Every year I end up posting our holiday adventures the first week of January. I guess we are just having too much fun and then we are trying to get back into the swing of things for me to post in the year it all actually happens. So here it is:
December 23rd we went to my parents where my Mom makes a candle light dinner with steak, potatoes, vegetables, rolls, and Cold Duck! I love that stuff. Now it is a little nerve racking watching my four and two year old drink from her goblets she received as wedding gifts but my Mom is adamant they use them! This year, we did not buy gifts and instead brought money. My parents gave the kids $5 bills and then let them make the decision about purchasing some animals for families in other countries. The kids loved it and it was nice not bringing home another toy. We also dressed the kids up and played out the Nativity Scene.
December 24th we went to Alan's parents and made our own pizzas. We also did the Nativity Scene there. We ate Susan's homemade plate of Christmas cookies. That is a tradition we look forward to every year! Alan calls it "Hunt the Wumpus" when he and C sneak around the house weeks before trying to snatch a few. Megan and Robb came over after and hung out for a little. They offered to stay at our house while we went to the organ recital at 11:30. It was nice to do that again. I went seven straight years until I had C and have not been since. I loved it.
Why is it sooooo difficult to get a Christmas Jammies picture? SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!
Christmas morning was wonderful. C slept in M's room that night to ensure he would not see the presents in the morning when he came upstairs. They were SOOOOO excited. Santa rocked this year. He managed to not buy a single toy! Gifts included; a new #4 Utah jersey, Jazz jerseys, backpacks, watches, piggy banks, and a BB gun! Yep! A GUN! Apparently Daddy Santa did not see that movie enough to know "You'll shoot your eye out!".
C picked a snow shovel for his gift to M. M picked a fishing pole for C. They were most excited to give the gifts they bought for each other. Alan started that tradition last year and I think it is wonderful. Did I mention, Alan does ALL our shopping! I lucked out in that area!!!!
We headed back to Pohlmans' for omelets and gifts around 10:00 and stayed until 2:00. We came home and put the boys down for naps. Then we headed back to my parents for a little more family time and fun.
But that was not enough so we went to Eden on Saturday morning for six days. I LOVE THAT PLACE! I went snow boarding for the first time and LOVED every minute of it. OK, maybe not the one wipe out where I was VERY lucky to have had Alan's helmet on. Megan was my amazing teacher and we laughed a lot! Especially getting off the lift. O Memories. News Years was much the same. Alan did a firework show for us and then we went to bed. Only to wake to my brother-in-law banging pots and pans.....inside the house and my Dad laughing his guts out about the countdown oops at Time Square. Never a dull moment.
We came home early to see the Fullmers. It was fun to see them and catch up. They we a little sick so we felt bad but we were happy to be with ALL our family at some point over the holidays. I know most people would cringe reading this, but we sincerely enjoy every minute with family and count that as one of our choicest blessings! Here is to 2010!
You have had a lot of new experiences this past year. You had surgery on your palate, graduated from speech, potty trained easily, started at a preschool three hours a week. You love your teachers, Ms. Mer and Ms. Sarah, and they love you too! You play very well with your big brother but your little brother is more of a nuisance than a play mate these days. I am sure that will change this year.
You love your family and enjoy making us laugh. Our only complaint is when you yell out.....every night! You mostly complain of tummy aches. We are not sure if they really exist. We have tried letting you yell for a while but O ends up waking. Who knows what to do but I can't help but kiss your sweet lips every time I see you, morning or night! HaPpY BiRThDaY Bear!
