Christmas Bucket List

At the end of November, we talked to the kids to get ideas for a "Christmas Bucket List".  Over the years we have adopted a lot of different traditions and things that really help us get into the spirit of the season.  The kids were really excited to talk about and plan out all of the activities that they love.  A few of the bigger activities will get their own post, but these were definitely some of the favorites!

Several years ago Grandpa and Grandma Broadbent started doing a grandkids Christmas party and the kids absolutely love it!  For the past two years they have gone to Build a Bear, but decided to try something new this year.  I think Luke and Ruby were a little disappointed at first, that is until they found out that they were going to the Loveland Aquarium.  They spent the afternoon exploring the aquarium and then they had dinner at Chuck-A-Rama where they only ate french fries and slurpees - sounds like a perfect celebration.  They are all such lucky kids to be able to make such incredible memories together. 

We love that the Festival of Trees is the first weekend of December, it's the best kick off to a month of celebrations.  Each years the trees seem more impressive.  Luke loved anything to do with BYU, especially the Cosmo Clubhouse.  Ruby loved trees with dogs, dolls, or anything super sparkly.  I loved the trees, but as always, I really just loved watching my babies enjoy the magic.  

Ruby's face painting was adorable and it made her into the cutest little elf.  Luke broke my heart a little when he decided that he didn't want to get his face painted.  I need a few more years of both kids being little. 

They made the cutest little crafts, the kids area is always so fun. 

I bought kits to build gingerbread houses early this year.  We got lucky and had Brycen and Taylor here together so we took advantage and let them have a decorating party.  Ruby was a little outnumbered and definitely missed Erika, but she and Taylor made a great team.  The houses were pretty impressive...and the ugly sweaters definitely lived up to their name.  

Last year we went to a live nativity that was so incredible - it was outdoor, and immersive, and made you feel like you had really traveled back to Bethlehem.  I was pretty bummed when I found out they would not be doing the nativity this year.  Luckily, I found out about another similar event.  This was their first year, and it wasn't quite as impressive as the one we went to last year, but it was still a really special experience.  Luke and Ruby were super interested in learning about daily life in Bethlehem during that time, and especially loved the animals.  

This little sheep was named Ruby.

This is the only picture we have of the actual nativity...Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus.  I considered not posting because it really doesn't show much, but I wanted something to remember the moment.  The couple was so sweet and I loved how they interacted with their baby.  As I sat and watched I was overcome with the sweetest, most peaceful feeling and was just so grateful for the birth of the Christ.

The pictures from the Festival of Lights are always terrible and low quality...but the entertainment level is top notch.  It was really busy this year, and super cold so we only made one trip around the park, but it was still one of the highlights of the season. 

Grandpa joined the party in the back of the truck.