The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

 This year we were so lucky to have my sister, Dalene, and her family, along with my parents, join us for Christmas in Vermont! We have traveled most years for Christmas, except for the year I was expecting Maya. This year, however, Rob's work schedule was such that we couldn't travel. We were ecstatic when arrangements were made so that my parents could come here instead. They always have had to stay home for Christmas, so that my brother, Mark, wouldn't be alone. This year, however, Jenifer and Rob in Austin were kind enough to invite him to their house, leaving my parents free to travel! I'm not sure we'll ever be able to thank Jen and Rob enough for giving us such a special Christmas. It really was because of them that we had such a nice time together. 

 Mom and Dad arrived first. We had a couple days together before the Olsons arrived. Maya made cookies with grandma and played hide and go seek with her Papa. We also went to serve dinner to those less fortunate than us, and that evening turned out to be one of the highlights of their visit. On Saturday, Mom and I ventured to The Vermont Store and had a fun time buying a few last minute Christmas Gifts. I love spending time with my mom. It just doesn't happen often enough.

 Out of all the times our girls have been together, this was one of the best I can remember. Zoey and Maya played and played with very few disagreements, which is always nice! Even Kaia and Mallory joined in the fun, playing in the snow and with babies and watching Christmas movies and eating lots of treats. I love watching my girls play with their cousins - especially when everyone is healthy and happy!

 Another highlight was having Rob home on Christmas day and for a few days after! What a treat!

We miss this Daddy of ours so much while he's away, but he fit right in being home for more than just a few hours! It made it hard though, when he had to go back to work. But we're still grateful for the time he had off!

 On Sunday we drove to Sharon, VT which isn't too far away. Being January 23rd, they were having a celebration for Joseph Smith's birthday. We went to see the live stable animals and all the Christmas Lights and to enjoy some birthday cake. This is the only photo we got of everyone together the whole trip. How I love all these people!

 Christmas Eve was spent cooking and baking and wrapping and napping and playing in the snow. We had our dinner, and then went to Christmas Carol to my dear friend, Pat. After bath time and jammies, we read from the bible and acted out the Christmas Story with our Little People Nativity. We were happy to have a new addition this year - the Inn Keeper and Inn. Thank you Aunt Lala!

We left cookies and two mugs of water out for Santa, along with a few snacks for the reindeer. Christmas Eve is always so magical. 

Maya had written Santa a letter a couple weeks ago, with a few suggestions of things she'd love for Christmas. The three things she wrote down were: 1. Two American Girl Dolls, 2. A crib for her bitty baby, and 3. A Train Set. Imagine her surprise when she opened her present from Santa and there were TWO American Girl Dolls! Addy and Felicity.

  We weren't sure what Mallory wanted from Santa, but figured he couldn't go wrong with a new baby. Her baby that she sleeps with every night was already falling apart, so Santa brought her a replacement to sleep with at night, along with a new baby stroller. Because really, can you have too many baby strollers in a house full of girls?

 We had some great snow while our company was in town! The girls had so much fun sledding down the hill in front of our house, and playing in the "snow park" in the backyard.

 These little ones loved spending time with their Papa!!

 Our only complaint was that everyone went home too soon. Our house has been way to quiet since we said goodbye. 

Merry Christmas!!