The kids and I flew to Salt Lake several days before Tyler did. I am always proud of what a grown up I am when I drive myself to the airport, park, and get all the kids and luggage on the plane. I felt like a spectacle walking through the Oakland airport with three kids (Benny pushing his empty stroller) and a big pregnant belly.
We had several days in Salt Lake before Christmas. The kids spruced up Grandma's decor:
Rode the trolley through the lights at Thanksgiving Point:
Made gingerbread houses with the cousins:
(*Benny was a total angel during the trip--I don't know what came over him but it was wonderful. He's back to his normal self now.)
We spent tons of time playing in the snow:
High school friends Annie, Lisa, and Liz.
Former Bay Area friends The Atwoods.
Tyler got into town just in time for Christmas Eve. My dad was kind enough to lend Tyler and the Wart some of his festive Christmas shirts.
After dinner we had a little program with the nativity and some songs--including an adorable number by Charlie and Max who held hands of their own accord.
I made it into a photo:
Santa found us! We had to wake our kids up around 9:00 to start opening presents. Benny slept for a couple more hours (a Christmas miracle) which made for a very peaceful morning of present-opening.
I am going to do a separate post about our presents, because I always want to know about that kind of stuff.
Rex's family came into town Christmas night so we got to overlap with them a couple days. Tyler and I cherished those moments by dumping our kids on Rex while we went to see Jack Reacher.
We thought it was SO bad. Have you seen it?
We did an adults dinner out in honor of my mom's birthday:
And I got to meet Brooke's boyfriend!
Sarah and I got through a puzzle and a half before we had to pack up and catch our flight home.
It was easier than I expected to get everything home--Santa brought us relatively small things and they mostly fit in one ginormous suitcase. Our flight home was delayed a couple hours, but we eventually made it, and I've been alternately cleaning and sleeping ever since.
11 comments:
I love hearing about your trips to slc. The boys holding hands and singing is BEYOND darling. I'm also super impressed at your amazingness at traveling with the boys!! You rock!! Glad it was a great vacay for you!!!
That photo of the hand holding is priceless! It sounds like a wonderful Christmas. I'd trek out to Linda, too, if I were her daughter or had ever met her in real life. Either one. I know what you mean both about feeling proud of getting myself and kids to the airport etc. I'd feel like a super conscientious and sophisticated person if I did that on my own without kids in tow.
Also about being a spectacle with three kids and pregnant. Deep down they're jealous. It's jealousy not judgment on their faces. :)
Linda throws a mean Christmas. I'd definitely be up for going back at some point.
It was so great to see you! And your boys are simply darling. Now move to Utah ;)
You're a brave woman traveling over Christmas...let alone by yourself with three kids in tow. I'm impressed! Looks like a great Christmas was had by all!
I'm kind of surprised we've never crossed paths while wrangling kids through the airport. I've embraced the fact that looking harried generally induces sympathy from some kind-hearted souls who have been there. On the shuttle to our car in Detroit a lady magically loaded my stroller and Daphne in my car in the amount of time it took me just to strap in Henry. And since she wasn't the driver of the bus--no tip!
We miss you already!
I always feel like a grown-up when I drive to the airport and fly somewhere too, it is kind of amazing really, but doing it while pregnant and toting 3 cute red-heads gives you grown-up status for sure (unless you're crying when you land of course).
I miss you & your boys (all of them) so much. It was sad putting away all the Christmas stuff that reminded me of them. (winter wonderland, the paper chain garlands, the snow gear, the Christmas tree box. . .the wii. (the real reason Charlie didn't want to leave!)
Why do john and I look so roasted tan in that photo?
Post a Comment