Christmas Morning

The kids let us sleep until 7:30, which was the first Christmas miracle. Jalen was so excited to get started!

He was bursting with excitement from the time he first looked in his stocking until the last gift was opened. He was even excited when Baylie opened her presents.

Baylie kept eyeing the big present in the back and pointed out several times that we hadn't opened it yet. She was so excited that Santa had brought her the Barbie beach house she had asked for. We had told her that she asked for it too late and there was no way he would be able to get her one.

Jalen had never doubted that Santa would bring him a Buzz Lightyear, but he was sure excited to see it when he opened it.

Baylie also loved her My Life doll (we call it an American Girl doll). The doll looks just like Baylie. I told Baylie that I want one next year. She is beautiful and cuddly soft.

Jalen and Buzz - BFFs.

Baylie, her Barbies and the beach house.

Twister!

Daddy has some mean skills!

Hope you all enjoyed Christmas as much as we did!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Tomorrow is Christmas and I'm excited. Both of my kids are getting exactly what they want, which is semi miraculous. We didn't really know what they wanted until a couple of weeks ago, but we  had already found Jalen's gift (Buzz Lightyear) and we were able to score Baylie's gift (Barbie Beach house) for a very reasonable price at Wal Mart - the very last one. I'm so excited for tomorrow!

We are having a wonderful visit. Thanks to Aunt Shanelle, Jalen is LOVING the snow all bundled up in a snowsuit. I hadn't realized that he had never seen snow before - at least not since he's been old enough to remember. He is out in it every minute possible.

Baylie was only 2 1/2 last time she saw it, so she doesn't rememer it much. They attacked David with snowballs.

They shoveled...

...and played...

...and helped Grandad...

 ...and ate snow.

In fact, Jalen joins Grandad every chance he gets. It was so cute watching Jalen follow his Grandad all over with the shovel.

He also wanted Grandad to hit him with the snow from the blower. He'd chase him down and stand right in the path of the blower stream.

We took a break from the festivities in order to go to my niece's wedding (the actual reason for our trip). It started with a luncheon (Cafe Rio, baby!).

Baylie and Camden

Ashley looked beautiful - like Snow White.

Ashley, and her dad, my brother - Clark.
(How come he's not as grey as me???)

After the wedding, we got together for some family fun. I love my family so much and miss them terribly because we live so far away. I love spending every minute possible with them while we're here.

Yesterday we finally had snow that would at least sort of stick, so David and the kids made a snowman. I think he looks like Paul Schaffer.

I had a fun lunch date with a friend from my junior high days. It was fun to catch up and a little crazy to compare notes. She has six kids, three of them already graduated.

Today we had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner - mostly prepared by my brother, Erik, who is an incredible cook. Afterwards, we did the family nativity, which is usually a cross between a spiritual reminder and a sacrilegious comedy sketch.

David, as always, was the donkey; Baylie was Mary; and the baby Jesus was a stuffed penguin (and the sacrilege begins...).

We ended up with one shepherd and four wise men. Apparently the wise men have better costumes.

I introduced my family to sweet potato pie - I think it was the best one I've ever made.

Too much eggnog?

When we got home, we lit our luminarios (or luminaries). This was one of my favorite traditions when I was a kid. I remember times when my dad and I would be lighting the candles in the freezing snow. It was fun doing them again and sharing this tradition with my kids.

Baylie has been obsessed all day about putting out her "reindeer chow" that she made in school. She was so worried about forgetting it. Tonight she prayed, "Bless Rudolph and the other reindeer: Dancer, Prancer and Cancer..."

...and to all a good night!

Winter Wonderland

We were excited at the prospect of flying to Utah on purchased tickets rather than flying standby. There are definitely pros to knowing you will actually get where you're trying to go. On the flip side, there are also cons. For example, you actually have to pay for your ticket! That means you have to try and find the cheapest date and time to fly. For us, that meant driving to Charlotte, flying to Las Vegas by way of Houston, renting a car one-way to Salt Lake City, renting another car one-way to Las Vegas, and flying back to Charlotte by way of Chicago. It was half the price of flying right to Utah. Plus, since we flew Southwest, we could check bags for free. 

Despite flying on a confirmed ticket, we still had some hiccups. I think I can count on the fingers of one hand the times we haven't had hiccups when flying. This time it was the weather. I intentionally booked us on a southern route to avoid northern storms, but unfortunately, our flight originated in Chicago and so it was delayed. We spent several hours in Charlotte which then caused us to misconnect in Houston. We got to Vegas about five hours later than planned. But the important thing is we got there! It was less stressful than flying standby and not knowing when/if we'd arrive.

Fortunately, our kids are great little travelers and know how to go with the flow. 

We didn't have nearly enough time in Las Vegas and Baylie sobbed when we left. She loves her twin cousins, Lauryn and Clara. Fortunately, we will be making another trip down for a couple days after Christmas. (Yes, if you're doing the math, that makes two round trips to Vegas on this trip.)

Before we left, Baylie was very concerned that Grandad wouldn't have his lights up and that we wouldn't have snow. So, she was thrilled when we drove up and Grandad's house was ablaze with lights. Then the next morning both kids were so excited to see snow. I don't think Jalen even remembered snow and Baylie only vaguely. 

They made snow angels and Baylie was shocked to see that it actually looked like an angel when she stood up. Unfortunately, we don't have snow boots or very heavy coats. Jalen was screaming before long, certain his hands had frostbite.

Sno-fro!

A bunch of the family met in Midway to play in the snow, eat donuts and drink hot chocolate.

We saw this wonderful ice castle that was being built. Really amazing! It opens on January 1.

My mom has had these decorations since I was a little girl. She instructed the kids not to touch it. I guess they thought she wouldn't notice.

We used the money my parents gave us for Christmas to ride the North Pole Express. It was truly a magical experience. I had splurged and purchased first class tickets. When we got there, the train was so empty for our particular ride, they let everyone go first class. I didn't mind anyone else having the experience, but I couldn't help but think they should give me a refund. By the end of the ride, I decided it just didn't matter.

Grammy and Grandad decided to go with us. It made it so much more fun.

Jalen was beside himself whenever he heard the train whistle.

Mrs. Claus's famous chocolate chip cookies.

Jalen's "I love hot chocolate" face.

Super Jalen!

The highlight of the trip was SANTA! He was so personable with the kids and talked to them individually. The kids were so excited.

Jalen can hear the bell!

Talking to the elf.

Punching the ticket.

Two turtle doves...

Dancing with the elves.

 Meeting the conductors.

Our happy family.

Little red caboose.

Grammy and Grandad took Baylie on a special date to see A Christmas Carol. She was excited and felt very grown up. Apparently, during a rather serious and silent part of the program, Baylie loudly asked, "Is it over yet?", resulting in the audience laughing at an inopportune moment. Whoops!

Today we spent the day going back and forth between niece and nephew Christmas programs. (Why don't we do these in South Carolina??) It is so fun to be home for the holidays!