Merry Christmas

I know it is February, but I am catching up on the blog for Christmas. In my defense, we got a new computer and it is completely different from our old one. So we have had to do a lot of data transfer and figure out the new programs. It was a wonderful Christmas. We started out in Oregon and spent great family time. Then headed out to Utah for family time there. There were so many great moments and memories. Here are a few of the little ones I want to remember.

We saw a live nativity. The kids LOVED the camel named Nigel. We were able to go right up to Nigel and pet him. It was freezing, but spending time with a baby at Christmas time is just special. Holding my baby, I can only imagine how Mary felt. I loved holding Brady and thinking of how he just came straight from heaven into my arms. Such a sweet special spirit.

The kids loved Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Sydney and Tyler were SO excited. They could hardly stand it. Christmas Eve we spent time with family friends Bob and Susan. Bob brought over magic tricks for the kids and Tyler loved them. He thought it was the best. Especially one where Bob made a ball go through a toilet paper roll with a hair dryer. Such simplicity made him one happy boy.

Christmas morning Sydney was up bright and early. We told her she couldn't get up until 7:00. Every time there was a 7 on the clock, she would say Mom it's 7! So excited for Christmas! Then of course Tyler slept in. :) I swear he did it just to spite her. We had to wake him up to go downstairs. My favorite part is sitting on the stairs right before they go see their presents. They are so happy and do not want to sit for a picture!

This year for Christmas Sydney wanted a pair of clip on earrings and new bedding for her room. Tyler wanted a scooter and some dinosaurs. Brady didn't care what he got. He just wanted baby food and cereal. Maybe a box or two to play with.

Grammy and Papa were so great to the kids and gave them a Jeep Car that they can drive around. Hours of entertainment will be spent with this special gift. They drive it around their driveway and let their imagination run wild. First they will be going to a store, then they will be dropping off berries. Or they play like they are going to get gas and Papa is the gas attendant. They will love playing with it every time they are in Salem.

Brady and Hudson spent lots of time checking each other out on the floor. Brady loved playing with Hudson's hands and just looking him up and down. It is so fun to have cousins close in age.

The kids love spending time with Grammy, Papa, Aunt Katie, Uncle Brendon, Aunt Shay, and Baby Hudson! Thanks for such a wonderful Christmas and all the Christmas memories.

The day after Christmas, we made our trip out to Utah. The kids are such wonderful travelers. They love watching movies in the car. I actually really like the family time that we are able to spend. It is fun talking and laughing, listening to movies or music.

When we got to Utah, we had our second Christmas of the season. The kids were just as excited as the first time! They love seeing what everyone got and playing with Jake and Josh. They especially liked the dragons and their DVD players from Grandma Camille and Grandpa Tom. Tyler really liked the movie Dinotopia in his player. Sydney likes the pink on her dragon and her pink headphones. Grandma and Grandpa know her so well!

While we were in Utah, it snowed!! The kids made a sledding hill in the backyard and went up and down a zillion times. Plus lots of snowball fights and snow angels. After being worn down and freezing, they came in for hot chocolate and movies.

For New Years, we celebrated by having fondue. It was DELICIOUS! We celebrated with the kids early and even looked up fireworks from Australia, so the kids could see that. Brady didn't care, but Jake, Sydney, Tyler and Josh put on a "show" and danced around and made lots of noise. After that died down and we got the kids to bed, we watched Inception (One of Ryan's favorite movies). It was a peaceful New Years, full of hope and happiness for the new year!

It was a fantastic Christmas Celebration with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Alisa, Uncle Kurt, Jake, Josh, Uncle Rob, Aunt Aubrey, and Uncle Jeff! My kids are so blessed to have so many family members that care and love them.

I loved the Christmas Season. It will be one I hope to never forget. Spending time with Ryan, Sydney, Tyler and Brady is the best! I am looking forward to a great year!