Christmas Vacation

We spent the week of Christmas in California with my family. We had such a grand time and, as usual, we are a little bummed to have to get back into the swing of things. How is it that such trips are looked forward to so much for so long and then over so quickly?

We had quite the adventure getting to Califo. With delayed flights, missed connections, change of destination, and lost luggage to boot. We didn’t get to my parent’s house until after 3:00 AM. But it could have been much worse, because at least we made it to CA the next day and at least M was happy the whole flight, even though it was WAAAAAAAAY past his bedtime. I was so worried he would cause a ruckus for the other passengers, but he was very cheerful for both legs. Thank goodness.

We very much enjoyed getting out of the cold and soaking up the eighty degree weather. Prior to our trip we hadn’t seen much sunshine in weeks. We spent a good amount of time just basking like lizards in the backyard/sitting in the hot tub. It’s amazing how much better I feel when the weather is lovely. Of course the dogs all had to join us. They always do:

And the Bug enjoyed getting lots of cuddle time with gramma and grampa and cousin. There is just something so sweet about seeing your parents love on your kiddo.

The highlight of our trip was celebrating Christmas together, naturally. We have this tradition that we always get to open one present on Christmas eve and it’s always pajamas. This year the boys all got matching Superman jammies! Mason’s even had a cape! I love it ever so much:  


Spencer and I had so much fun playing Santa. I have always gotten so excited at Christmas that I can’t sleep, but Christmas has been especially exciting since having a kiddo. I stayed awake for hours just waiting for morning to come. There is something so magical about seeing the holiday through M’s eyes. He was enchanted by all of it.

Christmas morning we got to skype with Sister White! EEE! She looked so pretty and happy and it was so darn good to see her face. It made me so homesick for her though.

We didn’t start opening presents until after we had finished talking with Chelsetto, much later than our usual 6:00 AM or earlier start to the festivities.

In our family, we like to write funny/unique gift tags. I know it’s super weird, but it’s our tradition and I love it so. They often make me laugh.
We also like to wrap in funny boxes and have been known to save a choice empty pampers or tampons boxes for just such an occasion. This one made me laugh because it was for my dad and he is very into manly-type activities like football and cooking outdoors. He loves to talk about man cards. I guess you’d have to know him, but it made me chuckle anyway.

See? Gifts to the boys from Dad:

He very much enjoys picking out manly presents for the men in his life. Tools! ARGGG!

Mason’s Santa presents were this circus tent and popcorn popper. Spencer had a popcorn popper just like that one when he was little and he was very insistent that that was what he wanted to get for M for Christmas. M was rather enamored with his tent. We suspected he would be considering how much he loves hiding in various places around the house.

I love seeing him use his special stocking.


The kiddos loved all of their presents so much that they had to be persuaded to stop playing with their newest toy to unwrap the next present. It was very fun to watch M get excited about each gift he unwrapped.

M playing with a Noah’s ark from Gma&Gpa White:

The kiddos got these horses from Gramma and Grampa as well. These little ponies were definitely a big hit. The kiddos loved bouncing about on them, and I have to admit, I took M’s pony for a spin or two around the living room as well. I must say it was a LOT of fun. I thought about posting a video of me bounding along on one, but perhaps some other day.

The men (including Mason for part of the time) enjoyed watching the BYU bowl game. They so love to watch football together. This picture of Grandpa in his recliner and M in his cousin’s recliner KILLS me. I shall frame it.   

We did a lot of other fun things, but this post is getting fairly long, so I think I’ll break it up. Thanks so much, family, for the good times and fun memories. We love you all lots and lots and lots!