A Merry Christmas Season

This year was truly a Christmas season for our family. We had a great Christmas break and enjoyed every minute with all of our family members. This year for Christmas we headed out to Utah. While we were there, my Grandma Carol hosted her annual Christmas party. The kids were able to play with cousins and eat lots of good food. They loved acting out a nativity scene. Sydney was Mary and she took very good care of the Baby Jesus during the play. Tyler didn't want to dress up, but he enjoyed the cane of the Shepard. Every time the word "Shepard" was said, Tyler would yell it out. We had to watch him carefully to make sure he didn't hit anyone with the cane. Santa and Mrs. Clause also came and talked to the kids about Christmas. Sydney told them she wanted a Barbie for Christmas. Tyler didn't want to talk to Santa, until he started handing out candy.

We also went and visited the lights at Temple Square. It was really cold and a long night. We rode the train downtown from Sandy and it was very crowded. The lights were beautiful and the Salt Lake Temple is always very peaceful on the grounds. It was a white Christmas in Utah. Sydney and Jake had a great time with Daddy building a snowman. They loved their new snowman face and buttons that my sister gave them. Sydney lasted a lot longer in the snow this year, then she did last year. Tyler enjoyed the snow from inside. He had a cough and was taking a nap when the older kids went out and played. During the trip to Utah, they enjoyed lots of Grandpa’s chocolate milk and Grandma and Aunt Alisa's homemade goodies. They enjoyed making marshmellows and eating them in hot chocolate.

Christmas morning Santa came and visited the kids at my parents’ house. Tyler got a new dinosaur and Sydney got a Barbie. Santa left a note saying that he would deliver some other items in a few days when we were back to our own house. It was kind of Santa to think of the weight limit of suitcases for flying. We then went over to Alisa and Kurt’s house and enjoyed a nice breakfast. That afternoon/evening we opened presents with my parents and siblings back at my parents’ house. Sydney and Tyler loved all their presents, especially the Disney Cars and Princess sleeping bags from Grandma and Grandpa. And what would be Christmas without dinosaurs, trucks, dolls etc? And Mom's and Dad's favorite - cash. :) Thanks to my family for all the presents and spending time with us. It was a wonderful Christmas.

When we returned from our Utah trip, we were able to spend time with family in Oregon. Sydney and Tyler enjoyed a sleepover with their Aunt Katie at our house. We watched Madagascar 2 otherwise known as "Moto Moto" at our house. (You have to have seen the movie and pay close attention to appreciate the reference) We went down to Grammy and Papa's house for New Year’s weekend. New Year’s Eve was Christmas for the Alexander family. The kids had a great time telling people what they should open and asking if they needed any help. Tyler loves his new fire truck and Sydney's new toy mixer. Sydney really likes her new butterfly shirt and toy food, just to name a few. Plus books, games, lamps, dress-up jewelry. Thanks for all the presents and for the great family time we were able to spend together. And thanks for letting my kids "help" open your presents. :)

While Brendon and Doug were around, we recruited them to help build the Shelf Reliance canned food rotation shelf system we got for Christmas for our garage. I was very excited to have it all put together and all the cans on it. It was a great Christmas present from Grammy and Papa and we love it!

During the weekend we were able to do Sydney's favorite activity - riding the Carousel. We rode it three times. I was very proud of Tyler because he actually rode also. Daddy took him on the covered wagon and he quite enjoyed himself. Maybe next time we'll promote him to a horse. After the Carousel, we went and enjoyed a hot chocolate. The kids were in hot chocolate heaven, along with their Mommy.

We really enjoyed being able to see all of our parents, siblings, friends, and other family members. As a family, we feel so blessed for all that we have and all that we were able to do this Christmas. It is so important to us to be able to spend time with family and to just be together. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone (albeit a little bit belated)!