Yippee! Christmas!

Christmas was so fun! I kind of like it being on a Sunday. The weather was snowy and cold but our home felt so cozy with the tree lit up and the kids enjoying their gifts. We got up about 7 and took our time to read Luke 2. I love this tradition Scott created for us to do before going downstairs.  Santa came and brought wonderful things for the kids.

At first Daisy was just interested in finishing up the cookies we left for Santa. After a bit, she got curious about unwrapping the toys and books. Watson was excited about everything. He especially loved his new Jazz socks he found in his stocking.

Daisy was content playing with one thing at a time. She especially loved her new books. It was such a relaxed time.

Watson picked out a new cap and scarf just for me. I will definitely be warm this winter. I love this little family of mine. We really missed Chandler Christmas day but will have him home for a few days on the 27th. 

After opening presents and Daisy's little nap we went to church for a special Christmas meeting. The chapel was packed. The music was absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect place to be on this sacred day.

We tried really hard to get a picture of the kids in their Christmas best. Watson loves being the center of attention but Daisy just did not care at all. She is so busy all. the. time. Scott coerced her for a second to stand still. He is kind of color coordinated with the kids!

I've been trying to eat better and work out every day so my Christmas dress would fit better. So, I thought I'd put a little picture to remind me of my hard work. This is one of my favorite dresses.

Merry & Busy

We had so many fun things to do together this month! Watson started Junior Jazz so he and Scott got to attend a Jazz game. Just the two of them. Watson loves, loves, loves one on one Dad time. They had a great time picking out Jazz gear, eating yummy food and watching the game. I love how passionate Watson gets about EVERYTHING he tries. He knows a few of the players names and has picked a favorite, Favors. I have no idea where Watson inherited his love for organized sports, but we will do our best to feed his passions.

We did make it back to Thanksgiving Point to see The Luminara. It did not disappoint. The weather was perfectly chilly but we were prepared. The kids loved to see everything and we even got a little visit in with a couple of Santa's reindeer. The lights were beautiful and there were some fun activities too. We got hot chocolate and spent two hours together in a little bit of magical place.

This year's ward Christmas party was cowboy themed, or something like that. We brought Watson's buddy, Cache, along for some hot scones, ornament making and pie eating. Watson didn't win the pie eating contest but he did have fun.  Daisy saw Santa for the first time this year. She was in awe, or perplexed, or surprised. I'm not sure. She didn't cry but that may be because we didn't sit her on his lap. Santa sang a few tunes and then handed out candy canes.

We borrowed a friend gift idea from my creative sister. Watson and I got everything together pretty quickly and had fun delivering them to his friends in the neighborhood. Who doesn't need more soda and candy, right at Christmas time?

We fit in a visit with Santa. I thought for sure we would get right in to see him, since we waited until almost Christmas Eve. But, no, we waited for over an hour. Luckily, we got to chat for a bit tell him again what we wanted for Christmas. Daisy did OK, for about a minute and a half. Of course she had her Binky....the wait was torturous enough. Watson told Santa he wanted a signed Jazz team basketball. Hmmmm, that was not on either of his two letters he already and wrote and mailed to Santa...

We spent the rest of Christmas Eve at Grandma Nettie's house. Outside the snow was heavy and falling. We got to play fun games, eat good food and laugh until it was time to go home. It has been the loveliest Christmas Eve ever.

We Love Him So

We got to celebrate our favorite Scott, Dad, Hubby on the planet with his birthday. He really is the best at having fun and works so hard for our family. He is really busy right now with two full time jobs...one that pays now and one that we expect will pay later. We are so grateful that he still makes sure to have time to wrestle, ski bike, read and play with everyone. We love him so!

The Most Wonderful Time of Year

It's barely December and we are packing in as much fun as possible. Plus, we got to do a few things with cousins. We visited downtown to see the lights at Temple Square and the windows at The Grand America. We love this tradition. Daisy loved to see the funny penguin in each window and Watson loved to hang out with Paris and Stratton. We enjoyed being together and even braved dinner out to a semi-fancy restaurant with five kids. It was cold but totally worth it.

This giant gingerbread house was just the right size for Daisy. She would have loved to explore and lick each room...

We actually got our tree and up earlier than normal this year. I have to say this one is my favorite we've ever had. It turned out really beautiful. I love the smell and I don't mind the little mess that comes with having a real tree. This one was so pretty I couldn't bear to cut off the top more to make room for the star. So, the star was front and center near the top this year. We started mixing small white lights with a couple strands of big globe lights and I love the effect.

Of course we visited the Santa mailbox at Thanksgiving Point, it is the best place to send our letters. Thanksgiving Point is starting something new this year with Luminaria, I hope we can make a visit later in the month.

Daisy is loving the snow and doesn't seem to mind the cold much. She seems to know this month is a special time too. I love being part of all this with my family.