But it is only fair to say I am nothing if not persistent. So here we are with another update.
Let's begin with Grinchy Performance number 3. Amber, Ty, and now Drew have all had the same first-grade teacher and have all participated in a holiday performance of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. We have decided that even if Jacob does not end up in her class, we will have to put him in the play. It is now an expected tradition.
I love that he can barely reach the microphone. My little pocket-sized boy is so cute!
Next was Amber's birthday. It was the usual: a treat for school (she chose mint brownies), a party with friends (pajama movie night), a party with family, and oodles of gifts to open and enjoy.
Silliness always ensues when the family gathers.
Next we spent the week preparing for Christmas:
Baking. Lots of baking. The kids enjoyed helping but enjoyed delivering to friends even more.
Packing. Lots of packing. We planned to visit family in Utah the day after Christmas again (it's practically tradition). Everything had to be packed and staged before Christmas eve so that we could enjoy our traditions and family time.
Playing outside. Lots of playing outside. In order for mom to get everything done the boys had to get out of the house and make messes elsewhere. Fortunately the big kids are getting really good at supervising and even come up with a fun activity for the littles every once in a while. Justin came in and told me, "Mom, I put my hand, I don't know why." Then I saw this sign Caitlin had everyone make on the front door. Love that girl.
Wrapping. Lots of wrapping. For the past 20 years my family has participated in an organization that brings Christmas gifts to needy families on Christmas Eve. This is the last year. My girls were adamant that we wrap this year (something we have not been able to do every time.) So we brought a few friends along to wrap the gifts we had purchased to be delivered Christmas Eve.
Love these girls.
Then Christmas Eve we were blessed with a babysitter so Brad and I could take the big three to deliver gifts. Every year for 20 years my dad has participated as Santa Claus for this organization. We love the memories we have from this experience. I was so blessed to have our favorite babysitter come and fill my shoes for the night. The boys decorated cookies for Santa, made reindeer food, sprinkled Grinch dust, saw Christmas lights, and enjoyed dinner and hot chocolate by the fire. All of their favorite traditions still happened even in mama's absence. It just took a little extra preparation.
Christmas morning the kids (all 6 of them) ran into our room to snuggle and anxiously await release to their stockings. I love watching 'first' Christmases. The last 3 years have been so special.
They were all so excited to open their stockings.
For the first time this year the kids traded their goodies. Apparently Santa mixed up some of the 'favorite' candy choices.
All is well that ends well.
Justin was a little impatient with all of our morning traditions. We expected him to be excited about opening gifts but his enthusiasm was a bit through the roof. We later discovered some of his friends had received cars for Christmas. His expectation of what would be under the tree was a little off...
Gifts at Nana's house brightened everyone's spirits. This felt like the first time in a long time we were able to just enjoy the crazy present opening. This was the first year Jacob and Ty did not need special accommodations to get them through the day. It was so fun to see each of the kids' faces light up and hear the excitement in their voices, "MOM! Look what I got!" Love it.
The day after Christmas we were able to leave nice and early. It was a smooth and quick trip in Bertha to our family in Utah.
I LOVE this vehicle! Not one complaint the entire drive. Everyone had room to nap. Everyone had room to play. We had room for all of our gear. And our extended family members even have room to join us on adventures without tagging along in an extra vehicle. Perfection.
More on our Utah adventures later. This update is long enough. Merry Christmas to all!
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