Christmas 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

So I am a sucker for a family get together, especially when it's my family. What's the harm in that? Well, I don't think there is any harm, but maybe it's a hassle, especially when it involves Christmas, presents, the possibility of snow and a six hour drive.

We were done with the Christmas mornings away from home as of last year. We spent the holiday at home and Benn's parents came to be with us. It was so nice not to transport presents back and forth and to be able to sleep in our own beds and wake up in our own beds. But when I heard that my entire family was going to be together for Christmas eve and then again Christmas day, my decision was made - we were headed north for the biggest holiday of the year. Plus, Kamryn wanted to go too. And she was the one who always wanted to spend Christmas at our own house. Her reasons were a little different. She wanted to be able to show her SLC friends what Santa brought her.

We left Las Vegas mid-morning Christmas eve. We were hoping to beat the snow storm that was scheduled to hit the Salt Lake valley that afternoon - and we did. It didn't come until Christmas night. It was a great drive and we were all anticipating our arrival at my parents house where all my siblings would be there with spouses and cousins and good food too! And my grandpa and his wife were there as well. We made it in time to eat a yummy dinner, play the chimes, open pj's from Nana and read the Christmas story. It was so nice to be with the whole family, although it does get a little loud and crazy with Beckham and Mason running around like animals!

I told Kamryn and Carter before going to bed that they could not wake Benn and I up until it was 8:00am the next morning. Sleep means a happy Mom! I should have told them nine, but that might have been pushing it. So at eight right on the dot, Benn and I were awakened by our excited kids. They couldn't believe all the presents that were under the tree. Little did they know those presents were to be spilt at least a dozen ways with everyone coming over. Kamryn, Carter and Mason were very happy to get a couple things they really wanted and it was fun to see the excitement on their faces. That is one of my favorite things about Christmas.

While we were in Salt Lake we sledded, watched movies, ate, went to family parties, did some after Christmas shopping, ate more, met with old friends and relaxed. We had such a good time we extended our stay a couple of days and didn't come home until after the new year. Now on to 2009 and more good times ahead!