christmas haps

Considering that today I put away the very last of our Christmas decorations (STILL can't find baby Jesus from the nativity . . . ) I thought I'd better post already about our holiday and how we spent it. 

We had a few nights of cookie making.  It all started when my sweet neighbor brought over some gingerbread cookie dough.  We started making them immediately and it was such a hit we did sugar cookies the next two nights (since I'm not too good at making gingerbread).  The girls LOVED it and got pretty good at spreading the frosting and pouring on the sprinkles.

Since our ward canceled it's Christmas party, we sidebusted on our old ward Orem 8.  There was awesome food, mediocre entertainment and fun company.  Considering the packed house in years past, we couldn't believe how small it was this year - not that we were complaining, though - it was quite nice having room to sit and spread out.

For the first time since we got married, we went to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square. It was beautiful but very cold.  The girls stayed toasty, though, in their new snow suits from Gramma Peggy.  I LOVE them!  Thank you GRAMMA!! The highlight for the girls was definitely the horse carriage ride that Papa took them on. They actually SQUEALED with delight when it started. They spent the ride standing on the seat and chatting with our cute driver the whole time.  They loved it.

We got to catch up with my extended family at the annual Alisa/Toelupe Christmas party.  As is tradition we had a yummy potluck, a talent show and a white elephant gift exchange.  The highlights of the night for me were the koko rice, laughing with my cousins Ni'i and Tiare and seeing everybody.  

On Christmas Eve, we got together with Wayne's family and cousins for a party.  I think this will be a new tradition - it was so fun.  The highlights of the night were the red velvet cake, the making of the music video and volleyball.  It was fun to have the parents there the whole time with us young-uns. 

On Christmas day, I woke up with a sore throat! Ugh. I ended up spending most of the day at home sleeping, but did make it to Vai's to eat some yummy sour cream waffles and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Christmas night we went to Kalo's house for a turkey dinner and some presents.  It was so fun and we were totally spoiled by everyone.  THANK YOU FAMILY!

Phew! It was a fun Christmas.  We'd tried to plan our Christmas day so carefully so we wouldn't be rushed anywhere, but my throat had other plans so I was pretty much just rushed to bed (I actually went to the doctor the day after Christmas and was diagnosed with strep. . . Bleh!)  Still, I was able to see everyone I wanted to see and spend a little time with them.  I'm so grateful for our families here - it made our holiday so special to be able to spend it with them (of course, we really missed my parents in Hawaii. . . but we're excited to see them next week! Woohoo!!.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed the holiday.  We got them walkie talkies for Christmas, but their favorite gift was the big cardboard house my mom sent for them.  They spent the WHOLE day coloring it.  Malia's favorite personal gift was the new piano books and new piano book bag from Aunty Kalo - she's starting lessons next week and is SO excited.

I love this season so much because of the fun, excitement and love that is always in the air.  I loved preparing for everything - getting gifts wrapped, rooms decorated and food made. I loved seeing so much of our families and spending so much time together with our little family.  Indeed, it was a very merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!

**A little something I want to remember - Malia was asked to give a talk about Christmas in Primary on Sunday.  Instead of having her memorize anything I just told her the story from the bible of Jesus' birth - from the angel visiting Mary to the wise men visiting baby Jesus.  I told it to her several times during the week so that she'd be familiar with it.  When she got up to speak at church, her teacher asked where her paper was and if she needed help, but Malia just said, No, I know it.  She then told the whole story of baby Jesus - with all the details, not missing a thing.  She closed with her testimony.  The mom sitting next to me was so impressed.  And I was one proud momma.:)