Christmas Vacation (part 2)

While we were down in Utah, over Christmas break, the weather was unusually warm. It was fun to do a few things (with the nice weather) that we wouldn't have done otherwise. My children went on a playground tour (compliments of Grandma and Grandpa).

We were also able to fly kites.

Something Everyone loved was "Zoo Lights" at Hogle Zoo.  It was very dark, and very crowded-- which put this control-freak Mommy on edge.  In fact, I counted my children so many times that I was making myself crazy... 1,2,3,4,... where is... oh 5!

The tigers were so active. It was so fun to watch them, and listen to them roar!

Karen wanted to be on the tiger statue all by herself. She wasn't too happy (as you can see for yourself).

Karen wanted to be in this picture alone too. There was actually a line of people waiting to take pictures, or I would have taken one of her alone. Once again, she was unhappy. I told her to keep her eye out for something special. I told her that when she found the right thing, to tell me, and I would take a picture of her with it -- all by herself.

Karen saw this innocent Santa-esque zoo patron, and wouldn't take another step. She told me that was what she wanted her individual picture with. True to my word, I asked him for a picture, and he kindly obliged (Thank goodness!!!). Embarassing? Yes, but look how happy Karen is!

Creed was so cute at this train. We looked at it, while a lot of other people were taking pictures. Once the coast was clear, Creed wanted down for a picture. He went over, sat down, and smiled. As soon as the picture was taken, he got up.

Somebody is "riding" the train! I  guess no one else got the memo.

We can't miss the opportunity for a good "FART" joke.

It was such a wonderful vacation. While we were driving home, I asked the children their favorite parts; Cameron liked the zoo, Kyle liked spending time with family, Kailani liked the treats, Karen liked playing games (dixit), Creed liked Sunny... just kidding. Creed is scared of Sunny. Ryan and I liked shopping, going to the new Mission Impossible movie, eating way to many delicious treats, being with our favorite people, and giving Christmas gifts! The par-tay ended way too soon.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas seemed to come and go in a wrapping paper flying, junk-food gorging, ho-ho-ho-ing whirlwind! It was so fun, and truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I love so many things about this season, but one of the very best parts is making memories with the people I love so much.

On Christmas eve, we had a little family party. We watched some movies, had some treats, opened a couple gifts, read a few Christmas stories-- including the nativity story, and played a few games. The children liked Christmas bingo, but they LOVED Christmas-tree bowling.

I didn't get too much sleep that night, partly because I was excited for Christmas, but mostly because I kept hearing children sneaking up and down the hall all night long. Christmas morning was so fun. The children were all so excited to see what was under the tree.

After we finished opening gifts and cleaning up, we packed up the van, and headed for Grandma and Grandpa's house. About an hour into the trip, Karen said she wasn't feeling good. About an hour and 10 minutes into the trip, Karen got the Christmas barfs! It was a long trip after that. We stopped about every 15 minutes after that to deal with the throw-ups. On a side note: the "Christmas barfs" are a long-running tradition around here (unfortunately). It seems like someone always has to be sick during Christmas break. This year, nearly everyone got a turn to enjoy the Christmas barfs.

After the longest, stinkiest ride ever... we finally made it to Mom and Dad's house, and had round 2 of Christmas (except the sickies-- who were banished to the dungeon).

One of the only things Cameron wanted for Christmas was a "Ranger Cloak"-- so naturally, Kyle wanted one too. They were both disappointed to not have one under the tree at home. It made them both so happy to find one from Grandpa and Grandma!

Even little Creeky got a ranger cloak!

Creed's new blanket from Great-Grandma Rhees

It was a wonderful day. Only 350-something more days until we get to do it all again! I can't wait.

Happy December!

Ive been in a bit of a blogging slump lately-- not because we aren't doing anything worth blogging about, but more because my December "to-do" list is packed full. I love this time of year. I love that the whole world-- even those who don't think of Christ at all through out the year-- can't help but have their thoughts turned to the Savior (even if only for a second). I love the added measure of kindness, concern, and compassion in mankind. I love taking pause to measure my own life against the example of the Savior-- and recommitting to strive to be more like Him.
As a family, we have been busy searching for ways to catch the true Christmas spirit. It has been fun to hear the children's different suggestions and ideas. I hope to be able to squeeze as many of them in as possible in the next 20 days.  It is such a wonderful time of year! Happy Holidays!