December was so packed with activities which is exactly the way I like it. I know a lot of people get overwhelmed with so many things going on, but it is that we allow ourselves to be so over scheduled. Last year was weird with so many restrictions and everything canceled - this year definitely felt better.
Grandma Whitesides spoiled Hamilton with his own gift.
After talking to Luke and Ruby about the possibility of going to the Nutcracker, they were both super excited and wanted to go. We got tickets and started talking about the ballet and what to expect and I was excited for the kids to experience live ballet. The big night came...and Luke got a migraine. He was so sick that the only thing we could do was give him some medicine and put him to bed. At the last minute, we called Ruby's friend Addy and she was able to quickly get ready and go with us. It was the first time for both girls and it was just so magical. They absolutely loved it and still talk about their favorite parts which were Mother Ginger (and all the little ones that come out from under her skirt) and the little baby rats. Everyone got a nutcracker to remember the night and I'm excited to get them started on their own collection.
This year it was just us four when we made our gingerbread houses but the competition was still fierce.
We missed the Whitesides family party so much last year - I think everyone just felt so grateful to be together again this year. Ruby has permanently assigned herself the role of the angel and really was the most perfect angel ever. All of the actors were top notch, and our baby Jesus was just the sweetest!!
Ruby and I found this Christmas puppy while on a walk and she had to have a picture.
Luke has gotten super into Nerf battles and especially loves battling with Ruby. Without the other one knowing, they each chose to get a tactical vest/set for the other as a Christmas surprise. It was so fun to watch the surprise on their faces when they figured out that they had given and received the same gift. They were both so excited and wasted no time getting geared up and starting a battle. It doesn't always happen, but I love it so much when they create their own little world of play.
We hosted Christmas Eve dinner at our house - steak and shrimp for the win. As everyone was leaving I realized that I took almost no pictures, but we had such a fun night enjoying a great meal and even better conversation. This year we had my mom and dad, Cory & MJ, and Jessica and Bronsen.
After everyone left, the kids got serious about getting to bed as quickly as possible. Luke loved his new BYU pajamas, and of course Ruby was obsessed with her Hamilton inspired jammies.
I love enjoying the peace of Christmas Eve.
The morning came quickly and the kids were bouncing with excitement. We had the best time and stopped a lot to admire or play with a new toy. Luke and Ruby are so appreciative of everything and got so excited over the big and the small gifts. It really was a magical morning.
Tim and Hamilton especially enjoyed their gifts.
We spent the rest of the afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa Broadbents where the kids played and the rest of us chatted and ate. It was one of the most relaxing holidays I can remember.
We missed having all of the big kids with us this year but that gave us the perfect excuse to just keep celebrating. Taylor is always so generous and thoughtful with his gifts and we loved spending an afternoon with him for an after Christmas celebration. Brycen had to work the entire break, so unfortunately, most of our celebrating with him took place over Facetime and in a parking garage.
Erika spent Christmas day with her mom, and then had a ticket booked to move to Mexico a few days later. We were so happy to squeeze in an afternoon with her to celebrate Christmas and her big adventure - of course we stayed true to the theme and ate at a Mexican restaurant.
She stopped by to say goodbye on her way out of town...man we are going to miss her!
