Christmas Happenings

Where do I begin? I'll start by telling you that I took about a zillion pictures, and plan on adding a good chunk of them to this post. So if you feel like skipping it and getting to the point, I will tell you, it was lovely. All of it.

For those of you in for the long haul...here we go.

My favorite tradition at our house is that Mrs. Claus leaves the girls a new outfit every year on Christmas morning. (I used to do her hair, so we are tight like that...) And boy, does she have good taste? I mean seriously, leg warmers! Well done Mrs. Claus!

Our Christmas Eve was spent at my parents house with all of my siblings and cousins galore. It was just what Christmas Eve should be with Christmas music blaring, all of us laughing, the cousins checking to see where Santa was every 5 minutes, great food, and lots of games.

First on the agenda was gingerbread houses, and this was a so much fun. My family tends to make everything a competition, and this was no different. I still think ours is the best...but whatever.

Sienna just wanted to lick the frosting/glue and she was happy!

The gang.

This is my very favorite moment of the night. The girls dancing to Christmas music with Daddy. It was such a care free, beautiful moment. I sure love my family!Next up was "Santa" bingo. Even the little ones loved this, and were super excited to get some early Christmas prizes.

And then the traditional Christmas Eve Jammies from Grandma. They are sure a darling group of kids, and Grandma got them some darling Pj's. (She spoils them all rotten!)This is another favorite moment of the night. Each of the grandkids gave Grandpa a figurine to his new (and loved) Christmas village. I just thought this picture was darling and this was a tradition in the making!

Then we played "pass the present", and listened to grandpa read the Nativity. It was very sweet to watch the kids, who had been loud and crazy all night, sit down and listen and remember the reason for all the celebrating.

When we went home I expected a long battle to get the girls to sleep, but they were so exhausted they hit the pillow and were out. Of course, I was too excited to let them sleep in much on Christmas morning, and woke them up at 6....but it was worth it, because it really was so much fun. They both really felt the magic of it all and loved every single thing they got. Adyson would even pull out something silly out of her stocking, like toothpaste, and gasp with excitement. It was an unforgettable morning.And for the record,

Adyson's favorite gift from Santa:her peek-a-boo dollhouse and her Barbie car.

Sienna's favorite gift from Santa:her Tinkerbell, vacuum, and Mamma Mia. (Don't judge.)

After a delicious Turkey dinner that my mom slaved over, we made the trek to The Kidman's in Tremonton to get spoiled once again. We played pass the present (a Kidman family tradition), and played some fun games, which the girls totally dominated... Adyson just wanted to play restaurant, and served Grandma and I some delicious dinner, Sienna ate, and ate, and ate Grandma's soup. They both loved looking at her beautiful village, and watching the train go around the tree. We had such a great time, until we left that is. Because then we hit the most awful road and driving conditions we have ever been in. I'm telling you, we couldn't see a thing and seemed to be the only car headed in our direction pioneering the way. It took us an hour and 45 minutes to get home, and I darn near cried a few times. It was possibly the whitest Christmas I've ever seen, and it is beautiful, as long as you are warm and cozy in your home. :). We had a really wonderful time though, and it was even worth the drive from hell!!

Last year Christmas was a blur with everything that happened just weeks before. We tried to make it a wonderful day, but "it" was always pretty much in the back of our minds. This year, it was just all so perfect. It was spent with family, friends, and chuck full of magic. Thanks to my mom and Trav's mom for making everything so special. Our girls are sure loved! I am sad that it is already over, but so thankful that it turned out the way it did! I hope you all had a very lovely, and very safe day as well.

Phew. I'm spent.