Christmas 2014

Christmas in Utah 2013

We spent Christmas in Utah this year.  What a treat.  But sadly, it's all a little hazy for me.  

We left St. Louis on Christmas Eve.  The night before we spent with Steve and Sherry opening presents.  That was really all we did.  We had planned to do more of a Christmas celebration with them, but Winston and I got the flu.  Thankfully, Winston was back to normal after a couple of days.  I, on the other hand, was miserable for about a week.  And Christmas fell during that time.  So...like I said, it's hazy.  

After our flight to Utah, I was spent.  I couldn't even breathe by the time we got to my parents' house.  So I took a long, hot shower, bathed the kids, and put them to bed.  Aside from their jammies, they didn't have much of a Christmas Eve.  Oh well.  We decorated luminaries with my siblings, which is always my favorite, then I went to bed.  

Thankfully, Christmas morning I felt somewhat normal.  Normal enough to enjoy the morning being together with my family.  It was a sunny, happy, fun morning.  The kids were delighted.  Mark, Eric and Jessica, and Colby and Liz were all there at some point.  It was an ideal Christmas morning.  And of course, we went to Grandma Lane's for Christmas stockings and family gifts.

Megan and Ben arrived in Utah a day or two later.  That meant cousin time.  Hooray!!  We took the kids skiing a couple of times.  Winston was amazing. He picked up on it again right away.  After a run or two on Little Cat, he was ready for Becker and never turned back.  He and Maria were quite the skiing duo.

 It was Lizzie's first time skiing.  After getting her dressed and equipped, we headed over to Little Cat where she repeated about a hundred times over that she didn't want to do this.  But once we were on the lift and got a little treat, she was great.  She was so brave and just went for it.  My mom was Lizzie's side kick the entire time, and Lizzie was great.  I was so proud of her.  She didn't turn down the chance to take a rest at the lodge, but she gladly went up the lift again and again.  

{Winston and Maria}

One day we went to the jump zone place.  I don't remember what it was called, but it was rather amazing.  It was a jump/trampoline center, but it was set up in such a family-friendly way.  There were couches everywhere where you could see the jumpers, which made it so easy to hold on to Henry while watching Lizzie and W jump.  They had such a ball.  The jumped in the foam pit, jumped from tramp to tramp, went up the ramps.  They were in heaven.  

Santa Claus 2012

Winston had no qualms with Santa Clause this year.  He slowly made his way to SC's lap on his own, sat down, and told him he wanted a dress-up treasure chest with a Buzz Lightyear costume.

Lizzie was a bit timid.  She held on to Santa's helper's hand like her life depended on it.  But once she finally sat on SC's lap, she was fine.  

In fact, the more she saw Santa, the more she wanted to sit by him.  

She walked over to the big guy, climbed in the sleigh, and just sat by him for a minute, just like they were old friends.  

Getting our Christmas tree

{The annual hunt for a Christmas tree.}  

{Smile!}

{Everybody has to help cut it down.}  

{Timberrrrr!}

{W used the saw every chance he got.}

W's Preschool Program

The day after we returned from Utah, W sang his school's Christmas program.  They had been practicing for weeks!  I was so glad W could be there for it; and I was so excited to see it.  

The kids sang several songs, both fun and spiritual Christmas songs.  W's favorite went something like, "Ho-ho-ho-hosanna, Ha-ha-hallelujah.  He-he-he-he-saved me.  I've got joy of the world."  

After the program, they had a little party in his room.  We got more art projects to take home that I could've imaged, including W's little picture ornament.  He was so proud of his work and singing.  

W's buddy Owen.  W is always quick to say Owen is his "best fwend."  They are good little buddies.  Owen has a really great family, too.  I'm glad they're friends.  

So proud to have Daddy there.  

First snow 2012

Lizzie experienced her first real snow while we were in Utah just before Christmas.  It snowed and snowed a LOT.  W was in heaven.  He couldn't get outside soon enough!  Thankfully Maria left her snow clothes in Utah, so W was quickly outfitted -- though it was a little feminine.  He quickly made his way to the backyard and started on his snowman.  

Lizzie, on the other hand, was super excited to go outside, test out the snow, discover that it was really cold, and make her way back inside.  She was OK watching it all through the window.  Maybe next year?  

"It's good, Mom!"

The snowman in his glory.  

Poor snowman toppled over after W showed it some love.  

Early Christmas with MaMom and Poppy

Though we wouldn't be with them Christmas Day, MaMom and Poppy celebrated Christmas with us and the kids while we were in Utah.  Sunday morning the kids opened gifts and presented their own to my parents.  It was so fun to see their eyes light up -- both my kids' and my parents'.

{Superhero stickers}

{Baby doll}

{Buzz!}

{Trains, trains and more trains}

Moment at Temple Square with W

We ventured to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights, displays, and get in the Christmas spirit.  We weren't the only ones with this idea.  Thousands and thousands and thousands of others poured into Temple Square that evening, too.  It was shocking to see the masses of people.  Despite being hungry and tired from a long day, the kids were troopers.  We saw the lights and headed over to the Christus and nativity.  The line at the Christus was nightmarishly long.  So was opted for the nativity.  I took W down to the front so he could see.  It was a special moment I never want to forget.  It. Was. Magical.

We watched as the different parts of the nativity were lighted:  the creche, the wisemen, the shepherds.  W was quick to point out which group was which and what they were doing.  At one point he whispered in complete awe, "This is amazing!"  Then a few minutes later, "Wow!  Wow!  Wow!"  It was sweet, and genuine, and pure innocence at the grandeur of what he was watching.  It was like the spirit of Christ and Christmas came to life for him.  We were surrounded by hundreds of people and it was like no one was there.  Thank you, W, for showing me how sweet and simple and magnificent Christmas really is.  

Christmas Story

This is universally cute.

{via Leigh vs. Laundry}

Hints for: Him

For the dream boat in your life.  (Or for the brother-in-law you just know what to get.)  

1.  Honestly, who doesn't want this?  

2.  TIMEX Watch.  So classic.   

3.  Michael Jackson + Game System = Possibly the best entertainment ever.  

4.  Not a fan of jerseys?  Me neither.  Try a vintage-esque version of his favorite team.  

5.  You'll see this on the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, but really, it's the best down around.  Practically weightless.  Sooo warm.  Tried.  Tested.  Approved.  

Hints for: Little One

1.  Custom and/or creative crayons

2.  Rumba Watch

3.  Winged Sneakers

4.  Best baby toy of all time

5.  Classic Ramona Set

6.  Really Cool Teepee