We knew this year would be especially magical for our family this year with a 6,4 and nearly 2 year old, everyone can participate and enjoy and have a great time. We did a lot of prep and planning to get the perfect things for our kids and for each other. I let go of trying to get ALL the Christmas activities in and hopefully had time to enjoy the ones we did do more because I was a little less stressed than last year.
On Christmas Eve, Dave worked from home which gave us a little more time to spend together. We tried to invite a couple family's over for a dinner, but it didn't work out, so knowing we would be spending the meal with our little family, made me less motivated to cook a big meal that our kids wouldn't like. So instead we had KFC and mashed potatoes and we all found something to like. It turned out that it was a perfect Christmas Eve to just spend with our family and relax and enjoy being with our kids and giving them 100% of our attention and love. Looking back, it was perfect, but at the time I was really missing my big family get-togethers. We did the nativity, sang Christmas songs, opened Jammies and had white hot chocolate.
The kids wanted to sleep in the den in the tent downstairs, so we put them to bed and they fell asleep surprisingly fast. We spent the first 2 hours packing for a trip to Utah. It was going to have a layover and make Christmas morning a bit rushed, but I didn't want to feel lonely the entire break, so it was going to be worth it. Then we spent and hour or 2 cleaning and finally Santa stopped by to drop off the most perfect gifts for the kids. I was so excited! However, Dave also heard a loud noise in the kitchen while he was cleaning and I was worrying about the foundation being cracked. I couldn't sleep and had dreams of our house falling into a sink hole. When we woke up, we discovered that the flight was completely oversold and booked all day. Part of me was excited to have a true Christmas day of slowly unwrapping and playing and relaxing and eating. I was very disappointed to not be going home and wished that we could at least make it in the next few days, but it looked VERY full.
Santa's gifts were set up down stairs with stockings full of goodies too. It was absolutely perfect except that Mariah wanted all of Hallie's things (and her own things too). Jackson got a hot wheels race track and loved every second of watching his new cars race the track (he asked for a single loop and got a double loop so he was thrilled). Hallie asked for a purple my little pony and was so shocked that Santa knew the EXACT one that she wanted and gave it to her (along with a pink pony that walks and another stuffed pony... enough to share with all). Mariah got a new baby doll with the baby paraphernalia (but she really wanted the pony.)
We made German pancakes and headed upstairs to eat them... on their new little table and chairs. this was one of my favorite gifts and one I think they will like the most, but there was no reaction to getting this present. After eating, the opening of the presents began. Since we had no where to be, we took it slow and enjoyed the present as long as we wanted before moving on. All clothes got tried on and toys were opened from their packages. I was so happy about Dave's Christmas. I got him running shoes, cologne (The same one I gave him 8 years ago for our wedding) and a Pebble Steel watch (gives him notifications from his phone and other apps). Jackson got a few games and puzzles, a sweater, legos, a tablet, backpack, . Hallie got frozen dress ups, hair sylist doll, boots, winter accesories, tablet, and headphones. Mariah got a rolling backpack, dress up shoes, dress. Dave gave me a massage gift certificate, a sweater, a lunch tote and a running arm band.
It was a wonderful time to watch our kids happiness and excitement. One of my best Christmas' ever. I was just wishing we could have family for the rest of the winter break. I checked flights and everything just looked worse and worse, so I went downstairs and threw some frozen food on a cookie sheet and turned on the oven. a few minutes later Dave called me upstairs to say a flight ( I had JUST checked) had 35 seats open up...but we had to leave the house in 10 minutes or less. Knowing the rest of the week looked bad, I said lets do it!! and we threw off our pjs, loaded the car and kids (turned off the oven and threw lunch back in the freezer) the biggest stress was that it was 1:00 and we hadn't eaten lunch and didn't have time to get it. But we left anyway (with breakfast dishes undone and the house a Christmas Chaotic mess.) I forgot my coat and phone charger and a few of the kids toys, but besides that considering the quick getaway we were pretty well covered. We called ahead so the shuttle was quick and we got to the airport with enough time to get a lunch. The flight was horrible!! Mariah cried for 90% of it because she didn't want to be in buckled in her seat and we didn't bring the carseat. I sat in the bathroom with her for 45 mins! It was horrible, but worth it because I knew I wanted to be with family. The lady next to me wasn't really in the Christmas spirit I guess.
I spent the entire day on the 26th cuddling a feverish and sick little Mariah. I was so thankful that I was with family who could care for my other kids so I could give 100% to Mariah and not feel bad for sitting around all day and watching TV, playing Wii or just talking.
BYU vs. Gonzaga with my lovely sisters and other family. The Cougs gave a good exciting game, but in the end it wasn't enough.
It was a Christmas miracle to have snow on the morning of Christmas. The kids got to build a fort and play for a long time in it.
But it was worth it for Christmas dinner and time with family! It was so great to have Melinda and Marcie there!
The rest of the week is a blur of relaxation. We went to the Shields family reunion, I met up with Tiffany Covington, Mostly we played games with Shane and Kim, Melinda and Marcie. Carly came for a late night one night. It was so fun to be all together. I love relaxed family time.
When we got home, this is what our house looked like...
Upstairs
Downstairs
Kitchen ... uggh! Clean up was not pretty, but worth it!
We went home the day before New Years eve just to ensure we made it home. It was great timing for the trip.
We went to a party at our neighbor's house for New Years. It is fun to get to know our neighbors, but we are definitely the 'new comers' and despite our neighbors being friendly, they all have 10 years of experience and friendship together and we aren't as comfortable. I'm hopeful the years continue to help us get closer with them.
