Before heading up to Utah for Thanksgiving, we were sure to get our tree up so we could enjoy it upon returning home. I let the kids have total freedom this year, considering I had my very own tree to decorate for our front room. We thought it was time we pick out a new tree. We've had the same one since the day we wed (it was given to us from an older sibling and the ornaments were partly wedding gift and partly collected over the years). Full of memories, but definitely a "catch-all" kind of look:) The kiddos love love LOVE putting the tree up!
With the tree, comes all the other Christmas decorations too. Here is our Santa/reindeer line-up:)
+ a snowflake ;)
Here's Jaden's kindergarten classroom all set for the Christmas season. Mrs. Litle said the elves had paid them a visit:)
Cody's office party was help at San Tan Flat this year and the whole family was invited!
Even Santa made an appearance and had individually wrapped gifts for every child. It was really sweet, and the kids sure felt special:)
Landon wasn't a fan...
Jaden was cool with it though.
Brielle too:)
We went Christmas caroling/hay riding with the youth in our ward, and somehow Jaden and Bri snuck their way on after passing our home:) They were pretty stoked about it.
Jaden's elementary school was well-represented in the community holiday parade. He had fun riding along with some buddies form his class.
Brielle was extra excited when she spotted the princesses coming down the street in the parade too!
Snow White even stopped to take a photo with our Miss B.
and Santa!!
We fount a big 'ol mound of snow during the after-party. We Arizonians have to import our snow:)
Kids weren't too sure about it... it was super packed down and slippery by the time we got to it.
still fun none the less:)
Our Ward Christmas Party! It was super packed, but so fun. Lots of talent and good food shared.
Singing/Signing Silent Night
Santa stopped by,
as did the Grinch.
Jaden had no problem telling Santa all his dreams and wishes for the holiday season:)
Bri and Landon weren't interested in the Santa/Grinch business, but we found our little guy playing with ornament centerpieces as innocent as can be;)
Cody and I hosted an Ugly Christmas Sweater party this year, and had SO much fun!
the spread
picking out a headpiece is serious business;)
sabrina & brad
ben & julia
charlie, christina, & baby nathan
josh & stephanie
caleb & shelley
skyler & kari
and yours truly;)
jaden snuck down to catch a little of the action:)
we built some graham cracker house creations
(our attempt to resemble the Empire State Building)
and the winners!
McBride's doubled-up on prizes after taking home the most festive sweater award too:)
the most coveted ugly sweater award goes to Stephanie!
Class Christmas Party!
Jaden's party consisted of stories, holiday bingo, craft, lunch, and gift exchange.
Brielle loved helping with the sugar cookies for her party, but was definitely nervous when it came to holding them;)
Her preschool class performed the cutest program.
"he sees you when you're sleeping..."
"he knows when you're awake..."
"Santa Clause is coming to town!"
"I'm getting' nuttin' for Christmas, but I ain't been nuttin' but bad!"
"Feliz Navidad"
"I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart!"
Christmas gifts for the folks:)
one of Bri's cute classmates gave her this adorable candy sled:)
modge podge of Christmas cards
I love when these start coming through the mail! So fun to see friends and family growing:)
I love when these start coming through the mail! So fun to see friends and family growing:)
holiday cookies delivered to friends
And to top it all off, my sweet honey surprised me each day with a little something to make the season extra bright. Love him:)
He did the 12 days for me last year too, but somehow was able to mix it up and made this year fresh and unique. I love it:)
day 1: some of my favorite things
day 2: day off from mom/house duties
day 3: breakfast in bed
day 4: one of my favorite movies on blu-ray
day 5: date night with the kids
day 6: date night & dancing
day 7: pizzookies with the girls (& new skillets)
day 8: one hour of honey-dos
day 9: pedicure
day 10: a night at the spa
day 11: massage
day 12: love letter and candlelit steak dinner
This was too fun! The kids surprised me with a date night out! Flowers, date-night manners, etc. Jaden even used Cody's old wallet and took care of the bill. Too cute!
I felt so very spoiled and loved. This man knows how to warm my heart:)
and Christmas Sunday!
I always miss this special time of year. It's busy and sometimes overwhelming to keep with it all, but it truly is magical in every way.
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