Our Unconventional Christmas

This Christmas has been a little different for us this year. My family came out from Pennsylvania to spend Christmas with us and attend my sister's upcoming wedding. We've been squished in our little condo, but it's been fun to spend lots of quality time together. We were able to go see the lights at Temple Square last week, and that was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and focus on the Savior amidst the chaos of everything else going on. We also attended the annual grandkids Christmas party at Grandma Willes' house where we decorated sugar cookies and ate lots of yummy treats. Christmas Eve was especially fun. We had a wonderful family dinner, and then David had us all share our testimonies and our thoughts about Christmas. It was very special, and something we'll all remember for years to come. We opened presents before going to bed, because David and Bryan left for Spain Christmas morning! (David's sister is also getting married, so David and Bryan went out to attend that wedding and let Bryan get to know his Misiego cousins.) It was tough to see them leave, on Christmas of all days especially, but fortunately I have my parents and Matthew to keep me company while they're gone. And it's always so sad when Christmas is over... at least having them come home in a couple of weeks gives me something to look forward to!

Christmas picture flops

I tried to take some pictures last night to send out w/ Christmas cards (yes, very last minute, I know) and it was a total disaster. =) First of all, I was by myself w/ the boys, so I had to keep them positioned, entertain them, and snap the picture all at the same time. Second, both boys are sick w/ colds so they had snot and drool running all over the place - gross! Then, of course, anyone who's tried to take pictures of multiple children know that it's virtually impossible to get both kids looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. So needless to say, I didn't really get anything good. When David got home from work I persuaded him to help me out to see if we'd have better luck working together. After changing outfits (the boys' shirts were covered in nasty drool and boogers) we tried again, but we still couldn't get the perfect pic. The one picture we got of the four of us together was taken w/ the camera sitting on the coffee room table working on a timer, and I was wearing a pink sweater that totally clashed w/ the boys' Christmas-colored outfits (I hadn't really thought ahead - thank goodness for black and white prints).

So next time I decide I want cute family pictures I'll either pay big bucks for a professional to handle it, or at least wait until there's an extra person around to help take the shots! Anyway, here's a sampling of what I ended up with. And I apologize to those of you who are lucky enough to receive our lovely family pic w/ your Christmas card. At least in sepia or black and white you can't tell I'm wearinig pink... Better luck next year, right?

Happy Birthday Bryan!

Bryan's turned 3 years old!!! It's hard to believe. He's growing and learning so fast! We had lots of fun celebrating w/ family yesterday. David and I took him to the Children's Discovery Museum at the Gateway, which is the COOLEST place, by the way! We got an annual pass there so we can go all the time - just one of the perks I've found of living in SL county. We love it! It's so much fun! Afterwards we decided to skip the sit-down restaurant and instead just eat at a fast food place w/ a playground. Bryan, of course, was most excited about that idea. While we were eating, all of Bryan's aunts and uncles in the area went to our house so that they could surprise him when we got home. Everything worked out perfectly and Bryan enjoyed the surprise. He enjoyed all the presents they got for him even more! We had a blue cake w/ Mickey Mouse on it (Bryan's request) that I had made that afternoon. It was pretty ugly, but thankfully 3-year-olds aren't all that critical! All in all, the birthday boy had a great time and enjoyed his little bash. Bryan's sure lucky to have so many fabulous aunts and uncles around!

I've thrown together a slideshow of pictures... Bryan's going through a weird phase where he makes constipated faces when we tell him to smile for the camera. =)