Christmas in Utah & California

We had a great trip over Christmas. We wanted to take advantage of the last time Paul will ever have 4 1/2 weeks with no school or work- amazing!! I really got used to having him around all the time and it was quite an adjustment to go back to being mom all by myself. We drove straight to Orem instead of stopping in St. George like we usually do, and it went really well. The kids actually all fell asleep so the last few hours were easy and it was nice not to have 2 days of traveling. We loved spending time with family, catching up with friends, focusing on all of our favorite holiday traditions. The weather was amazingly warm for the first few days so it was nice to slowly adjust to cooler weather. The first week we had fun going to each museum at Thanksgiving Point and really focusing on the kids and what they love to do. The second week, the rest of the family (other than the Grossarths who were unable to come) joined us and we loved every crazy minute. Of course there was some sickness that spread all around, but luckily not as bad as last summer. 

The girls went to see the Nutcracker and Lyla was ecstatic to be able to join us. She felt so special to stay up late and loved every minute of the show. Love doing girls nights with my special daughter!!

We surprised the kids with a trip on the Polar Express and they LOVED it!! We debated doing it this year since money is so tight but I'm really glad we did because it was so magical to them. Everything felt so real and they still talk about the bell that Santa gave them. I love experiencing Christmas through a child's eyes.

They did some sing-along songs and our kids weren't shy when Let It Go came on.

Freezing walk up the canyon to Bridal Veil Falls. The Utah folk in our family are tough- we just don't like the cold at all!!

The kids loved spending time with cousin Ruthie! I loved seeing their excitement to see each other and be together. So sweet!

We were so excited that Josh & Alisha blessed the twins while we were there. I was in the hallway with a screaming Trevor since daddy had walked up to the front, but I was so excited to be there with them. Such an amazing, sweet family. 

Alisha's family has a tradition of doing a live nativity every year and even had animals there! They let Lyla join as an angel and Trevor as a shepherd. It was freezing but they were bundled up and seemed to enjoy participating. Trevor was hilarious- didn't know exactly what he should be doing and kinda wandered around but he actually stayed there the whole time.

Our normal Christmas Eve ice skating was quite the workout with our three littles but it was fun. Lyla especially loved it so that was worth it! We took turns completely holding Trevor up and trying to keep from falling, He didn't quite understand needing to keep his feet straight so he was going all over the place. Fun adventure!

Nana walked the kids around the house to show them all of the nativity sets and to teach them about each one. This was a new tradition that I really liked and think meant a lot to them.

Sweet Joseph, Mary and an angel.

Lyla loves her Fancy Nancy hat from Grandma & Grandpa

Lyla loved her Elsa wig and was so excited to get a scooter which she added to her list 3 days before Christmas.

Kaylie has started doing this funny pose where she holds her hands behind her back and walks around. She looks like a smart, old professor who's giving a lecture.

We were actually hoping for some snow to enjoy but nothing came for almost 2 weeks- but then we woke up on Christmas morning to this!! So exciting. We loved playing in the snow and having a snowball fight. It was nice to enjoy it and then leave the next day. :)

We went to the church to let the kids get their energy out a few times. It was nice to have a big area to enjoy.