An Almost White Christmas--SNOW on 12-27!

Friday evening, it started to snow a bit. So we loaded up and drove towards Frie Mesa and sure enough--there was a fair amount for Reagan to eat and play in. But it was super cold so we only lasted a few minutes.

Saturday morning brought a beautiful surprise--we woke up to a white wintry world! Reagan was so excited she had to go right out to play in the newly fallen snow. "I can't believe this!" she said over and over! Spoken by a true Arizonian! Travis slept late but still enjoyed eating his fair share of snow after getting up. There wasn't a lot of snow and it wasn't very sticky--as we had a hard time making a snowman--but it still was lots of fun! Poor Daddy had to work so we had fun without him. He did come and throw a few snowballs at us though! Reagan has decided we need to live where there is lots of snow. Daddy is not a fan of this idea...mine and Travis's votes are still undecided!

Christmas 2008

We spent Christmas Eve Day at my sister Tanya's house here in Thatcher with my family. We ate and laughed lots as usual. Then, another Christmas tradition was in order--Christmas Eve at Grandma Joy's house with the Larson's. Yummy Mexican food filled our bellies and we enjoyed a program by Aunt Kris. There was lots of excitement as Santa stopped by on a 4wheeler and dropped off an early gift. Travis even decided Santa was an okay guy! The kids also loved Joy's "Right Family Story" as we had our annual white elephant gift exchange.Santa found our house with ease and Christmas morning was full of fun. My parents, Grandma Mayrice, and Levi came to watch the kids find their Santa gifts which were a hit! Reagan got her John Deere bike and a Barbie stereo for her gator and a few other fun gifts. Travis got a trike to keep up with Reagan on and a little chair that is just his size. Santa also left Reagan a gift she has to share with the family--a Wii. Both kids loved their "real pets"--a panda and dog for Reagan and a Monkey for Travis. The kids were all smiles! Reagan could hardly contain her excitement! And Travis said, "Cute!" over and over again! What a great Christmas morning!

Next tradition in order was some time at Nana and Poppa's. Santa left all the Larson grandkids a playhouse to share! The kids were amazed that Santa even knew were Nana and Poppa lived! It was wet, rainy, and muddy, but that didn't stop the kids from having some Christmas fun!

Last but not least was our Christmas with my family. We ate a big Christmas steak and shrimp dinner and then opened gifts. It was a great ending to a wonderful day! (Only one glitch--Tanya and Bruce spent the evening at the ER. She had a sinus infection and felt rotten.)

Christmas Traditions

The last few weeks have been full of fun traditions...some new and some old, but all timeless treasures to me. We always take at least one long drive around to see all the Christmas lights. This is one of Reagan's favorite Christmas past times, but Travis found it torturous to ride around in his car seat in more than he had to. We also attend mine and Jason's work parties. Jason's was lots of fun with games and prizes galore. Mine was family oriented and at one of the local Dr's houses--the venue was amazing, and there was an ER video and also slide show which were hilarious. Other fun traditions I've already mentioned were a trip to see the temple lights and a night at the ward party. Another one of Reagan's favorites is talking to Santa, but as for Travis--even one look from Santa was enough to scare the poor boy to death!

Reagan and I also enjoyed making treats to take to our neighbors and a few friends. This year she enjoyed jumping out of the car and dropping the goodies off herself. "I can do it Mom!" Miss Independent said. Dad was all to happy to let her!

In true Christmas spirit, we also decided to do a bit of giving as we helped some local families we knew were in need. In trying to make it more personal for Reagan and to help her truly understand that giving is the real meaning of Christmas, we also let Reagan choose an angel and buy gifts for a little girl in need. Jason and I agree that these giving experiences were our favorite traditions of the year.

And He's Hitched!

For several years, Jason and I have encouraged Jason's little brother Tanner to get married. He has brought around 'a few friends' and each time our reaction has been--"Just marry her!" Tanner never listened. I guess I'm glad 'cuz he might have ended up with the wrong girl with us choosing! He definitely chose Mrs. Right For Tanner! Amy is wonderful and we love her! She's been a part of our family since before Travis was born actually....we were all just waiting for Tanner to make it official. We are so excited for them both!
We are also grateful for the opportunity to attend the temple--we don't get there near as often as we should and were so excited to have willing babysitters! (Their service was greatly appreciated!)

And December just wouldn't complete without our annual trip to see the temple lights. Reagan loves the life-size Nativity and also seeing the Christus, "Can we go see the big Jesus?" she asked. Travis walked around saying, "Wow! Cool! Cute! and Whoa!" over and over again.

Tanner and Amy's reception was beautiful and we are glad they're hitched! (Although Reagan was quite concerned that Amy gets to sleep over at Tanner's from now on..."That's weird Mom!" Don't ya just love kids?!)