happy times were had.

Tomorrow the kids go back to school.  And even though I am feeling ready to be back into a little routine, we have had the best Christmas season ever and I kind of don't want it all to end quite yet.

We pulled in late last night to our "sold" condo--we got an offer as we were driving home from California.  Wow, that happened quick!  The condo was still full of Christmas magic, just like we left it.  And one very crispy, crispy Christmas tree!

We had lots of fun doing our Christmas adventures this year, but we've done the same type of thing for several years straight, so I think next year we'll change it up a bit.  We have lots of holiday traditions and sometimes people can feel bogged down by that.  I've found the key is to be flexible and not feel guilty about trying new things, or even letting some things go, if you feel too overwhelmed by the season.

We did add something new this year that we all loved!  On Christmas Eve, we hung up snowflakes and glittery silvery ornaments all over the house to decorate for Santa Claus.  It felt so magical, glittering and glowing that night and the next morning. 

The kids loved their gifts, and best of all, were so excited to give each other their special handmade gift.  Ashlyn made Andy a stuffed robot, Cam made Ava a butterfly headband, Andy made Ashlyn a box of pretty fabric covered bandaids, and Ava Carmel made a map covered lampshade for Cam.  This tradition, although a little time consuming, is one of the most loved by all I think. 

Ava Carmel was so excited to give Jimmy the "pinch pot" she made for him in her kindergarten art class.  She had been counting down the days until he could open it.  And Andy and Cam were beyond excited to get a batch of 'staches and spent a lot of time posing for pictures.  "Take a picture of this one mom!"  Times 5,000.  I think Andy is really rockin that one in that picture up there!! 

We also loved having Christmas fall on a Sunday this year.  We woke up early and played with all the fun things Santa left for us and then went to the Christmas service, which we thought made the holiday so much more meaningful.  The music was so beautiful and angelic, and all I could think of was how there were probably people all over the world singing songs of love and worship to our Savior on this holiday.  It filled my heart with joy.  That is the way Christmas should be celebrated every year.

Oh Christmas!  It's a great day to be a kid!

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