick called from Afghanistan. It was a wonderful way to wake up. He knew that all the soldiers downrange would be fighting to use the computers and phones to talk with their loved-ones today. Their time would be limited, and their connection would be slow. By starting so early, our connection was descent, and we had ample time to see and talk to each other.

Erick and I spoke briefly and decided that we should wake the kids to begin Christmas morning. I set up the computer in the living room, and we connected via Skype.

When I woke TJ, he said, "If it's Christmas, then why do I feel so tired?" I explained that it was very early, but Daddy was on the computer and wanted to watch TJ and the other kids open presents. When her heard that, TJ shot out of bed in a flash.

Here are TJ and Joey organizing the gifts under the tree:

Here is Erick watching the fun:

Most of the time, we were sitting in a circle around the computer to open presents. Then each kid would hold up the present so that Erick could get a better view:

I feel like we were certainly blessed to have Erick with us this morning. I knew that Christmas would be the toughest part of this year-long deployment. But because of modern technology and Erick's brilliant idea, this holiday was absolutely wonderful.

Erick sent TJ a hat like the ones that the Afghan boys wear. Here is TJ modeling it for Erick:

Erick also got the girls jewelry from Afghanistan (not shown). It is very gold and ornate, but that didn't stop Bailey from wearing hers to church that morning.

Erick was able to be a part of our entire morning. He didn't sign off until all of the gifts were open, and we were ready to eat breakfast. 

Here is TJ showing off one of his favorite presents, his remote control car:

David loved his gift from Santa, a car ramp:

Joey (the next day) showing off her new roller blades and pads:

Bailey blowing thank you kisses to Aunt Annie for her new purse (Bailey can design the flower accents on it):

After breakfast (and a nap for me) we went to church. I sang with the ward choir and with a trio with two of my favorite people, Deanna and Pam. It was a lot of fun, and I felt it was a perfect way to spend Christmas. During Sacrament meeting, David started to cry and be loud. I wasn't sure how I was going to balance the baby and singing. Luckily, Brother Ellsworth stepped in and took David. And miracle of miracles, David went to him without a fuss. Brother Ellsworth kept him throughout the entire meeting, and David was happy the entire time. It was another tender mercy on this perfect day.

In the evening, we had dinner with Deanna and her boys. When David was done eating, he decided to practice crawling up and down the stairs. He is getting pretty good:

Later, we set up "Just Dance" for the Wii. All the kids took a turn. Boy do they have some moves. Here are Bailey and Jayden:

TJ and Joey:

The kids had so much fun, I'm considering getting "Just Dance" for our family. It entertained both the adults and the kids for hours. I was super impressed with TJ's moves.

Deanna and I even took a turn. It was a tough workout, but it was so, so fun!