Christmas in Mississippi

We arrived back from New Orleans on Christmas Eve Eve around 3 pm.   My Dad and sister, Elizabeth were already in Mississippi but they were using some free tickets to the Aquarium.  We stopped and ate lunch or dinner I am not sure which with time changes involved in going from Utah to Vegas to Mississippi.  We ate at Panera Bread in Louisiana since we don't have one of those in Biloxi.  By 8pm we had kids in bed, all the bags unpacked, and groceries bought for the next few days.  We were beat!

Christmas Eve we spent the day playing and waiting for Christmas.  We had a little help with the wait though as Roxy came to play!  Roxy was the little girl I took care of in San Antonio.  She will always hold a special place in all of our hearts!

Then we made cookies for Santa followed by me cooking our Christmas Eve dinner.

That evening is my favorite tradition.  We turn off all of the lights and eat our "Jesus" meal.  We enjoyed the meal and I love an evening spent telling the Christmas story as well as reviewing our 25 Day of Christ tree.  Then it was time to read some Christmas bedtime stories.  Nathan always wants to read The Train Story about President Monson.  This is interesting since it is a longer story and we have so many others that are more age appropriate but I am not complaining.  I love reading to my boys.  We finally got everyone tucked in to bed but sleep did not come for a long time.  Both boys kept needing/stalling sleep time.  We eventually moved Joshua into our walk-in closet and everyone went to sleep.  

We waited a long time to make sure everyone was asleep before we began our work for the evening.  It was magical to have everything set up and ready for the next morning.    

Joshua loves that Santa always leaves a candy cane trail to the tree.

Nathan had a hard time being convinced to wake up.

This was probably Joshua's favorite gift and it came from Aunt Julia.  He stayed dressed as a storm trooper all day and insisted he wear it as he did anything else including watching a Star Wars movie.  He was so happy that Santa got that for him even though it didn't make his Christmas list until 4 days before Christmas!

After presents, it was time for our Christmas breakfast which is always orange juice and doughnuts.  We had made a quick trip the day before to get them from Krispy Kreme!  Yummy!

Christmas Day the boys played with gifts and we all just hung out. 

We cooked our Christmas meal. 

Rachel and Elizabeth tried to break the wish bone from the turkey.

Saturday, Matt and I made the 2 hour and 20 minute drive to the temple.  (Yes, we miss our spoiled life in San Antonio and Columbia of only 20 minute drive.) Grandpa and Elizabeth watched the boys.  Thankfully for them there were a few moments when it wasn't raining so they played outside some to kill the almost 9 hours we were gone.  

It was not Christmas weather as everyday it was in the 70s with 100% humidity and rain.  We had flooding as well.  

Sunday was church attendance and more just relaxing around the house as it poured rain outside.  Matt stayed home with a bad cold.  

We made a Christmas train.  

We ate the Christmas train.  

Monday night we went to the Beauvoir.  It was decorated for Christmas and there was a bounce house for the kiddos and a pony ride.  

Joshua loved that he could stand on this glass floor and see the 1st floor.  Nathan was afraid he would fall through.  

Monday night and Tuesday the rain finally stopped!  Dad and Elizabeth went to the beach and to do some exploring.  My crew did a little shopping for new running shoes for me and the boys used their Christmas money to stock up on some deals as well.  That night we all came back together as we hosted the missionaries for dinner.  Then we spent the evening with Matt and the girls playing xbox and my Dad and I playing rummicube.  

Wednesday the rains returned and my Dad and Elizabeth got up first thing to head back to SC.  We spent the day at the doctor for Nathan, stocking up on groceries, and other errands.

We are ready to bring in the New Year tonight.  2015 has been a year of happy and sad times.  I like reflecting on my personal growth and the growth of my family members.  We are looking to setting some goals as we continuously strive for improvement.  I hope 2016 brings many blessings and accomplishments for all of you.

