So this year we set out not to plan any family vacations during the month of November or December because in years past it has felt like we missed out on part of the holiday season (and shopping season) doing this. Lesson learned was that it made no difference. I still found myself frantically shopping up until Christmas eve even though I've had 365 days to prepare...
We always kick off the season with our annual photo with Santa at Belle Square. Again we enjoyed next to no line, a few free wallets that they throw in for spending the obscene amount they charge for the 5x7 and stuffed animals for the kids. (And yes, our two nine year olds still get excited about the stuffed animal!):
Next it was on to figuring out which photo we'd use for our Christmas photo. You'd think between a couple cruises and a trip to Utah that we could come up with at least one good photo of the family but no such luck. This resulted in me screaming to the kids one day after school to quickly get dressed in some sort of button up shirt and meet me down by the tree...
Each year I tell myself I will capture just as great a photo as a professional would and each year I am reminded there is a reason I could never charge for my work...
Next it was the countdown to the soon to be full house which would include my parents and my brothers Steve, Paul, and Sean! The kids could hardly wait and I'm pretty certain that from Thanksgiving on they asked me daily how many more days until their arrival. Mom, dad, Sean, and Paul flew in on the Wednesday before Christmas with Steve arriving the next day. Unfortunately they all had to take off the day after Christmas but thankfully Steve was able to stay a full week which helped with the empty nest withdrawals. We missed not having Gary, Kelly and the boys but understand how difficult it can be traveling with small children for the holidays and we also missed not having Teagen and Chaz around but unfortunately they were at their mom's for Christmas this year. There is never a dull moment when you have Jack as the head of household. He kept the boys busy (and in shape) going golfing, playing in a couple basketball and football games in addition to some wiffle ball and speed mitton.
Some of the other activities going on with some or all included a trip to the Space Needle and Snoqualmie Falls, a trip to Jack's office to taste test all sorts of hot cocoas, a shopping trip with mom to update her wardrobe, a Seahawk/Niners football game, Christmas day church, opening presents, and of course lots of eating! Mrs. Clause spent most her days making certain Santa had plenty of toys purchased and wrapped, food on the table, a clean house, and all other loose ends tied... (Santa will be taking Mrs. Clause on a trip to make up for all her hard work in the coming months...) haha! Here are a few shots from the week:
Sean taking dad to his first NFL game on Christmas eve, a Seahawk/Niners game...hmm, wonder who they are rooting for?!?
A few of my favorite men... (minus a couple others)
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse...
And finally the BIG day had arrived...
Jack and the boys cooking breakfast...
The traditional photo on Christmas morning...
And finally at around 11:30 a.m. we began ...
I'm always so happy to see the kids so appreciative for the gifts they receive. Ty continues to always want to have something for Sage and Connor. This year he picked up something at the book fair for Connor. He had also purchased something for Sage but she had done something to disappoint him so he decided to keep it for himself. A couple days before Christmas when we were at the Falls gift shop, Sage was crying because she wanted a bag of these special polished rocks. I refused to buy them but Ty begged to buy them for her for Christmas. That's our Ty...always looking out for his brother and sister. Sage had also been very thoughtful spending many afternoons drawing pictures for everyone and wrapping them up. Connor continues to show his love by his kind words which we cherish just as much!
Always love looking down at the family I've been blessed with...
Enjoying presents...
This year we had a nice prime rib and New York roast on the menu and of course the meal ended with our traditional after dinner gifts...
And the three women who probably put the most effort into making the day a success... :)
What a fantastic Christmas it was. A special thanks to my family for flying out to spend this holiday with us. We feel so blessed to have such a fabulous family, good health, great friends, and of course our faith which allows us the opportunity each year to pay a special tribute to our savior. We hope 2012 turns out to be another year we can look back on and be proud of! Happy New Year!
2 comments:
That looks like a good day. yeah we missed seeing you all. We will definitely need to try to come up sometime but maybe another holiday when you don't have to pack up so much stuff. Preston thought Sage's hula hoop was beautiful. Hope you are all doing well and have a Happy New Year!
Loved seeing your Christmas pictures. I need to do some major catching up and as soon as the kids go back to school I will download all my pics and get them posted. Have a happy new year. love, kristin
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