Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We went to St. George, so it wasn't a white Christmas, but I think my parents loved watching the kids come down the stairs again and it was great that Boston and Jack (my sister Hayley's little boy) could play together. They just love each other.

We actually started our adventure Wednesday evening with our traditional Feast of the 7 Fish's dinner at my Mother in-laws. We usually do this on Christmas Eve, but since we were going to be out of town we celebrated a day early. It was so yummy and something I look forward to every year. MaryAnn made wonderful clam chowder and a seafood pasta, I made a salmon and mozarella salad and we had sushi and crab legs. If you like seafood, it is heaven. We opened presents with that side of the family that night. Boston got his beloved Wall-E that interacts and lights up and opens to reveal the trash he has collected. Boston was so happy. Jocelyn was spoiled with all sorts of toys and clothes. I recieved a pasta maker attachment for my Kitchen Aid that I am super excited about. We slept over at MaryAnn's which was fun since we never do that. MA made us yummy french toast and then we were off to Sunny St. George.

Ofcourse Jocelyn screamed her pretty little head off most of the way, so we stopped 3 times and it took us much longer than it should have. Boston just puts on his headphones and tries to tune her out and watch his movies.

We had a delicious Christmas eve dinner that ofcourse my Mom slaved over all day. Homemade ravioli, spanikopita, rice pudding for dessert.

Our kids were up at the crack of dawn to see what Santa brought, as usual. Boston got the Mountain Skeleton Dinosaur toy (Imaginext) he's been asking for for months. Jocelyn got two new babies and her first little doll house. Boston also got tons of games and movies and when they get home I told them Santa dropped one toy off at our house and they are getting a PowerWheels Viper. ( we just couldn't fit it in to take to St. George, which is sad because it was there main present!) My Mom and Dad got Boston a Leap Frog Zippity and Jocelyn got the cutest rocking horse I have ever seen. Yes, my kids are spoiled..I know. (My justification is always..we are only having two kids..so I get to spoil them!!)

My sister Hayley made a wonderful Ham dinner that evening and the kids had so much fun playing with all of Jack's toys and his Guinea Pig, Sprinkles. Saturday we shopped with Christmas money we recieved and exchanged a few things for sizes and just played all day with the new Christmas stuff. That evening my parents treated us to dinner at Pier 49. We went over to Dairy Queen after for ice cream. Boston usually won't even give ice cream a chance, but he took some licks and then when he accidentally got some on his chin he said "I'm like Santa Clause..ho ho ho!!" It was so funny, and then he kept doing it and he and Jack laughed themselves silly. Then my parents took Jocey home for bed and we took the boys to The Chipmunks Squeaquel. It was pretty good and the boys loved it. Jack kept saying "Hey Boston!" during the movie and at one point he kept kissing Boston on the head. They just love each other. In fact at one point during our stay Boston asked me "can I touch Jack?" (I had told him previously don't touch Jack, because he tends to get too up in his face.) This time I said, "Yes, go give him a big hug." and he did.

Another highlight of the trip was the hunt for a "Temple Toy." For weeks Boston has been asking for a Temple Toy. He has developed a bit of an obsession with the temples; I know most 3 year olds are not into that..but what can I say, Boston is unique and celestial and just so sweet. My Mom searched everywhere for a "Temple Toy" with no luck. To be specific he would say "Santa bring a temple toy, the St. George temple with an Angel on top!" He was really really sad that Santa didn't bring him a temple toy for Christmas. At one point big crocodile tears started streaming down his face and his innocence broke my heart. With every present he would say "It's gonna be a temple toy!" Needless to say, the day after Christmas we were on a hunt for a temple toy. My Grandma Cash had lent him this beautiful porcelein replica of the Salt Lake Temple which he loved, but I was so nervous he would brake it that I had to find a plastic substitute. He kept saying "Bossy build the temple and put the angel on top!" so I ended up finding him this Lego Princess Castle that I convinced him he could build into a temple and put the little person it came with on top as the angel. I don't think he was thrilled with the fact that it was pink and purple, but my pursuading worked and then he kept saying "I found it! I found a temple toy!"

Sunday we took off..leaving the kids behind with my parents until they come up Wednesday for some family parties up here!! It was so weird driving home and I don't know what to do with myself, so I have been cleaning like a mad woman!! It's nice, but I miss those little darlings dearly!!

What a wonderful time this is. Boston reminded me truely what Christmas is about, not the temples, but being pure of heart. My children are so pure and sweet and innocent. I feel so lucky to be their Mom.

We hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas.