We got spirit, yes we do!

This December and Holiday season was so much fun because Boden had so much holiday spirit:  Santa, being good, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, the Grinch, the Advent calendar, presents, the Elf on the Shelf--all of it! 

Early in the month, Todd and I went to Southern Utah for a short weekend hiking trip in Snow Canyon State Park and Zion National Park.  We LOVED it and I'm already planning for my/our (sorry, hon, I'm willing to go with or without you!) next escape.  It was a bit chilly while we were there, but the hikes warmed us up plenty--I couldn't imagine doing it in 80 degree heat (or warmer).

Enjoying Serenity and an Exhilarating Uphill Climb

While we were off gallavanting in another time zone, Boden spent a couple days with his grandparents, thoroughly enjoying being the center of attention from what we were told :)

Boden was also introduced to his own personal elf this year--Sammy.  Our little Elf on the Shelf came to live with us the first week of December to help keep an eye on Boden's behavior and report naughtiness and good deeds back to the Jolly One each night.  Amazingly, this did seem to help keep him on the "nice" side sometimes.  I considiered keeping Sammy around year-round--for those boys that Santa wants to keep a real close eye on.  But, he went back with Santa on Christmas Eve and is vacationing in Aruba until it's time to start working on next year's Christmas inventory.  I'm sure Sammy will be back around Thanksgiving.

We loaded up the trusty family sleigh and headed to my mom's to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.  Boden always has a good time checking the chicken coop for eggs with my mom.  Unfortunately, it was very cold out while we were there, so we didn't get as much outside time as we like.  His behavior was less than savory, but I've learned that keeping boys indoors and cooped up goes against their nature. Just like animals, free range children are well-exercised and have a better temperament.

Off to the Chicken Coop with Grandma

But, we did get a chance to get a sleigh ride in with Molly and Dolly again this year.  They were feeling a little feisty so Boden didn't get a chance to take the reins, but he still had fun.

On board with Grandma, Mom, Uncle, and Cousins

While the cold weather put a nip in my running plan for the weekend, I did get a chance to slip away one afternoon and meet with one of my high school friends at a coffee shop in town.  While I would have liked for our kids to play together, it was great to have some 100% one-on-one friend time! We were talking and talking and then noticed that the place got incredibly quiet, other than our voices--turning off their music was the subtle sign to "please leave" :)  I do regret I didn't get our pic together!! 

We got home on Christmas Eve afternoon and Boden had time to set out cookies and carrots for Santa along with his first handwritten note (so cute!).  The note won't last, but I was glad to get a picture for posterity.

First handwritten bribery note to Santa

With all the travel and fun of the previous days, we thought Boden would have slept in on Christmas morning.  But, we should have known--if it's not a school day, but is up before 7.  For someone who can't quite tell time, yet, he has an amazing inherent ability to distinguish between school vs non-school days.  Todd and I had set up a rocket ship from Santa the night before and were excited for him to come down and see it.  He played with it until Nana, Papa and Uncle J came later in the morning when we could open the rest of his gifts.  It was a great time and so fun to see his genuine excitement over everything--so sweet.  Boden continues to ask what day it is so he can check the Advent calendar for his treat and why we only have one day of Christmas.  He's got so much holiday spirit, he wants even more Christmas :)




Okay, everyone but Doug and Susie, make a silly face!