The Holiday Season

So it's happened. All the planning, the schedules, the money, the time and the giving and the eating. It's done. For a moment that is haha. For a brief moment I get a breather. In this time, I am going to update my blog :-)

Let's start with Santa! This year we decided to go to The Station to see Santa Clause. We live in a small town north of Salt Lake City. For years, we would stand in line to see the Santa Clause at the Festival of Trees. Fake beard, bad breath and two hours of a line for who knows what reason because by the time it is your turn they rush you out like You're the one wasting Their time...nope! Not this year. We decided to embrace our small town life and find a local Santa. 

We live in Centerville now. About 5 minutes north is The Station Park shopping area in Farmington. I love this area for shopping, movies and dining. It's even Owen approved :-) they have heaters and fireplaces with lots of outdoor seating for anyone who doesn't want to be dragged through the shops. Owens dream form of "shopping with me" haha. 

So apparently at Christmas, they put a cottage in the middle of the square next to an ice skating rink. We showed up thinking there would be a long line. Not the case. We got in right away. Santa had Mrs. Santa there with him as well. They also had a mail box to send letters to Santa. It was awesome. 

The next day, we came back and went ice skating. Both Mitchell and Jessica were so daring! They really picked up some great speed :-)

 

We did keep up the tradition of The Festival of Trees. It was much more fun for me this year because we didn't have to wait in line for Santa. It's always hard to see the stories of adorable children that passed on to the next world, and even if adults for that matter. But the trees were beautiful. The kids both bought souvenirs to donate money to primary children's. 

And of course, we went and saw the lights on Temple Square. The nativity is always so fun to watch. To see the light in the kids' eyes when they are watching the story and the feeling of everyone around watching the baby. We also got to go up and see the statue of Jesus. The kids loved it. Afterward, we got hot cocoa and desserts at Kneaders.

This year I was asked to be on the committee to decorate the tables for the ward Christmas party. I was so nervous. But I think it ended up nicely. Many people complimented on them. Still, I was very relieved to have it over with. They did a nativity program that honestly was the first thing that helped me feel the true Christmas spirit. It was nice to spend time with those in our neighborhood and community. I think I'm finally starting to feel like we belong here.

 

Christmas parties were pretty usual this year. Super fun and nice to spend time with family. The walker party was first. Gotta love Barta :) She may be older, but she's still a spit-fire!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the Esau Family party

 

Then the Anderson party which we hosted at our house this year. I think that was my favorite. We were very fortunate to have the kids for Christmas this year. I love when we can see the Christmas magic in their eyes. The hope and love in a story they tell or a gift they give.

Jessica and Mitchell each made their own batch of rice krispie treats for everyone

The kids read their letters to Santa on Grandpa's lap

Then they released the balloons for them to fly to the North Pole!

We all participated in the Christmas Talent show. Mindee sang an unknown beautiful Christmas tune

Bennett and Hailey stole the show with their family musical numbers including All I want for Christmas and Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer!

 



Jessica got to show off her amazing new skills and talent of playing the PIANO! She played Jolly Old St. Nicholas :)

Then we heard the Christmas Story through the Bible and the Book of Mormon

Then we opened presents, hung out and chatted for a while with everyone until it was time to go to bed and wait to catch Santa up leaving our presents.

 Of all the things we did this season, my favorite was our sub for Santa. There was a family in need. The Esaus all divvied out the members of the family. We chose the 11 year old girl in 5th grade. Which was super fun for Jessica. We went shopping for her together. The kids had fun choosing gifts for her. 

We delivered the presents the day before Christmas Eve. Words can not express the love and pure emotions we felt during this experience. I think this should be a new tradition.

All in all, Christmas was a success. We had fun, ate food, laughed together, shared together and made some great memories. I love my family.