Christmas 2013

There is nothing like deciding on December 23 at 10:30 at night that we were going to leave for California the next morning to spend Christmas in California.  We had originally decided we were going to stay home this year and just leave either Christmas night or the day after Christmas.  This was on top of a day that I had gone into the Dr. to find out I had strep.  No bueno.  Anyway, I got up, cleaned my bathrooms, picked up the house, began packing our clothes, stashed Christmas in the car and got to bed about 2 am.  I got up the next morning about 7, finished packing, got the car loaded and we took off about 10 and stopped by my parents to wish them Merry Christmas and give them their gifts, and then over to Cheryl's (Clints sister) to give them their gifts and pick up gifts to take to California with us.

We finally got out of town about noon.  We were pretty excited about this trip and so were the kids.  We didn't tell Clint's parents we were coming, so this was going to be the ultimate surprise.

We rolled into town about 9:30 at night and we sent the kids up to the door to knock.  When his parents answered, the kids yelled "Merry Christmas" and "Surprise,"  Their reaction was SOOOO worth the last minute decision to go down there.  His dad said to us that this was the best Christmas Gift ever.  Needless to say, they were pretty excited.  About an hour away from his parents we decided to start tracking where Santa was so we could let the kids know and we started singing Christmas songs which was really fun.  This will be a trip I will NEVER forget.

After we got to the house we still made our cookies and put them out for Santa to eat, I mean hello we can't forget to leave Santa cookies.  We read our traditional "twas the night before Christmas" story and we also read a story about the Birth of Our Savior.

The kids went to bed really well which I was happy about because I was afraid they would be too excited.  After the kids went to bed I got busy being a little Elf.  Thanks to Clint's mom or I would have been up all night wrapping gifts.

The kids got up the next morning and we had our Family Prayer we always have before we went down and saw what Santa had brought.  I tried to change up the dynamic of christmas a litttle bit this year and go with things that were useful. things they needed and then ONE thing they wanted.  I feel like they should really appreciate getting that ONE thing they want so bad.  So I told them the beginning of December that they had to really think about just the ONE thing they wanted SO bad.  Callie wanted makeup, Curran wanted pirate lego's and Conrad really wanted a baseball glove.  And guess what, they each got them and they were SOOOO excited about them.  I just don't like the greediness of Christmas and how all month long all I hear is, I want this, and I want that and then they expect to get all of it and when they don't it's a huge let down.  

On top of their toys they got their own suite cases, underwear, callie got a little I pod shuffle, and the boys got a few more toys.  and not to mention that they were spoiled by all their grandparents.  I would say that they had a pretty good Christmas. Oh and after we got home, we went out and bought a new king size bed, and a new bed spread.  I LOVE it.  Oh and one last thing I forgot to mention.  Clint and I decided not to do gifts for each other for Christmas this year because we were going to buy the bed.  But he didn't listen very well and went out and bought me a whole bunch of new clothes with some gift cards he had gotten through work.  I was not happy about him buying gifts, but it really meant a lot to me that he would spend his money he earned on me.  What a sweet guy!!!

That night Clint's family came down and we enjoyed each others company and ate delicious food.  It is always so fun to see everyone and visit.  

There is just something so magical about the Holiday Season that I love and I miss it when it is over.  I can't wait to see what this next year brings for our little family.