Merry Christmas!

We had a fabulous Christmas this year! Some of our favorite moments were ...

New jammies on Christmas Eve. There's something about kids in jammies ... you just want to squeeze them!
Leaving cookies and milk for Santa. The kids used some "interesting" frosting techniques this year (like an ENTIRE bottle of sprinkles on one cookie) ...
Opening presents on Christmas Morning. Joshua's phrase with each gift he opened was, "It's just what I always wanted!!" and Livi couldn't get past the orange in her stocking ...
MY favorite moment: when Jason gave me this ... (If you know of my obsession with vacuuming, you know this is my absolute dream gift!)

It all ended so quickly. We can't wait for the coming year. Here's to an awesome 2010!!

Go Nuggets!

My sister and her family are in town for Christmas (Woo Hoo!) Last night we had box seats to a Denver Nuggets game. The girls didn't watch much of the game, but we had a blast taking pictures and catching up with one another. I heard the Nuggets won though. =) Jason and Joshua had fun watching the players and cheering on the mascot during his half-time performance. We are looking forward to lots of fun times this week!

All Dressed Up ...

Pajama Party!

Today, Joshua had a pajama party at preschool. I've never seen a kid so excited to wear pajamas in public! He was also excited because this is the one day I let him take his blankie to school. He usually has to leave it in the car seat until class is over (every day is a joyful reunion when I pick him up). He watched Polar Express, sang Christmas songs, and tried hot chocolate for the first time ... it was "gross". I can't believe I've never given my kids hot chocolate before (What kind of mother am I?!) It was a great way to start Joshua's Christmas vacation, and he is counting down the days 'til Santa comes!

Breakfast with Santa

This morning we went to our ward's "Breakfast with Santa." After scarfing down some pancakes, we waited in line for 45 minutes so the kids could tell Santa what they want for Christmas. As soon as we arrived at Santa's chair, Livi ran away scared. I finally stood in the photo so she could get her treasured candy cane. Joshua, who has known what he wants for Christmas since last Christmas (Star Wars legos ... big surprise), could only answer "I don't know" when Santa asked him what he wants. I finally answered for him. After all that, I was beginning to wonder why I do this every year. Then Joshua told me, "Mom, that was so fun!" and Livi agreed with her candy cane in her mouth. So I guess we'll be back again next year. Merry Christmas Santa!

It's Beginning to Feel a lot Like Christmas!!

We had our Relief Society Christmas Dinner last night. While my mom mingled with the other ladies, Tara and I focused on trying each and every yummy treat available ... Oh how I'll miss her when she leaves for school! Once we were full (or just too embarrassed to go back for more) we enjoyed a beautiful program on Christ and service. It put me in the Christmas spirit, and I am looking forward to a great December this year. Happy Holidays!