We (I) needed a little Christmas this year, but true to form it was a BIG deal again. A whole month of concerts, parties, lights, goodies and pure delightful craziness was the ticket this year. Only 1 advent had to be cancelled due to the dreaded stomach flu that swept through the house a mere 4 days till Christmas. Luckily it passed before the greatly anticipated day and it was all smiles on the day of. As much as I look forward to this holiday, and dread it at the same time, I love the clean up afterwards and the peace it leaves behind. Here are some the fun and crazy family involved things we did leading up to the day and in no particular order:
Once again we attended the famous and fabulous Tempe Town Lake Boat Parade. We dragged Wendy and Aaron and their crew with us this time. It was VERY COLD, but oh so fun.
Star Wars was all out in full FORCE...hehehehe!
And of course the famous "you'll shoot your eye out" leg lamp was there too!
Of course we decorated the tree, and when you have tall children do the work for you...the top half gets decorated. A small difference from when they were little and wanted to help!
We met up with 1/2 of my siblings and boarded the Polar Express to deliver our letters to Santa personally! I loved this little trip and our cute photo-bombing chef!
Decorating Gingerbread Men was also on the docket! 4 men + 4 kiddos = one happy momma! No sharing needed!
We decided last minute one Monday night to hit the lights at the Mesa Temple with just our little family. Again, it was super cold, but beautiful and this trip really sets the spirit every year for just why we really celebrate.
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| Later in the month, the healthy ones went again with cousins. I could really go everyday and not tire of looking at the beautiful displays that fill the whole square and visitor's center. |
Megan and Haley had their Wax Museum at school. Haley was Queen Victoria and Megan was Evita. Both were stunning and are destined for greatness!
Then this beautiful girl got the best Christmas present ever! Pearly whites that are perfectly straight! She was super sick the day of her appointment and we were secretly hoping she wouldn't throw up while having them removed! Oh what a t.v. sitcom life we live!
After getting everyone healthy again, we headed out for another train, a little closer to home. This one is at the McCormick Stillman Train Park in Scottsdale. It's small, but does not disappoint!
Sarah came to stay with us a few days before Christmas and Sam set up camp in my bed, with puzzles, dinosaurs and of course his cup and binky. He sure does make me feel loved...at least my bed anyway!
And finally, the big night. We got to host dinner and the Nativity this year again. I kind of love doing this. I love the spirit it brings to my home...even when it is filled to overflowing with 25 of us! That is only half of my family...one day I plan on having all of them here.
And like I said, a "Little Christmas" is kind of a big deal around here and I wouldn't want it any other way!
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