Christmas Eve

We stretched our Christmas Eve to last two days. We all took off for our annual traditional trek to Salt Lake City to see the sights and lights. First we stop at the Homeless Shelter and unload a boat load of surplus clothes and toys. Mike always makes a point for the boys to realize how blessed they truly are as we watch young families freeze while waiting for a bowl of soup. It is humbling! We then go to a fun bakery that is so big city, it makes me feel like I'm in New York. Many people stop and stair while Mike-I walk in with 5 young handsome men following. I see them mouth to each other "are they all theirs?" It's an adventure. Mike lets the boys indulge in any sweet and treat they'd like and we all enjoy a quick sit down. We then move on to the Gateway where it wouldn't be complete without a visit to Barnes & Noble and the Apple Computer store. I check out a bit and go to the Z Gallery hoping to find a treasure for our home. We walk the streets and see the sights and try to stay warm. We then rode Trax over to Little America where we had a divine early dinner so we could beat the rush! The boys love the restaurant and we had a lot of fun! We rode Trax to Temple Square and saw all their lights and Nativity set on the lawn. We went into the crowded visitor center and saw the Christus and watched the short movie "Luke II" We walked through the plaza and saw the reflecting pond then went to the top of Joseph Smith Building and viewed the temple lights from way up high! It's a fun tradition and not particular to our family, I think about all of Utah does it. It was so much fun being together all day long and feeling so Christmassy! We rode Trax back to our car and Samuel drove us home. I had him take a detour and drive along Main Street through Centerville and Farmington to see all the houses so lit up with decorations! It was a wonderful night! Actual Christmas Eve Day we sat down to a nice breakfast prepared by Joseph-Jonathan-Noah. They did a great job and even made us Hot chocolate to go with the scrambled eggs and toast. They're quite the little cooks! Sam went off skiing but the rest of us went sleigh riding! That was a lot of fun! It was cold and cloudy but still tons of fun. We came home and watched "The Nativity" a beautiful show about Mary-Joseph. Then we went to Tanner's for our traditional Christmas Eve. It's very Norman Rockwell with all the food, relatives and festivities. We ate divine food, sang songs, welcomed carolers and Grandpa played Santa Claus as he handed out the gifts. There was a house full of people having a great evening being together! We came home and the boys set their stockings in "their place", set out carrots for Rudolph and cookies for Santa. Joseph-Jonathan-Noah spent quite a bit of time decorating newsprint to cover the french glass doors so they couldn't see their treasure until they broke through. They were all so excited and happy! We really had a beautiful Christmas Eve and Wonderful Christmas Season together! Love Allyson