Mele Kalikimaka

Yes, we did have Christmas. Santa was good to us this year: Rosie a new changing table and accessories for her "Bitty Baby", Lizzy a tea party table, chairs and serving set for her American Girl and Max, little Max and his new Truck from Santa. Elizabeth summed it up with this conversation on Christmas Day:

Lizzy- "Mommy, Santa is SO NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, he really is Lizzy"

Lizzy- "Yea, cause you guys would NEVER buy a real car you can drive for us, and Santa just brought one to Max, he is so NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, Lizzy, he really is so nice"

As for Kelly and I, we were still on cloud 9 after our trip to Kauai, so everything seemed swell. It was a simpler Christmas for me. Knowing that I would be gone the first week of December, I simplified. I took less time decorating, baking, wrapping, shopping and stressing and more time enjoying. It was quite amazing how I much I didn't miss all the fuss and I think I'll make it a habit from here on out (Kauai and all......I wish!). Regardless, Christmas 2009 was "Merry and Bright" as it hopefully always will be.

MeRrY ChRiStMaS

Since we didn't get to make one this year, We saw a life size one instead!
Cute Lizzy D so excited to wear her p.j.'s to school for the Kindergarten Christmas Program,
the slippers were a nice touch.


Some how both of our little ones fell asleep in Costco, Luckily we had a old
Car blanket for Rosie and "borrowed" some towels from the towel aisle for Max!
The Holidays Can Be Exhausting!

Seeing the lights at Temple Square was so fun, almost as fun as sipping the
Hot Chocolate afterward (according to Rosie)

Rosie and her rosy cheeks, I love them!

Lizzy's favorite gift was the sparkly clutch purse and faux fur wrap

which matches her doll, from Uncle Patrick & Auntie Camille.

Ride em' cowboy! Max's new B.F.F.

Where's the mistletoe? This is the best we could do for a kid pic in their Christmas P.J.'s, but

you get the drift right? I guess we can always look back and remember how

much Rosie Loved kissing baby Max.

It was great, truly. The kids were so thrilled to come running down the stairs to see the magic that Santa leaves. I love living though them, I love the excitement and sparkle in their eyes. I love the anticipation of Christmas Eve. Traditionally we spend Christmas Eve at my Grandparents home, eating, gift exchanging and celebrating. It's my favorite Christmas Party. I love wrapping presents and watching White Christmas. I love the smell of Hot Chocolate. I love Christmas P.J.'s and slippers. I love Christmas Music (did you get a copy of Happy Hamblin Days?? If not, I will give you one!). I love the Sunday before Christmas. I love singing Silent Night. I LOVE CHRISTMAS DRESSES! I love receiving Christmas Cards, getting the mail is so fun. I love baking cookies. I love shopping for Christmas. Yes, I do love Christmas time. But, for the first time I felt relief when it was over. I'm not sure why. It just felt so overwhelming this time. In true Sarah form, I did commit to being more organized next year. I need to write these goals down so that just maybe I will accomplish them. At any rate, here's to a wonderful Christmas!