Christmas 2016

Things were a little less white around here compared to what we experienced last year but still a lovely day, nonetheless!

After getting about 5 hours of sleep, I woke up to bake the cinnamon rolls I prepped the night before.

While I got ready for church, Doodlebug woke up and hung out in bed with LaVor until The Lime woke up (at 7:45). We checked to see if Santa came because we were really unsure if he'd stop by our place. But The Lime's last push to be good this week saved his butt.

A new Nerf gun for The Lime and a scooter for Doodlebug. Santa left LaVor a watch and brought me a pair or booties. Apparently we were all good this year.

The boys played with their gifts and opened their stockings for a little bit before it was time for the rest of the gang to get ready for church (even though they all preferred to stay home).

As soon as the services started, our bishop commented that we were all where we were supposed to be. I had a tough time singing all of the songs, just thinking about our wonderful Savior and the gifts he's given us.

The hour was probably the longest one The Lime's ever had to live through but before we knew it, church was over and we were headed back home to resume the festivities.

Before we knew it, it was lunch time and then nap time. While everyone napped, I got started on dessert and then LaVor and I started working on dinner. I did the ham while he created his own Potatoes Au Gratin recipe (they were amazing!). We ate dinner in our pajamas and continued playing with toys until it was time for bed.

Our Christmas was low key and relaxing but meaningful and one we'll remember.  We have felt the love and light of our Savior this season and throughout the year.  We know He was born in a manger to Mary and Joseph and that He still lives today. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2016

I would have loved to spend Christmas Eve in San Francisco but the cards just didn't fall that way this year.

The Lime suggested we go "Downtown" like we did with Omi and GrandPop. I couldn't pin point what he was talking about until I realized his "Downtown" meant Old Sacramento.

I woke up early this morning to finish some last minute shopping. Everyone else had the same idea and Wal*Mart was a little cuckoo at 8:30 but I survived. Unfortunately, I also had to swing by Raleys because Wal*Mart was out of heavy cream. Raleys was just as cuckoo but at least my errands were over and done with by 9:00.

The boys were still in their jammies when I got home. We gathered the troops, got ready for the day, and were on the road to Old Sacramento.

When we left our house, it was in the low 40s and I figured as the sun came out more, it'd get warmer so I tossed Doodlebug's extra sweatshirt back into the house. The closer we got to Old Sacramento, the foggier and colder it got. I had a long sleeve shirt on, with a cardigan and jean jacket on top of it so I figured if I needed to take one for the team and give Doodlebug one of my layers, I could.

It was about 37 degrees when we arrived but the cold didn't seem to phase Doodlebug. He just ran everywhere we went. We tried to stop in every store that seemed somewhat interesting just so we could take advantage of their heat.

In the Wells Fargo Museum

In Huntington & Hopkins Hardware store, Doodlebug was infatuated with the tin dishes while The Lime enjoyed the old tools.

We walked along the train tracks down to the old school house (which is really just a replica).

In the schoolhouse, there was a young woman playing Christmas carols on the organ while her friend sang along. It was very appropriate for the day and everyone seemed to have the Christmas spirit with them.

Someone made a gingerbread house of the school...darling!

Prior to heading to lunch, we stopped by Candy Heaven for a few free samples. The owner asked if anyone wanted to try a chocolate covered cricket. In a previous candy store, I showed them to The Lime and we both were disgusted. But this time, something came over me and I took one, as did another girl in the store. We both popped them in our mouths and agreed with the owner that they tasted like a Crunch bar. The thought of eating a cricket was much more revolting than the taste. But now I can say that I did it!

We were all starving by this time so LaVor found a place for us to eat; Dad's Kitchen. I didn't care what we ate, I just wanted something warm so I ordered the fried chicken, LaVor and The Lime got burgers, and Doodlebug ordered a grilled cheese.

Now I don't know if it's because we don't eat much chicken anymore (The Lime's allergic) but HOLY COW! It was the best fried chicken and mashed potatoes I've ever eaten. LaVor's burger satisfied his craving and The Lime was done with his sliders before I blinked. Doodlebug also ate every bite of his grilled cheese. We'll be visiting Dad's Kitchen again...real soon!

We stopped in the bakery next door for a couple cookies and agreed I need to open my own bakery. LaVor and I are talking about a 5 year plan...I more loosely than he is.

After arriving back home, we attempted to put the boys down for a nap while LaVor and I wrapped presents but it just didn't work out that way.

None of us were hungry for dinner so we settled on popcorn and hot chocolate while we watched Home Alone.

We chatted with LaVor's parents and then opened up our traditional pajamas.

LaVor attempted to read from the scriptures as well as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas but two little boys were just too excited, they couldn't sit still.

Soon enough, it was time for bed. We put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. The Lime attempted to write a letter to Santa but was taking too long so LaVor helped out. We read another book before bed and then it was time for sugarplums to dance in their heads.

After the presents magically appeared under the tree, I remembered we got two new ornaments in Old Sacramento. The Lime picked out the Army one and I noticed the A's hat. We love them both!

I also realized The Lime and Doodlebug made the same ornaments in Nursery with their cute little thumbprints.

The Lime's - 2013

Doodlebug's - 2016

And lastly, a new ornament from our friends that depicts the true meaning of this season.

For it is the night of our dear Savior's birth.

Sunday Christmas Lights

We continued our Sunday night tradition from last year of driving around to see the Christmas lights in various neighborhoods.

With the kids settled in the back with their popcorn and hot chocolate, we ventured out each week and were in awe of the presentations people put on (and honestly, we enjoyed every house that had lights on them).

I think Doodlebug enjoyed them much more this year because he's a little higher in his seat and can actually look out the window.

We could never put in the time or money that some of these nice people do to decorate our home but we're sure glad they're willing to sacrifice so we can benefit from it.

Until next year!