Christmas Festivities

We had a busy, fun-filled weekend celebrating our favorite time of year. Our shopping is done, our house is (almost) clean and we are ready for a wonderful Christmas with family.  On Friday night, we met my family at the new Mattas in Mesa for some delish Mexican food.  Followed by a visit to the Mesa Temple Lights, which never disappoint. 

We bundled the kids up because it was 50 some degrees out and that is freezing for us!

Owen loves the pond in front of the temple and he could have stood there forever looking at the reflections of the lights. There were also little nativity displays all around that the kids loved to stop and look at. 

Owen's favorite are the three wisemen bringing gifts to baby Jesus on the Temple lawn.  We went inside to warm up and see the Christus and then we watched a short video on the birth of Christ.  It was a great way to get into the real spirit of the season.

On Saturday, I rushed around all day delivering cookies, finishing my shopping, and crossing last minute items off my "to do" list. We spent the late afternoon, into the evening, at Grandpa Todd and Monicas for our family Christmas party.  Santa made a guest appearance too.  This is a rare picture of all the cousins, but we are still missing Jon and Kate. :( 

Owen has been a little nervous around Santa's friends (look a likes) lately and he is never nervous.  It's cute to see him get a little flustered because he normally is the boss and is fearless.  He was a little nervous around our mall Santa this week too and forgot what he was going to say. 

We are loving this Christmas season so much.  We have watched just about every Christmas movie classic out there, including all the Home Alone movies, The Grinch, Polar Express, National Lampoons Christmas vacation, A Christmas Story, you name it!!  We have big plans on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will be surrounded by family.  We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!