Christmas 2011

So, this past Christmas was our first year not traveling to Utah and Idaho to be with our families. I was sad but I didn't want to travel with Leo for fear that he would get sick. Besides, it was a good opportunity to make some of our own traditions.

Since we missed our old ward and new ward's Christmas party I took Lilly to see Santa at the Mall. When I told her we were going to see him she ran upstairs and put on her favorite red shirt and headband. She wanted to look her best and was SO excited to see him. He was seriously the cutest Santa ever. He interacted so cute with Lilly. She said all she asked for were new earrings. She also told Santa that her little brother was too young to ask but that he wanted a Bumbo. So cute! 

Lilly sang Christmas songs constantly during the month of December. She loved serenading her brother and anyone else who would listen.

We started the Elf on the Shelf tradition last year. It is so fun to watch Lilly get excited as "Elfie" is in a new place each morning. It also helps her to obey because "Elfie is going to tell Santa if your naughty!" I wish we could keep him up all year!

On the 23rd we went and saw the Temple Christmas lights. They aren't as spectacular as the SLC Temple but the weather was way warmer than SLC will ever be in December. On the way home we got ice cream. It was a fun family night.

On Christmas morning Lilly didn't wake up until 9:00! It was amazing to be able to sleep in on Christmas morning. She came into our room SO excited.

Just before going downstairs to open presents

Lilly was just as excited to see Leo's presents. She helped him open them. She is such a great big sister!

I loved the way Lilly arranged her nativity set

Trying out Leo's new Bumbo

Its crazy how we scaled way back on the presents this year but she still ended up with tons!

Lilly decorated the gingerbread house on Christmas day. We usually buy the $20 Costco set. But this year we went with the $4 IKEA one and used up our old Halloween candy. We will be doing this every year!! 

Although we missed our families terribly we still managed to have a wonderful Christmas this year!