Christmas

 This year, we were on our own for Christmas. We weren't worried but it was weird planning everything. Very different than years passed. Luckily for us Hannah decided to come be with us from December 21st-December 30th which was a lot of fun. She played with the girls,, gave us a reason to eat out, talked to me while I did stuff around the house, and helped in so many ways that I can't even count. There were times when we wouldn't be talking as we rested or read but it was just fun to have another adult around for so many days.

Christmas Eve was a beautiful day. It was in the 60s so before the festivities began we played all sorts of games outside soaking up the sunshine.

 For the Christmas Eve evening we did the normal: fancy dinner, crackers, scripture reading, and then get ready for Santa. Aunt Kay was able to join us for dinner which I'm happy about because we tried to make a feast. I cooked a pork loin on the barbecue, had potatoes, spinach salad, rolls and other things that I already can't remember! All I know is that we were so full that we didn't even have dessert.

 

 

Aunt Kay and Hannah brought their gifts and we have a small tree so it was over flowing with gifts. I loved it! 

Christmas morning was the most fun obviously. Once the girls woke up (we had to wake Kesley up) and Aunt Kay came over it was time to start the fun. We gave Madison her walker so she was able to walk out with Kelsey and they did not disappoint. Their faces said it all. Each gift was as exciting as the last. Half way through we put Madison to bed and made breakfast and then it was back at it. We took a long time to unwrap but I loved it. When we unwrapped a gift, we opened it, played with it, looked at it, called to thank people etc. I feel like we took time to enjoy the morning.

The afternoon was spent resting, napping and of course playing outside and then it was to Aunt Kays house for an Arizona Christmas as she likes to call it: Fresh orange juice from the trees, tamales, and guac.

Being at Aunt Kay's house was the most different part of our Christmas but I really think it was my favorite part of the day. We played the piano, we sat by the fire, ate delicious Mexican food, made and decorated Christmas cookies, and as a grand finale we shoot off fireworks!! Best tradition ever! I hope we always can shoot of fireworks to wrap up the day. It was the perfect send off. Normally I am really sad when Christmas is over, but the fireworks really wrapped it up so nicely that I wasn't even sad. I don't know where we will be next Christmas but if we are in Arizona, I know exactly what we are going to do because this year was perfect!