What an amazing holiday season we had. The entire Ogden clan was in town to celebrate this glorious time of year. A most special one because it may very likely be the last for the next 3 years where we are all together.
We spent most of Christmas Eve day at home because my sweet Dakota had been throwing up the night before. But because she woke feeling fine, we headed over to mom and dad's in time for our huge Christmas feast, followed by the always anticipated Christmas Eve gift and Program (I use that word very loosely!). The program, although well-intentioned, turned into more of a frenzy of children trying to make more noise than the kid next to them. Props to mom for managing to get all the children together to sing Primary Christmas songs, and Jasmyn for dazzling us with "The 12 Days of Christmas". Dad was able to turn the mood to a more sacred one by reading the words of Christ's birth, to remind us why we were really celebrating this special day.
After all the family fun, we headed home and put the kids to bed. But not before setting out a special plate of treats for Santa and his helpers, and sprinkling reindeer food all around the front yard. One last look online to check on Santa's progress, which the kids had been tracking all night. He was getting very close, so they knew it was time to settle in.
The girls woke around 7 and anxiously waited for us to rise. Jack wasn't as excited to be woken up but it just took some adjusting of his eyes to see, over the stair railing, a basketball hoop that Santa had brought just for him. I have never seen his eyes light up like that before, it was priceless! He also got lots of "Cars" paraphernalia. The girls each got a DS Organizer, a couple of games, clothes, and some stuff for Lucy. Most exciting was a note left for each of them from Santa explaining why he hadn't brought their top list item, a Nintendo DS. Someone else, someone special he explained, wanted to give it to them- so they would have to wait a little longer!
After all the excitement at home, we headed back to be with the rest of our family. More gifts, including the long-awaited DS's and a new bike for Jack, waited for them there. The kids happily played with their new treasures while the parents headed into the living room for our favorite Christmas morning tradition, Stocking Stuffers!
Because Santa is so busy filling the kids stockings, each of the adults take turns putting one thing into each others' stockings, and then gather round to unveil our treats. There is always something that sends us into hysterics. This year- Sexy Peel soap! A favorite soap shop of my dads, which he has been advertising to us for the past year. And so, a small bar of yummy soap for each of the boys, from mom! Another highlight was a magazine left in Chris' stocking from Jacy- High School Musical, with fun activity pages and posters! Apparently, she didn't have much time in the store and for some reason that was the one she grabbed. Apologies followed.
We spent the remainder of the day lazying around, eating, playing and enjoying each other's company.
Later in the afternoon, we had the chance to go to Dave's parent's home and celebrate with them. No one else was there so the kids had some one-on-one time with their grandparents. They quickly ripped through their presents and then spent the rest of their time playing. It was a quiet, peaceful break from the madness at the other house, and it was much needed!
