Christmas at Home

Before we left for Brandon's family's house we opened all the presents we had under our tree. What little kid doesn't love having two Christmases!?! Austin was so excited. He had been so good all month leaving those presents alone. I am trying so hard to have him learn patience, something that Brandon doesn't have when it comes to presents. Daddy even let him open his presents (the Lego set).

Seeing Santa! 2013

Now, last year Austin was so excited to see Santa and then freaked out when I put him on Santa's lap. So, this year we wanted it to go better. We talked about Santa long before we went to see him, and how nice he is. Austin kept saying that he wanted to tell Santa that he wanted a choo-choo train that is blue and moves.

We like to go to the Riverwood's Mall and visit that Santa. His little area is right next to a toy store that has all different kinds of candy. Plus, it is free! As we waited in line Austin was jumping up and down to see Santa. He couldn't hold still. We were excited that it would go well. Right before we got up to him, the family ahead of us had four kids. One of the kids, about Austin's age threw a fit because he didn't want to sit with Santa. I was afraid that would make Austin not do it (especially after last year).

Austin walked right up to him, sat down, told him what he wanted, and then posed!

We went into the toy store after and each picked out some candy to eat on the way home. Seeing Santa was a success!!

Temple Square 2013

I love going up to Temple Square to see the lights. The night that we went it wasn't too cold. It was so nice compared to last year. That night was freezing! However, this one was warm enough that we could enjoy our time.

Austin was so excited when we got there. He couldn't wait to get out of the car. As we were walking across Temple Square to the reflecting pond, I was approached by a teenage boy holding a rose. As first, I tried to get out of his way, but then I realized it was for me. He handed it to me and said that he hopes that I have a wonderful night. It was so sweet! There were a bunch of young men passing out roses that night.

I am so happy that we live so close to Salt Lake. I never had the chance to see it when I was little. I am glad I can share it with my family. Austin was amazed by all the lights. He would run from one set of lights to another and say "See this one!" I love how excited he gets!

Getting Ready for Christmas!

We have been getting ready to Christmas. This is one of my favorite holidays. My family always set up the tree and decorations on or after the 10th. I always had a hard time waiting. I decided that I was going to set up on the 1st. I actually did it on the 2nd. Yeah, I can wait. ;)

Brandon always tells me that there is no room in our house for the tree, the downfall of a townhome. Well, I still always do it. Sometimes I wonder how Brandon can be so grinchy. Due to him saying the no room thing, I set it all up myself. We don't go huge. My parents do huge, but I love it. I hang up our stockings, the tree, some things on the walls, and a few lights in the kitchen. Oh, and the advent calendar I made earlier this year.

Oh, and yes. I did wrap many of the presents the day I put the tree up. No, I am not crazy! I hate having the tree up and nothing under.

We made some cookies to give out to people in the neighborhood. One day, Austin was so grumpy after nap. He wouldn't come down stairs. I placed a plate of cookies on the stairs. He still wouldn't come down. I bet that if I had placed some fruit or veggies on it, he would have been down. This kid is strange!

The peppermint candy cane cookies were alright, but not pepperminty enough. They had a very slight peppermint taste. next time I will add lots more extract.

 Peppermint Candy Cane cookies

Austin has been wanting to help out more. He loves helping me roll tortillas. Also, he is learning how to write letters.

Ward Christmas Activity

I don't know if I have mentioned this, but I am the Primary President of our ward. It happened at the end of October. For the ward activity the Primary had to put on a nativity. We didn't have a ton of time so we just planned on the kids singing a song, dressing up, and standing around while a bishopric member reads around the birth of the Savior story.

The nursery kids were able to dress up, too. There was no oxen outfits, but there were cow costumes. Austin was so excited to dress up. He felt like a big boy!

The First Snow of Winter

Well, it didn't snow, like really snow until a few days ago. Austin was so excited to play in it. However, Gus absolutely loves the snow! He rolls around in it, eats it, and just gallops through it when he is outside.

I taught Austin the joys of throwing snowballs. That is all that he wanted to do! He especially loved throwing it on the dog (video below).

The sad part is that where we live, we don't tend to get much snow. As you can tell, there was like 3 inches, but it was still snowing. It was all gone the next day but still it was fun.

Letter to Santa

With Austin now old enough to understand holidays, and Santa, we decided he was going to write a letter to Santa.

It reads:
December 1st, 2013
North Pole

Dear Santa,
     I have tried hard to be a good boy. For this Christmas, I would like a "choo-choo" train. A blue one would be best, and one that moves and says "chugga-chugga... choo-choo!"
     I will be sure to leave out cookies for you. Please remember that I will be at my Nana and Pappy's house for Christmas.

Love,
Austin

Brandon helped him write it, but he came up with what to say (obviously, Brandon helped word it). Austin was so happy to send it to Santa! Let's hope he gets a choo-choo train!!