MERRY CHRISTMAS

What a MERRY CHRISTMAS we had this year.  Everyone spent the night at my parent's house, so we could all wake up early together.   On Christmas Eve, we each get to open one gift while wearing our Christmas jammies.  Hannah was a little upset with everyone because she didn't see the need to stop.  Oh, 4 year olds!   After getting all of the kids ready for bed, and the cookies and milk ready for santa, Hannah snuggled in her make shift bed next to the tree.  Yes, Santa had to be extra sneaky this year.  Apparently, he succeded because Hannah claims Santa kissed her on the cheek in the middle of the night :)  You go Santa!!

Christmas morning was great.  Even cousin Austin who is not quite one, was getting into the festivities.  Olivia got a cookie dough set, a saxaphone, a shopping basket with food, some books, cloth bibs (long story), a purse, and some clothes.  Hannah got an art desk, clothes, a pizza kit, magnet dolls, cooking supplies, and of course some candy.   As for me and Chiki, as usual my sweet parents gave us way too much.  As from each other ... we are headed to NYC in a few weeks.  

I especially love having kids this time of year.  Although it seems like the rest of the world is consumed with money and gifts, it is the kids who keep the spirit of Christmas alive!!

The Polar Express

If you are in need of ideas of how to bring in the Christmas spirit, may I recommend taking a ride on the Polar Express.  A load of us gathered our hats, coats and blankets and headed south for the Heber Creeper in Heber City, Utah.  Events that occured between my parents house and the railroad, turned this activity into somewhat of a Griswald Christmas ... but once we all had our rumps in a seat our spirits once again quickly rose.   We sang Christmas carols, ate cookies and drank hot cocoa that had been made by "Mrs. Claus," read the Polar Express, and even stopped at Santa's village where he came onto the train and gave each of us a bell.  Here are just a few of the pictures that were taken that night:

Although, it was a complete circus getting there, and we almost missed the train ... we had a great time and hope to turn this into a new tradition!!

P.S.  If you are ever interested in going their last night, make sure you buy your tickets in July.  Yes, you read correct.  JULY

Have Some Bread

December 23rd, is my little sister Kim's birthday. She has always been such a trooper, having to share a birthday with such huge upcoming holiday. My parents have always tried their hardest to keep it separate from Christmas, but was always reminded when birthday parties were quaint and presents came wrapped in red and green.

Since Kim was scheduled to work that afternoon, and then we were all going to ride the Polar Express that evening ... her cute husband Jer planned up a birthday breakfast. Anyone who knows Kim, knows that she doesn't like to be fussed at. I think deep down inside she was really excited.

Anyhow, while we were at breakfast, our server surprised Kim with this ginormous cinnamon roll. I couldn't resist when it came to taking a picture. After all how many times do you see a cinnamon roll the size of a persons head

We love you Kim and hope that you had a GREAT day!!

Hamming It Up Along With Loads of Shopping

Hannah had her preschool Christmas program, this last tuesday. It was so much fun to go and watch her interact with her schoolmates. Her teacher informed me of how involved Hannah has been during the practices, and that she was born to perform. Boy, does Miss Beth know her. Hannah has been hamming it up since day one. We love our little Christmas star, and couldn't be more proud of her!





After Hannah's Christmas program, we headed to the mall to do a little shopping for ourselves. Since, Chiki and I have had the shopping all done for weeks now ... we decided to take advantage of all of the great deals. I absolutely must brag about some of the great deals : $2.15 for two bottles of lotion, $25 for a cashmere sweater, $17 for a puffy vest. Can you say AWESOME!! Anyhow, Olivia somehow got ahold of some of the shopping bags and insisted on carrying them around everywhere. She had everyone smiling. My little cutie in training!

Winterfest

Each year, the city of Thornton puts on a really cute festival called the Winterfest. It lasts 3 days and consists of Santa Claus, elves, old-fashioned carolers, fires, ice skating, ice sculptures, hot chocolate and yummy treats, fireworks, etc. All the things you associate with Christmas ... they have there.

This past friday, Chiki and I bundled up the girls and headed to the festival. Besides the non stop tantrum show that our youngest Olivia kept putting on, we had a great time.



We were able to get some cute pictures with some of the characters. Notice ... Olivia always has me as a barrier between the characters :) Yes, our little munchkin is a little scared of them all this year. She likes to look but not be touched!!





Happy Holidays Everyone!!