The Happiest Season of All

Our Christmas break was quiet and peaceful and refreshing. Watson is magical right now with everything. Although we didn't get to have Chandler home until the 27th, he was a pleasure about practically everything. (Not what I expect from a teenager, but fantastic anyway.) Christmas Eve was at Grandma Nettie's with a few cousins. Christmas Day brought lots of surprises for everyone, including me. Watson got all three things on his list for Santa. It really was magical.

The boys always get new PJ's on Christmas Eve.

Watson was great about waiting for us to finally get out of bed, around 7 am.

The Skylanders game was the main theme of Christmas this year.

Of course there was a new Lego set too.

Scott surprised me by picking out a cute coat and some beautiful diamond earrings.

There were a few surprises for Scott, including a new watch. His biggest present was the finished prototype of his latest bike, Carv Skibike.

We spent Christmas afternoon and evening at Grandma Nettie's with all of the cousins. Good food and family really make it feel like Christmas.

Excited is a bit of an understatement of how we feel when Chandler comes home. Watson is his shadow as much as possible.

Scott and Chandler got passes to play at Ifly in Ogden over the break. Chandler also got a new long board to ride down the hills in the back of our house.

We had a great holiday, in every way. I'm so grateful for our little family and especially for the chances we continue to get to make memories together.

What the?

Watson is in his second year of preschool right now. There are 19 kids in his little class at Summit Academy. One little girl has made a big impression on him. He came home and wanted to write a "love letter" to Olivia. What? I couldn't believe what he said! But, he was determined. He drew this sweet picture and gave it to her the next day.

Apparently, she liked him too. He brought home a little love letter of his own a few days later. Should I be worried? He seems a little young to feel romance...

Carr Christmas Traditions

December and Christmas celebrations seemed to come really quick this year. Our days and nights filled up pretty fast with a lot of different activities. We kicked it off by attending Riverton City's Christmas celebration. We decorated sugar cookies, sang Christmas Carols, saw Santa and got hot chocolate. We also attended the Stake Live Nativity. Scott was able to help out with setting up the scenery this year. Even though the wait was long and the weather was cold, we enjoyed time together and felt the Spirit as we "walked through Bethlehem."

December 1st brought our helpful elf, Mr. Jim, back to us. He surprised Watson with some new socks and sported his own new green shoes. Watson loved looking for him each day and only got one warning about being naughty.

Watson and I spent a sunny day at Gardner Village for the Elf Scavenger Hunt. He can never find his name on the naughty/nice list! He was a little braver this year to stand next to a few and loved seeing what they were up to.

Mr. Jim stayed busy each night finding new ways to play or hide.

We got to decorate our gingerbread house with all kinds of treats and snacks. Although Watson was ready to eat it all as we went along, most of stayed intact for a couple of weeks.

We decorated our traditional sugar cookies and delivered them to little old ladies. We visited the retirement center by our old house and the residents were happy to see Watson. He seems to be getting a little more shy as he gets older...

Of course we made it to Temple Square to see the lights. The weather was remarkably pleasant and the lights were incredibly beautiful. I love to see the temple, in all seasons. I love to feel the Spirit, especially when I'm with my family there.

We tried to go the the Larry H. Miller Christmas Carole Sing Along, per tradition. Unfortunately, a stomach bug hit me pretty hard and I couldn't be anywhere but home for a solid three days. We'll make it next year. 
We did make it, however, to another live nativity/musical performance at Liberty Park. The weather was perfect this year and I feel so grateful for the people willing to make such a special event possible.

Santa, Santa, Santa

Watson started his Christmas Season off with more than one visit to see the Man in Red. We saw him ice skating and at the Riverton Christmas Celebration and at our Ward Christmas party. His list was always the same. He claimed to be a good boy. Other than spurts of sassiness every now and then, Watson made our Christmas time magical. I am pretty confident to say 5 is the perfect age.

Watson practiced his handwriting by writing his own Santa letter this year. He was extremely patient and persistent with the job. I love his pictures of Santa and an elf.

Happy Birthday--Big 40

Happy happy birthday to our Scott dear! We celebrated as a family this big turning of 40. He got his traditional tower of presents and picked Chinese food for dinner. We also had German Chocolate cupcakes with my family. We are so lucky to have him as our husband and dad. He is the best! His creativity and passion are unrivaled and it seems he always has a good story to tell. Watson and Sparky adore being with him every moment. Happy Birthday Honey! We love you more than we can really express....