Some Highlights to Wrap it Up

It's hard to believe 2009 is almost over. It's been a fun, interesting, and unexpected year. With all of it's roller coaster moments I see that life is fashioned to give the maximum learning experience in the shortest amount of time. All I know is there is more of the wonderful and more of the trials ahead and I am glad I am in it with Nathan. Last night, after a long day of working and a two and a half hour drive home in the snow Nathan arrived home to a messy house, a burned out and ornery wife, and chaos. He helped get the kids to bed, cleaned the kitchen, and otherwise just gave me what I needed despite what he may have been feeling himself. Within an hour of his coming home the house was back to happy.

Anyway, getting off my sentimental soap box. . . here are some of our Christmas Highlights.

The Saturday before Christmas we finally made it to the Christmas village in downtown Ogden. This is one of the great Christmas treasures in Utah. I love it. They have about 30 miniature houses decorating the central park. As you walk around and look in the windows you can gaze upon scenes of winter happening inside. The kids love it and the park is also decorated beautifully with lights. Afterward we went to a nearby burger joint for hot chocolate and french fries. A great night.






Christmas approached way too fast. Lucky for me, my sweet sister in law, Tiffany, took the girls for an entire day and I was able to finish shopping before the Christmas rush began. Thanks Tiff. We headed to Utah County on the 23rd for the festivities with my parents. It was fun. . . and the kids couldn't believe they already got to open some presents. My mom gave Emily a cabbage patch doll. I just love it. It reminds me of my childhood. My cabbage patch dolls were my most prized possessions. When I played with them I was a real mommy.



Christmas Eve was filled with activity with Nathan family. Sledding, dinner, a nativity put on by the kids. . . oh yea, and how could I forget more presents. My kids all got Glo Doodles from Grandma and Grandpa Baxter. I have to say, those things are awesome. My kids are loving them.








By the time we made it home. . . it was about 11pm. My kids went right to sleep. Lucky me. They woke up around 8 am. I enjoyed that. I know that we are getting closer to the 4 am wake up. Bummer. Santa brought Zhu Zhu Pets. . . That was the hot item on all three kids lists. I have to say, Santa got off pretty cheap. Thank you Zhu Zhu pet maker.

Christmas Day was very quiet and relaxing. . . excepting that I had some kind of stomach flu. I slept half the day. The day after Christmas we headed to Salt Lake for Temple Square lights. It was the perfect way to end our celebration. Another successful Christmas.

Now on to The New Year. . . .oh boy, what will it bring.