Pre-Christmas Celebrations

Is it just me, or does Christmas seem to get busier & busier with each passing year? This past Christmas was quite possibly our busiest ever. My family got together the Monday before Christmas in SLC. We all stayed at a hotel up there, went out to eat, opened, presents & just hung out. It was a great night, and I think we'll be turning it into a new family tradition. The only think we missed out on were the lights at Temple Square. It was just too cold!

Here is the shopping cart that my sis found for Tyler. If you notice, it's filled with presents. She spoils him too much.This was the first year that Ty has really understood how to open presents. And once he started, he couldn't get enough! He helped just about everyone rip off their wrapping paper.My sis bought him the cutest fake food to go along with the kitchen that Santa was bringing. So of course, he had to taste it all!Ty's favorite is the velcro cake that he can cut with a knife. He also loves the velcro ice-cream cone that he can stack five-scoops high!Thank you Emo! We love you!A little post-present snuggle.There were a few family parties that we attended before Christmas as well. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera to some of them. This is Tyler after getting candy from Santa at one of our family parties.Nathan's parents always host a grandkids only Christmas party. This year we went to Kangaroo Zoo & jumped around. Tyler loves anyplace that has giane inflatable toys.Then we went back to Papa & DD's for dinner, games, presents & cookie-decorating. This was the first time Ty had ever decorated cookies. He LOVED it! He especially loved the sprinkles (apparent from the look of his cookies). I guess it's time to start baking with him.

Enjoying the treat after all that hard-sprinkling-work. Yum!!!