Christmas Traditions 2009

Christmas was quite a busy time for us this year. One of the activities we have enjoyed is going to Christmas Village in Ogden with our neighbors, the Ellis's. However, Dale was a bit sick this year after standing in line on the coldest day of the year to see Sarah Palin, that we decided to change venues. We actually just drove through Layton City Park and were surprised at how cute their lights were. The kids had fun, we stayed warm, and it was quick. We then ordered Mandarin and came back and watched Star Trek, while the kids watched another show. Fun tradition, right?!

We also went to Salt Lake and went ice skating with Santa. Our neighbor had tickets with her work. It was awesome to watch all of our kids learn how to skate and they were able to skate a little bit on their own.

Another thing we enjoy doing every night is opening a bag under the tree that has a Christmas book in it. We read one a night, and then open a chocolate from the advent calendar, Grandma's gift to us every year. The kids look forward to this. Although this year Brayden decided to eat all of his chocolate the first night.

Christmas Eve was spent at my parents' house. It was so relaxing this year. We ate dinner, then let the kids do a couple talents, which included singing Rudolph and Ady signing the words. Then we read the nativity and let the kids put it up. After is the presents that the kids give each other. This year the kids were very excited and found elf prints outside as well as reindeer prints. Their imaginations were on fire! Simple traditions, but it wouldn't be the same without them.

I remember long ago when we were all little and we would have a talent show. Stef, my oldest sister would always play a duet on the piano with my sister Kayla. I would always do a dance, and Blake would play the trumpet, which didn't last long. He played the piano after that. Grandma would do a reading, from one of her old stories, and Grandpa, when he felt like it, would play his trumpet. One year he and Blake did a duet. It was cute. But Grandpa loved Blake playing the trumpet, and I'm afraid Blake didn't feel the same.

Christmas Eve when we get home was getting cookies and milk ready for Santa and spreading some reindeer food on the snow. They went right to bed, but could hardly get to sleep. Clayson kept asking all sorts of questions and was just wondering what was going to happen. I love it!

Christmas morning, besides Clayson's 1:30 am visit to our room asking if Santa came, started at 7:30. They first ran to see if Santa ate his cookies and were disappointed when they found a couple bites left. They then ran to stocking, and found their presents, where we started youngest to oldest at opening them. They were so excited about all of their presents! Easy to please!

Mom and Dad came out to see what Santa brought and we fed them cinnamon rolls and Egg casserole.

Then we headed down to Provo to see Dale's family. We were able to visit, play, and eat down there. Grandma J. always gives them new jammies. Don't they look adorable?!

We were also able to talk to Uncle Stu clear over in Fiji. Granddad downloaded SKYPE, which is an internet video phone, so Stu was able to see us.
He was at an internet cafe, so wasn't able to have video, but it still was fun. He even blessed Christmas dinner in Fijian! Very cool!
It was a nice Christmas this year. The kids are at such a fun age that makes Christmas magical!