Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! It's Collin's first Christmas and I must say I'm sad it's over. I always am. Christmas is so much more than one day, it's a whole month of fun events and happy memories. Collin has experienced so many fun activities this year and I hope he grows up to love these traditions as much as I do. From Santa visits, cookie decorating, getting the tree, decorating the tree, decorating the house, hanging lights, viewing lights, Santa's village, Christmas shows, listening to Christmas music, Christmas train, finding the elf, Christmas count down, Christmas stories, Christmas cards, gift giving etc., I hope the magic of Christmas always brings joy to my children. This year Christmas fell on a Monday which meant work and school went late. We left for Bishop on Saturday morning taking two cars due to presents, three kids, luggage and a dog. The trip took 6 hours per usual, but actually went fairly smoothly. The kids had a blast in Bishop. They love being with their cousins and running around having fun. We decorated cookies, made tamales, had many dance parties, visited Laws Railroad/the farm/ and fed the ducks at the park. The kids of course played in the playhouse and enjoyed all the dogs that were there. We went to church 3 times in 2 days (Jesus is the reason for the season) and the kids got to participate in the Grace Lutheran Christmas pageant. Hannah was an angel and Jack was a cow. On Christmas Eve Hannah lost a tooth and about 10 minutes later Weston pulled out his that was very wiggly. I have never heard of the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus coming on the same night, but somehow it happened and was a very exciting moment for the house. The kids left cookies for Santa and many notes. They are always so shocked when they see their elf traveled to Bishop. It was a great Christmas morning. Hannah and Jack got plasma cars and Collin got a tickle me Elmo. The kids have been loving the Plasma Cars. Some of Hannah's favorites from us were her Echo dot, camera and purse. Jack got baseball stuff which he's yet to use so not sure he likes it, but he was all over the Oreos found in his stocking. Jack has such joy and a happy heart. He has really enjoyed this season and everyone enjoys the sweet comments he makes along the way such as "I'm sorry to say Benjamin this is your last present," "I would very much like to go to bed" and "Alexa, what does Heaven look like." Collin enjoyed tearing paper and crawling into boxes. Nana and Gramps had many gifts for all and great food. The next day was spent playing games and with new toys. The kids did not want to leave, but we had to be back to celebrate our 9 year anniversary! And as Jack now frequently asks "Alexa, How many days until Christmas?"