Christmas is my very favorite holiday, and the thing I love about it the most is how many fun things there are to do. This Christmas has been fantastic so far, with lots of good stuff going on!
On December 5th, our Book Club met to "discuss" our last book. (Basically an excuse to get together and have fun!) Tom and Stacey brought Grey, who is just adorable, and he and Cole had fun playing. I love that we still get together, and I enjoy branching out to different books than I would normally read.
That night, we also went to the Kelly's Annual Christmas Party. The live just kitty-corner from us, and have an awesome neighborhood party every year. I don't know how they fit all the people they do in their house, but they have delicious food and a crazy good gift exchange. I'm so glad they're willing to host!
On December 12th, Shan and Lance hosted their Christmas Party. My mom and dad took Cole for a much-appreciated sleep-over (thanks, guys!), and we had a fantastic time. Shan and Lance know how to throw a party! The best moment? Bryce and I won a prize for the best white elephant gift - a 365 day calendar entitled, "What Your Poo's Telling You." (On sale at your local retailer.)
On December 13th, the Thomsen's came over to make gingerbread houses.
Cole enjoyed making his first house:
Mitchell was so cute with Cole, following him around to make sure his shopping cart didn't get caught on anything and that he was doing okay.
Cole's day care had Santa come over - surprisingly, Cole was not a fan. They also gave each child their own stocking - complete with reindeer antlers!
On December 18th, Bryce, Cole and I went down to see the lights at Thanksgiving Point.
Bryce - agape with wonder.
Cole seemed to enjoy them.
Mom - not so much. Paying $8 to basically sit in traffic? Probably not next year.
I thought Cole would like the reindeer. Meh.
The best part of the night? Gingerbread Cake!
On December 19th, it was GNO - Christmas Edition! We ate at Cucina Toscana (DELICIOUS!), and enjoyed a fire at Kelly's Historical House of Wonder.
And finally, the 20th found us at Grandma Nancy's for the Barber Christmas Party. It's a mad house, but so much fun! Cole missed his nap, so I thought he'd be cranky. Nope - just very loopy - which was enjoyable for everyone. He loved being a shepherd in the nativity, and sang along with all the songs.
He enjoyed meeting his cousin Tyler, as this picture clearly demonstrates:
He loved opening...and riding...his gifts from the Dixons.
And we all loved spending time with family. Yay Christmas!!!
We all gave Grandma & Grandpa Thomsen a personalized temple rendering, which really did turn out lovely.
After arriving home and giving Cole a much-needed nap, Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Randy arrived. They gave Cole the most adorable rocking horse for Christmas. He was brave enough to actually pet it, which meant that he really liked it. :)
Halfway through the night, he decided he needed to wear his reindeer antlers.
Christmas morning was wonderful. I was up before everyone else and got to enjoy the Christmas tree and gifts before destruction commenced.
Bryce's big gifts were camping gear - a stove and a dutch oven. We can't wait to use them!
I received that which I love most - gift cards to go shopping and gummy bears!
Cole loved his new toys and clothes.
He really caught on to this whole present thing, and every time we turned around he was opening one of either Bryce or my gifts.
We got cleaned up and headed over to Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Randy's house. We had delicious souffle and biscuits with Great-Grandma Barber and Aunt Carol. We opened gifts, and then it was time for a well-earned nap.
That night, we also went to the Kelly's Annual Christmas Party. The live just kitty-corner from us, and have an awesome neighborhood party every year. I don't know how they fit all the people they do in their house, but they have delicious food and a crazy good gift exchange. I'm so glad they're willing to host!
Cole enjoyed making his first house:
Mitchell was so cute with Cole, following him around to make sure his shopping cart didn't get caught on anything and that he was doing okay.
Cole's day care had Santa come over - surprisingly, Cole was not a fan. They also gave each child their own stocking - complete with reindeer antlers!
On December 18th, Bryce, Cole and I went down to see the lights at Thanksgiving Point.
Cole seemed to enjoy them.
Mom - not so much. Paying $8 to basically sit in traffic? Probably not next year.
I thought Cole would like the reindeer. Meh.
The best part of the night? Gingerbread Cake!
On December 19th, it was GNO - Christmas Edition! We ate at Cucina Toscana (DELICIOUS!), and enjoyed a fire at Kelly's Historical House of Wonder.
And finally, the 20th found us at Grandma Nancy's for the Barber Christmas Party. It's a mad house, but so much fun! Cole missed his nap, so I thought he'd be cranky. Nope - just very loopy - which was enjoyable for everyone. He loved being a shepherd in the nativity, and sang along with all the songs.
He enjoyed meeting his cousin Tyler, as this picture clearly demonstrates:
He loved opening...and riding...his gifts from the Dixons.
And we all loved spending time with family. Yay Christmas!!!