Christmas Adventure

We took our first plane trip that involved taking car seats and not being dropped off at the curb.  We drove the hour and a half to New Orleans, parked at a hotel, took a shuttle, and then made our way through the line with all of the stuff.  I tried to pack light but seriously in winter when you are going to Utah and you have Texas/Mississippi blood this is difficult.

The best surprise was Nani and PopPop planned their layover in New Orleans!  Once we made it through security it was time to check out as parents I mean share the love of our boys with their grandparents.  :-)  We shared the boys by sitting across one aisle in the plane.  Nani and PopPop both took turns entertaining me too.  Probably, a highlight of the entire trip for me was the travel on Friday and Saturday.  We got a really quality visit in with Matt's parents.

Saturday morning we met Grandpa Ed for breakfast in Vegas before traveling to Utah.

I always love the views in this part of the country.

Nathan enjoyed dancing and playing the drums as always!

Nathan's first response to the snow was, "Whoa this is cold." He decided stomping was much better until he could get his "glubes on."

Then it was time for a purpose to the cold.  Snowball fight!  All this took place outside of Cafe Rio which was delicious!

Nani downloaded a book and read it out loud.  We didn't finish it but I really enjoyed it.  My activities in the car are very limited since I get car sick.

We greeted Kira, Jessi, and Peter with snowballs.  

We ate some delicious taco salad (thanks Peter) and freshened up to attend this event.  It was neat to be in the conference center and to see the Mormon tabernacle choir in person.  

Mom, didn't come with us so she could put the boys to bed and prepare for our Christmas morning the next day.  We were spoiled with gifts and enjoyed the reactions from the boys.  Nathan was especially funny as he would just dump out the gift bag to get to his presents.

How many Tureks does it take to cook breakfast?  :-)

We saved some presents to do after breakfast and the boys made sure we hurried up to that event as they both went to explore on their own.

It started snowing on Sunday morning and the boys were thrilled.  I didn't mind it either.  Snow is beautiful!  The summary of snow is that both boys love it but are disappointed that it is so cold.  :-)

We also took family pictures.  There were so many good ones from the actual photographer and then the other photographers that were busy at work too.  I chose a few.  :-)

The best days start and end in pajamas.  

The boys enjoyed making Christmas cookies.  Nathan had everyone a little on edge as he frosted and got up and down a million times during the process.  Everyone had fun though!

Monday we went to a cute shopping village that had an elf scavenger hunt.  This was more fun for everyone!

Nathan wanted a kiss too!

We found lots of cute items and bought many tasty treats.  From the village it was off to eat at Kneaders, drop boys off to rest, and continue on our way to do some more shopping.  

Joshua was proud of himself finding some elves before everyone else.  

Monday night we took the train or as my boys call it the metro.  We went downtown to eat at The Garden which is located on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  As we waited for our reservations we wandered City Creek Mall.  We followed this up with viewing the lights on Temple Square. It was a perfect evening.  

The Mall

The lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Nathan is always well hydrated.

Uncle Peter not only throws kids around and works hard at being the most fun he can be super helpful.  He was right there with me putting coats on and off and usually had Nathan's hand throughout the evening.  

At the restaurant the kids could write a letter to Santa and mail it!

Joshua included a new item on his list...three days before Christmas.  He listed the same item in almost every blank on the page.  Thanks Amazon.  :-)

Tuesday it was time for my crew to leave.  We were sad to go and even more disappointed because snowy conditions made it impossible for us to do the Polar Express Train ride as planned.  We tried to do our own Polar Express in the house but I don't think it was quite the same experience.

We drove back to Vegas and spent the evening at Uncle Mike and Aunt Kelly's home.  They were wonderful hosts and we had a delicious meal with them.  The boys were especially glad that there were cousins to play with as well.  

The next morning it was off to the airport.  Nathan got Joshua's cold, scraped his nose and chin, and also picked up some type of rash along the way.  It is always something.

We had a wonderful visit.  We all loved seeing everyone and being together.  Hopefully, we will stay in touch with each other and maybe figure out a way to not go a whole year again!