Christmas this year was bitter-sweet. 6 days after Andrea was born Steve lost his job. So not having employment was very hard, but also having the opportunity to focus on what the holidays are really all about was such a sweet reminder. We really cut back financially on activities and presents and the boys never even realized- half because they got spoiled by their extended family :) but half because they are just really good kids. They have always been gracious and grateful for anything and everything they receive and my mom heart was so touched and proud. That being said- it was a wonderful Christmas. Here's a break down of the month.
Ward Christmas Party and visiting Santa:
Rod asked for a Lego Star Wars Set
Jeffrey understood what Santa was for the first time this year was so dang cute. He asked for Pirate Dress-up clothes.
Spencer asked for Lego Incredibles 2 Lego Game
We were going to be traveling to Amber's Cabin in Pine Valley for Christmas so to help lighten the packing load, and to extend the fun a little longer, we let the boys open presents from their Great Grandpa and Grandpa Oliver before we left. They were ecstatic.
Andrea's first Christmas present.
Christmas Picture for our Christmas Card.
Finished Jeffrey's Stocking this year and was so happy to hang it. Still working on Andrea's but this little baby one was almost just as cute.
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Decorated Spencer's classroom door at school. Probably my favorite to date.
One fun thing I did to give service during this season was to make baby blankets for an organization that give them to refugees. I had a friend that donated the flannel material and I just did basic square blanket. It was a fun, creative outlet and it felt good to do something bigger than me.
A couple days before Christmas we headed down to St. George. We stopped to see the lights at the temple when we go there. So beautiful and fun to see the kids reactions.
We spent the Sunday before Christmas with Amber's family. Kimball did my hair and we were able to see her and Kimball sing in Church. It was a wonderful day.
After lunch we headed to the cabin to relax for a few days and spend Christmas. It was a much needed reprieve.
One fun thing that happened is we tracked Santa's location from time to time on Christmas Eve and was just so happened to check it when he was visiting Xi'an China and Hamburg Germany where Dad and Jamen both were.
Scott, Danielle, and Daniel all joined us Christmas Eve and spent the night. We decorated cookies, sang songs, did a Christmas program, played games and had so much fun with our little families.
We woke up to picture perfect white Christmas
Everyone got what they wanted for Christmas.
Amber's family came up the last half of Christmas Day for more presents, sledding, food, games and Kimball did my hair again.
Love that girl.
We were supposed to get rain and light snow. Instead we got over a foot. We left a day early because another storm was on it's way. Steve literally had to dig us out. We slid a couple of times down the mountain, but once we got to paved roads it was a smooth ride home.
Also, this did not happen during Christmas unfortunately, but I finally finished painting the nativity Robin gifted us a couple years ago. Turned out pretty- I'm excited to display it next year.
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