Merry Christmas!

Awaking at 7am, the boys were so excited to go downstairs. Carter more so, because he is old enough to actually understand that downstairs probably means more presents.:) They came down and saw a big present wrapped in front of the tree and started unwrapping it together. It was a kitchen set that we got since they always want to help us in the kitchen, and Bryce plays non-stop with the real microwave (he's microwaved my keys, play power drill, sheepie...you know things that can break the microwave and the sparks that fly inside are pretty cool too) maybe they can play with this instead.
(Kitchen set behind them, unwrapping the 'working' microwave and play food). We got Carter the Disney monorail he's been talking for since last March when he saw it at the airport waiting for our flight to take us home from Florida after the Disney cruise.

This is the things that started the whole working and saving his money thing so he could buy it.

So, he tells everyone he sees that he got a "monorail for Christmas and it costs 70 dollars!" Weird I know, but I guess he appreciates it more since he knows how long it takes to save 70 dollars. Maybe he really is learning the value of money...
Bryce got an animal train set that goes around the track when you push the steam stack and it makes chugging sounds with he loves. He is a train lover like his big brother and calls them "choo-choos."
The boys were definitely spoiled this year by getting great gifts from family from Idaho too. Grandma and Grandpa gave them each a Tonka dump truck which they love to push around,sit in, carry things in from place to place, and crash them into each others truck and other things around the house.... (thanks grandma and grandpa :) It'll be nice when it's warmer and they can run with them outside where there is more room. Aunt Sarah and Uncle Steve got the boys dinosaur gifts and a DVD which they really like. We really miss our family in Idaho and MO especially at Christmas time!
We played with gifts for a while and ate breakfast before going over to my parents house for gifts and lunch/dinner. We were definitely spoiled there too! Carter got a geo-trax airplane set (remote control of course) which he's been asking for and cut out of magazines for his catalogue a few times. When he opened it he said, "hey! This is in my catalogue!"

Bryce got a remote control train that is easy for a toddler to use with just a front and back arrow. Both gifts are loved well! Bryce took a long nap which allowed us to enjoy an early dinner of tenderloin, twice baked potatoes and salad. I must say it was delicious! Followed by a dessert made my yours-truly which was yummy if I do say so myself. It was a Oreo and peppermint ice cream cake. YUM! It was great being with family and talking to Matt. He called and was all got to chat with him for an hour. (He is in Minneapolis serving a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and has about 6 months left to go. We get to talk to him twice a year- on mother's day and Christmas so we were pretty excited). He is doing really well and it's amazing to hear how much he has grown and matured as a man and in the gospel this past year and a half. I've really grown to respect him as more of a peer than just my little bro. Love you Matt! Or should I say, Elder Petersen. :)
How grateful I am for family and friends, especially at this time of year. I'm so grateful also for my testimony and knowledge of Christ and that he was the Son of God. I hope I can do more this year in 2009 to become more like Him. Merry Christmas (although late) to all and to all a good night!

(Carter crashed around 7pm while sitting next to me)