Let me say this, I took a TON of pictures and even more video because I really want to make a holiday video. I plan on sharing it this month, so wish me luck :)
However, not only did we prepare for Christmas, we celebrated it. And here's proof.
There is a song by Taylor Swift called The Best Day. I see the video at the gym and have to try not to watch, otherwise I turn into a puddle on the treadmill. It is home videos of her with her family and just has really sweet lyrics. The last bit is:
And I didn't know if you knew
So I'm taking this chance to say
That I had the best day
With you today
And today was the best day. The little boys and I ran some errands, we went to the library and picked out random new books. Then I found a calendar and saw that Santa was at a local park, we walked right up and got to see him, no wait at all. We took pictures and walked around downtown Chandler. Afterwards we went and fed ducks at the park and played. We came home and watched Yes, Virginia and it was cute. When it was done Sawyer turned to me with a big smile. Then I read them Polar Express. It was just a nice, happy day with my little boys.
The other night, about 20 minutes after I laid the boys down, I saw Sawyer run across the open doorway. I was sitting at the kitchen table sewing and he ran into the dining room. He was checking our advent calendar where I told him a little elf comes every night and leaves a Hershey kiss for him and Ollie. He's been known to wake at 6 am, go get the candy, eat it, and go back to sleep for an hour or two. After he saw that the elf hadn't come he came into the kitchen and I explained that he wouldn't come until the whole house was dark and we were all sleeping. He asked if I was going to sleep after I finished sewing. I said yes :) I told him he needed to go back to bed and he listened and started walking to his room. He turned around after a few steps and said, "Merry Christmas mom." It was just such a sweet and sincere moment. I told E that I think that moment will stick in my mind forever. Just a time where your heart unexpectedly swells with love. My sweet three year old boy in his bright green footie monster jammies turning and wishing me a merry Christmas.
The jury it still out. I'm deciding how Christmas will feel without cold, snow...all of it. Growing up in Colorado and Utah...then moving to Missouri, I've always had a cold Christmas. Last year we spent Christmas day in Florida, but we celebrated our own Christmas a few days before. Actually, jury just came in. It's not the same. It is still fun and exciting, people decorate their homes and everything does seem cheerier, but the whole feel is just different. Boo.
It took me a bit longer to get our Christmas set up this year, but it's finally done. To see the "pretty" finished pictures and more of the home decor stuff, I just did a post on our blog Fresh Poppy, so check it out :)
A dinner and pirate show
Mini golf
E's family, his sisters, mom and our nephew
Lucky Sawyer, three big boy cousins ready to play 
I seriously wish I could adopt this sweet girl. She's the only princess of the grandkids, and she doted on my boy's the entire time. They loved her and we love her too!!
This is Ollie being a cheeser.
The boys had fun of course, here's O with a baby, but he still likes the one that Sawyer got for his first birthday.
And of course, scooter boy trying it out. He rides it all around the house.
Christmas in Florida
Groovin' latin style with grandma.
Now Sawyer being a cheeser.
We had two fabulous Christmas'. I know it's weeks overdue, oh well.
