Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas has always been a big deal growing up in my family. I mean, HUGE deal. We all still believe in Santa, well, we believe in the spirit of Santa and definitely the spirit of Christ. I have been very lucky to grow up with my big brother, Kenny. Kenny is special. Kenny is great. Kenny is fantastic. Kenny is something we all should want to become. My brother Kenny is mentally handicapped and therefore, while he is in a 41 year old man's body, his mind is that of a little child. So, even as we all got older growing up, Kenny never has so Christmas is always special. Kenny LOVES Christmas - what kid doesn't?!? For years and years, like 19 or so, Kenny has received a special visitor on Christmas Eve. Santa makes a special stop at the house Kenny is at and pays him a visit. Of course everyone else that is there gets to visit Santa too, but the visit is really just for Kenny. It is one of the best things you can ever be a part of, one of the most magical, and funnest things to see. Since I have been married, I haven't been a part of Christmas Eve with Kenny too many times, but that changed this year. My parents are on a mission in Florida (mission #2) and I decided that I really wanted to have Kenny for Christmas. I made sure it was okay with Ryan's parents since Christmas Eve is their night and we live with them and then I told Suzanne that I was taking Kenny for Christmas this year. :) I was so excited. I got Santa arranged before Thanksgiving and I knew all of the Staley grand kids were going to be surprised by his visit. Christmas Eve comes and the girls and I go get Kenny and all of his stuff for the next 3 days. We head home and relax for the afternoon and then start to get dinner ready. Everyone starts coming over, we eat, clean up, laugh, and have fun. Kenny is now sitting on the couch watching everyone. Those that know Kenny know he doesn't say much, but we all know he takes it all in. Then...the doorbell rings! Kenny shot up off the couch to the door, and his best friend was there - Santa! Santa brought Mrs. Claus with him too. The pictures speak for themselves as to how much Kenny adores Santa. This was my Christmas present, watching Kenny so happy, tears were streaming down my face. Kenny wouldn't let go of Santa's hand and had to sit right next to him. And this Santa is very special because he loves Kenny just as much and I am sure he enjoys his visit to Kenny just as much. It is such a touching experience. All of the other kids went and sat on Santa's lap...those that wanted to. Morgan stayed right on her dad's lap and her cousin Maddie was a bit shy as well. They told Santa what they asked for and then got a candy cane. Santa had everyone sing jingle bells and they were one their way. So much fun and so special. My dad sent a letter after Christmas and a thought had occurred to him. When Kenny sees Santa, he is really seeing the Savior. And in those few moments, Kenny is in pure bliss with his best friend.

Dance Recital 2011

Megan had a dance recital in December. Megan has had fun dancing this year and has improved a lot. She was pretty nervous for her performance and her tummy kept hurting anytime she would think about it. I am proud of her for doing her best and for pushing through her fears. She did a great job and looked cute too. :)