The week before Christmas!

Paul had an ER rotation in Boulder City this month.  He was able to pretty much pick his schedule and only had to do 15 shifts.  So we decided he would work until the 20th and then have the week  off so we could go to Utah for Christmas.  We were pretty much packed and ready to go when Paul got home from work on Tuesday, the kids were really good on the drive and just slept the whole way.  We got to Utah around 12:30 am and thought the kids would just transfer right to bed.  Boy were we wrong they were so excited to see there Grandma and just be in Utah that they wanted nothing to do with their beds plus they had just slept for 6 hours so they were nice and refreshed.  In the end we didn't get to bed until 4 am, but then Asher was up at 6 am to eat and then the other kids were up by 8 am, needless to say we were exhausted. 
Wednesday- We kind of just hung out in the morning and then went to my parents house to visit.  Wednesday evening we met up with our high school friends at Seth and Jenn's house for our annual Christmas party.  It was pretty low key, we had dinner and just hung out and visited.  The children destroyed Cohen's bedroom, at one point they all came downstairs and asked us to come see what they did.  When we got upstairs they had unloaded all off Cohen's toys on to his bed, and I'm not kidding when I tell you that every single one of the toys and books were on the bed.  It took quite awhile to get it all cleaned up.  I love these friends and love how relaxing it is to hang out with each other.  I definitely miss the days of being together two or three nights a week.
Thursday-My mom and I went shopping to find Asher a blessing outfit and pick up a few other things we needed and then Paul and I went shopping to finish up some Christmas shopping and the kids played with their cousins Mylee and Mari and then it was off to the Buchanan Family Christmas party.  It was at my parent's house with my mom's side of the family.  We had a yummy dinner and then our traditional white elephant exchange.  We love seeing all the funny gifts and every one's reactions to the gifts.  The white elephant is always fun at this party because everyone participates and comes up with some pretty awesome gifts. 

Friday-I got together with my girlfriends from high school.  We hung out at Ashely's house, had lunch and let the kids play.  After lunch Paul and I went shopping to find two last gifts, it took forever because everyone in Utah was out shopping and traffic was horrible.  While we were shopping the kids decorated cookies at my parent's house and played with Logan and Brynnlee.  Later that night we went to dinner at Paul's dad's home.  It was delicious like always!

Saturday-  My SIL works at Lifetime Fitness so she got us a trial pass.  Paul went and played racquetball with his brother and I went and ran.  The kids got to play in the awesome childcare center.  If I had money and lived close to one of these gyms I would totally be a member.  The gym was so nice and the childcare was awesome.  I loved being able to run (1st time since having Asher) and was pretty proud of myself for running 2 miles straight. We relaxed the rest of the afternoon before heading to the Madsen Family Christmas party.  The party was held at Joe Beecrofts house and we enjoyed yummy appetizers, soup, rolls and dessert.  We sang Christmas songs, shared Christmas memories, the kids got there traditional Christmas Eve pajamas and all the adult got there traditional box of chocolates.  Paul's grandma use to make chocolates but now Paul's mom carries on the tradition.  She spends many many hours over the course of a couple months making chocolates.  She is so talented, the chocolates turn out amazing and always look so pretty.  We are lucky because we always get to sample many before we actually get our box.  My favorites are the cherry chocolates, white chocolate toffee, coconut chocolates and carmels. After the party Leila and Greydon put our cookies for Santa and Leila wrote Santa a letter.  I was amazed at how quickly they went to bed they were excited but understood that Santa wouldn't come until they were asleep. 

Waiting for Marilyn to hand out pajamas

 Opening new pajamas

Greydon was pretty excited to get Thomas the Train pajamas and requests to wear them pretty much every night

Leila with her cousins, they just love each other!

 Leila writing her letter to Santa

 The letter said, Dear Santa, Thanks for the gifts. Enjoy these cookies.  From, Leila and Grey

 I couldn't get a decent picture of both of them together and then they just started being goofy

Asher was ready for Santa to come, he went right to sleep!