We've been able to create lots of Christmas memories together this year. The girls loved decorating our tree and setting up the Nativity set. We talked about the lights and the star and about Baby Jesus and his birth.
We began December by blessing Zachary on the 5th. Blake did a great job, and then after the meeting we had family and friends over for a brunch. It was so nice of everyone to come and make it to our early 9:00 sacrament meeting.
Throughout December Hallie and Lizzie loved the holiday crafts and activities at school and made some cute winter crafts at home. Their dad took them for their second annual trip to Little America in Salt Lake City for swimming and dinner and a stroll through Temple Square. We all love to get the kids in their PJ's and spend part of our cold winter evenings, driving around in our cozy, warm car to see all the hard work people have put into decorating their homes in lights and garlands for the season. Our sweet neighbors, Merlin and Kathi, invited us to join their family to make candy trains again this year. While we were there, the kids got a special treat when Santa came to visit. They got to sit on his lap and each received a special Christmas night light.
A few days before Christmas the kids and I went to Grandma and Papa's house and enjoyed spending time with them, Nolan & Melissa, and the Maher family. We had a great time but missed seeing Derek and his family and the Watsons. We returned home on Christmas Eve to find that Dad had surprised us with some Christmas home improvements, including crown molding, which I have been wanting for a long time.
On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a yummy dinner together, watched the Polar Express, and ended the day with a reading of The Night Before Christmas. The next morning the kids were thrilled with all their prizes from Santa, and we all enjoyed opening presents from grandparents and friends and family. (Lizzie immediately changed out of her PJ's and into her new leotard and bike helmet from Grandma.) Next year we're hoping Santa remembers to scale back a little. That afternoon we went to Nana's to spend some time with her and Kim and her family. We ate and exchanged gifts. Our girls always love playing with their cousin Isabelle.
There have been moments of my feeling a little overwhelmed, trying to buy, wrap, and distribute gifts; take care of sweet Baby Zach; and keep up on the clutter that seems to make its way into every corner of our home this time of year. I admit I've had a few Scroogey thoughts here and there, but when it's all said and done, I want to spend the time to make the holidays special for my kids and let family, friends, and neighbors know that we care about them. It all seems to be worth it in the end.
