Christmas Day

 Christmas day was peaceful and also exciting. Eliza was most excited about her dress up treasure chest. William loved everything and really started talking by repeating all words around this day. He had tubes placed in his ears 2 weeks prior and it changed his little life!

Sweet boy.

Christmas Eve

 We had our traditional Christmas Eve, we missed many members, but still had a wonderful and delicious evening. Looks like Eliza takes after her uncle Ryan, Grandma's  egg nog is her thing. We had to set a limit on the nog.

 Jake, Cass, and Charlie or Walt... confession, still getting to know who is who!

 Christmas PJs!!

 Loads of children all ready for Santa! Missing the older cousins and the city cousins. William had a good dinner.

It was a delightful time for all... Grandpa was very patient!!

Celebrate!

 We celebrated with the Metcalfe's a few days before Christmas.  Which is wonderful and brilliant, so much less stress and much more quality time. Loved it.

 The kids (and adults) adored the quality gifts.

 The woman that makes it all happen!

 We visited Temple Square that night and were awed by the display.

Never mind that William is wearing Eliza's socks on his hands... forgot to bring gloves for the little man.

Eliza loves Aunt Jessie and spending time with her.

Symphony

Eliza was in awe of the beautiful Abravanel Hall. It was a special afternoon at the delightful Christmas symphony performance. When Santa made an appearance Eliza gasped!

Gingerbread Houses

We started our trip to Utah with lots of cousin time. We had so much fun decorating gingerbread houses. Eliza loved stealing licks and treat bites from our decorating project. Mili and Jonas were darling and the kids loved spending time together.

Christmas Tree Farm

  We were able to go to a Christmas tree farm near our home and pick a tree.

I loved the rows and rows of trees.

The owner ran a grocery store for 30 years, sold it and bought this property so in his words he could, "Make people happy by selling them an affordable Christmas tree. People around here can't afford to go out and spend a fortune. They deserve a tree too."

 It was an experience and I would love it to become a tradition. 

Eliza ran and ran playing peek a boo and looking for our tree.

 There was a darling little cottage on the property with an old stove, ornaments and candy handmade by Amish folks, and the owner's wife, a sweet woman who loves to chat.

Thanks for the pictures Chelsi!

little tree

We decorated our little home and our little tree over Thanksgiving weekend. Eliza is the same height as our little tree. She beams when she sees twinkly lights, Santa, her "elf on the shelf," who she named "Blue," and anything sparkly. Our neighbors put up one of those giant blow up snowmen and I really thought Eliza was going to lose it she was so excited! It actually is outrageous, it is almost as tall as their little duplex. I am going to have to try to get a picture of her standing next to Mr. snowman.