Santa Rocks!

Well, another holiday season has come and gone, and we were particularly grateful this year for the opportunity to enjoy so much time with friends and loved ones. My parents were here for Thanksgiving and we got to spend Christmas with Scott's family. We were also privileged to get to see my brother Adam and his family (in town from Wisconsin) for a couple of days before New Years.

Here are a few of the many highlights from Christmas:

1) We heart Santa! - This year, because of the ward Christmas party and a party held at Scott's Aunt Karen's house, we got to visit with two of Santa's helpers which was incredibly exciting for Miles. He was very quick to hop up on Santa's lap and rattle off his 3 desires for Christmas - a T-Rex, a rhinoceros and a scooter. He was a little disappointed when Santa did not produce the items on the spot. We are still trying to understand how this whole Santa thing works.

I thought Tate would cry once sitting on Santa's lap, but he appeared mesmerized by the man with the long white beard and the red hat.

The captivation was short lived however and he was soon ready to be back with his dad.

2) Christmas Eve - We spent the evening with Scott's family at his sister Sue's house where we enjoyed a lovely dinner, a talent show, a reading from the bible of the Savior's birth, and a gift exchange. Miles and Scott read "The Night Before Christmas" and Miles had us all sing "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer." Thanks to some cute and clever cousins, he has learned all of the additional unwritten parts to the song and it has quickly become a favorite.

3) White Christmas - As many of you know, I could live without ever seeing snow or the temperature drop below 80 degrees, except at Christmas time. There is something so magical and peaceful about looking out your window and seeing the cold, white snow drift in while you are bundled up inside. Now, if only I could get it to appear on the 24th and disappear on the 26th. Here is a picture of our house all done up in lights - I do so love a white Christmas.

4) Happy Children - Everyone says that you can't really appreciate the excitement of Christmas until you have children in the home. I have loved getting to see my kids learn to love the holiday as much as I do. Every year I drag them around to look at Christmas lights, and this year Miles showed signs of actually enjoying it a little bit. Ahhh, progress. . . . .

Christmas morning was fun and relaxing as we hung out as a family and played with new toys. We spent the afternoon at Scott's parents house with his family until a strong blizzard forced us to head home. Such a lovely day - sad to see it end.

Waiting to see what Santa brought:

Before the chaos:

Favorite Presents :

This T-Rex now has his own seat in our car.

Our little "babe magnet".

5) Family Time - There is nothing like being together at Christmas - my favorite thing of all!