December was full of all kinds of treats and treasures, and each one of them brought our family closer together.
This year we were in charge of the "Taylor Family Challenge" and the kids wanted to have this be one of the challenges, to dress up like Santa. Of course they all kept adding to there own challenge until we had the entire staff at the North Pole.
About mid month Matthew Ammon joined our family and we can't seem to remember what it was like without him in our lives.
There is just something about new babies that makes everyone happy and helpful and closer together. Maybe it is just the lack of space that draws us closer, but I think the spirit helps too.
Nato loves new babies because it gives him an excuse to cuddle and nap on the couch.
As the month flew on we found ourselves enjoying the wonders of the season.

It's a wonder we got any shot with all the nativity participants this year.
Matthew started to show signs of jaundice and we began helping him more than ever.
Philip got into the spirit of helping and tried to take over the responsibility of Jane's nutrition.
We were able to get Matthew back on track with out a bili-light! Yea!

Emma turned 6! What a day of. . .
Presents,
Cake,
and Fun!!!!
That brings us to Christmas eve. We had our friends the Dellenbach's over for dinner. While the kids were playing, Philip fell off a chair (or something) and bit right through his lip. Nato and Luke (a.k.a. Daddy Dellenbach) rushed him to the ER to get stitches while Robin and Stephenie tried to convince the children that Christmas was not ruined and Philip would be home in time to enjoy his presents. Here is Philip sporting his patched up lip and his wonderful new trains.
Not only was Christmas safe, it was so nice to be all together this year.
I think it is safe to say that many wishes came true!
No one seemed disappointed with Santa's efforts.

There was many hours ahead of enjoyment for all!
It really was a fun day!
The best part of the month was having Nato around so much. He received two weeks paternity leave and a good chunk for Christmas. How grateful we are for this blessing.
This month Jane's walking abilities soared. Here is just a taste.
When we brought Matthew home Philip thought we were saying this is your Math, or
Math - You. So he would call him Math - Me, because in his mind Matthew is his. He talked this way for about two months after we brought Matthew home.



