We were in California for Christmas this year. Tyson and I decided before we got married that we would alternate between Utah and California for holidays each year. My siblings and I try hard to make sure we are on the same year for being home in California so that we can spend as many holidays together as possible. This year was the first year in a few (due to missions, out of state school, etc) that my ENTIRE family was together for Christmas. It really was magical and one of the best Christmas' we've had. Oh how I love my family and how I love to be with my own beautiful family of 4 with them. It was definitely one for the books!
It's a tradition that no one is allowed downstairs until everyone is awake. Now that we're adults with our own families, we text each other once the first person is awake and usually end up waking the people sleeping (minus children of course!). It's a joke that my youngest brother Matthew is ALWAYS the first to wake and he was again this year and he's now 23 and even has a newborn! We love to tease him about it. ;) Everyone waited for our boys to wake up though seeing that we all knew that there would be much less grumpiness going on. They finally awoke at 7:30am and we all lined up to go down the stairs. I love this part! I love seeing the excitement on my kids' faces. I was able to capture Owen's expressions and I love it I love it I love it. :)
Since my mom LOVES to spoil ALL of us when it's Christmas, Tyson and I like to choose a few "Santa" gifts to give the boys and then the wrapped ones are all from grandparents and other family members. This year we had a small small budget so we made a few of the gifts and found the others on black Friday for killer deals. We were pretty proud of ourselves!
Both the boys are into tools and fixing things, so we found a great tool bench at Costco for next to nothing and then I sewed them little tool belts. They were super excited to find this gift.
Owen got a bike with pedals (he's had a strider) and no training wheels. He felt pretty big!
Cousin Jadon really loved the teepee Tyson and I made for the boys!
Not pictured is the cute little lawn mower that Santa gave Grahamie. He still pushes it everywhere!
I think Graham's favorite gift this year was a doggie guitar from Grandma Cindy!
And Owen's favorite gift was his doctor kit and white coat! So cute :)
Christmas is just so much more fun with little kids and they enjoyed another little Christmas a few days later when we made it back to Utah. They are surely spoiled but I know are grateful for what they have, or at least I try to teach them to be. ;)
Last, here is a little video of the few days before Christmas and on Christmas day that my brother Greg made for all of us to enjoy. I love my family!
