Christmas prep

Getting ready for Christmas this year has been extra magical. I'm not really sure why. Maybe because I'm not in school anymore and can focus more on the holiday season, maybe it's because I have two very excited children, maybe it's because Tristan was sick for a good part of December and consequently worked from home a lot (which we all loved), or maybe it's because they're old enough to realize that fun times are upon them--whatever the case, it's been wonderful.

We went and got a Christmas tree (our first real one!) on a rainy day. 

Notice how no one is there? It was literally pouring. We got our tree in like 15 minutes. Brilliant, right?

The kids thought it was pretty awesome that we had a tree in our car and then in our house.

They loved helping me set up the tree. They were pros with the ornaments and tried to help with the lights. Caleb helped by sitting in a box of decorations.

One night after work, we went and got hot chocolate and walked around the temple. 

They don't have lights at the Sacramento temple, but they did have a nice Nativity. Also, the temple is a light all by itself. My attempts to teach the kiddos the importance of remembering what Christmas is really about was not squandered. But prepare yourself for the Santa explosion below.

Apparently Santa is a big hit this time of year. I think we saw him about 5 times and this is without purposely going anywhere I knew he'd be. They'll throw Santa into any activity. Hey, come to preschool, Santa will be there. Hey, come get a haircut, Santa will be there. Hey come to the Doctor's to get your 4-year-old immunizations, along with sharp and painful objects, Santa will be there! (A little exaggerated, but only a little).

 This was at our ward Christmas breakfast.

Caleb stayed on his lap for half a second. Enough time for the photographer to get a picture, but not enough for mom with the iPhone.

See? And then it was just Ellie. Caleb is no where to be seen. 

Except he can always be found near his BFF June. I like this picture because it looks like he's kissing her hand like a gentleman, but I think he's really sneaking a taste of her candy cane (which he already devoured).

 You can see Ellie with her cousins Allye and Hailye singing "Christmas bells" with the other primary kids. Ellie was sad she didn't get a bell to ring, but the primary chorister is the best and let her do it at church the next day.

The older primary kids also put on a really great Nativity which was probably my favorite part. I sat next to Allye and Ellie and was said, "Do you see the baby Jesus?" And Ellie asks, "Is that the real baby Jesus?" And I replied, "No, just a pretend one." and then Allye asks, "Where's the REAL Jesus?" to which Ellie quickly responded, "At the temple." I gave them extra hugs after that.

This was at Allye's preschool program, I had no idea the big mad would be making an appearance! How cute are these two cousins?

And this was at Sheldon and Lesa's work party. (And Tabitha's; it's all in the family). 

Delicious food and lots of activities for the kiddos, Lesa and Tabitha planned the whole thing and I'd say it was a success!

And Santa came again! But instead of candy canes, he brought actual gifts for the kids! It's fair to say this may have been their favorite Santa. 

Tristan also got us tickets for a magic train ride through Intel. It was so fun!  We wore PJs, had cookies and drank lots of hot chocolate all while being entertained by an animated staff and an animated Ellie.

In our booth.

They loved every second.

And, what do ya know? Another Santa! He was my favorite because he was not only the nicest, but had the best beard by far. Obviously the beard dictates the likeness levels.

And to finish off our fun-filled Christmas preparation activities, we got to go pick up my little Brother from the Oakland airport and bring him home with us! We also got to see our oldest brother who lives there.

He took us to probably the best Chinese food place I've ever been. Homemade noodles, crispy, tasty chicken, and green beans; it'll be something I crave for years to come. We always have fun with him because we get to experience Oakland how it's meant to be experienced.

Thank you Andrew for the best time!

And now that we have Uncle Mickey with us this Christmas, we know that's only a recipe for fun. I hope everyone has a great Christmas season with low stress levels and high fun levels! And one where we are able to properly reflect the importance of this season and why it's so different from the rest. I'm grateful for the birth and gift of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Without whom the happiness and joy I receive on a daily basis could not be felt. I'm grateful for the hope, peace, and love He brought to this world, to my family, and to me personally.

And I have to share this video that has been shared a lot, but one that has brought me so much happiness this Christmas season. I'm so grateful for the talents and testimonies of others that help to strengthen my own.