And Let the Christmas Begin...



We were blessed to get to spend the Christmas season with both sides of the family (minus Kathryn, Rachel, Brandon and their families).

We spent Sunday evening at Justin and Celeste's for dinner and gift exchanges.  Ayla and Ahrian were spoiled, as always!  I love that despite both Milton and I being from Utah we do get to spend most Holidays with family.

Monte Vista Christmas Party

Once again the Spanish Ward did not disappoint with the Christmas celebrations and food.  I think Ayla is happiest when with her Yeya (Abuela/Grandma) and Ahrian with his Abuelo/Grandpa.  They both have very strong attachments (probably because they let them have whatever they want, especially their attention).

Ayla wasn't in the Primary yet but she had no problem inviting herself to join them during their Christmas presentation. I am so grateful that she is so outgoing and willing to have no fear in most situations.  I was quite shy growing up and would never have had the courage to be the center of attention.

She also danced her little heart out with her Papa and anyone else that would be her partner. However, she has no problem dancing solo either.  I think we have a future performer and leader on our hands! 

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Ayla's Final Performance

Ayla had her last performance of the year for the Boy's & Girl's Club Christmas party.  Her abuelos, grandparents, Justin & Celeste and McKelle were able to see her dance.  Unfortunately, it was the shortest and hardest one to see.  Later we all went out to have some ice cream.

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Princesses for Our Princess

 

 

We decided to spend our Anniversary celebration by taking our little princess to Disney on Ice.  A couple months prior Ayla had seen a billboard advertising the Disney on Ice and exclaimed how much she wanted to see it.  So, that's all it took...I ordered the tickets.

We invited Ayla's friend Jayden and his mom to come along.  I'm not sure how much he enjoyed it since it was all about Cinderella, Rapunzel and the Princess and the Frog. Tangled happened to be the last act which made Ayla very happy. 

I didn't even think to dress Ayla up like a princess (bad mom I know). Next time, this little girl will be decked out.  She will only be a little princess once!
Ahrian must have had too much princess stimulation.  He fell asleep in the car and didn't wake up once even with Ayla giving him lots of kisses, me changing his diaper and even putting him in his pjs.

 

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Holiday Fun - Redneck Style

 

We started off the Christmas spirit right by doing what city Rednecks do best...go to Bass Pro Shop. Justin and Celeste invited us to go and I'm glad we did. Actually, it was the best meet Santa I've ever been to.  Not to mention it was all free!!! Including the merry go round, snow man craft, games and window shopping.  Well, I managed to walk out without spending anything but of course Justin didn't get so lucky. That store was totally meant for him!

Ahrian didn't really appreciate the Santa experience too much.  He's usually pretty easy going but being put on that jolly man's lap wasn't too funny for him.

Afterwards we went to eat dinner at Del Taco.  Ahrian had a bit of a mishap while trying to climb through their highchair.  Luckily, his sister and cousins were able to pull him out of the mess he got himself into.

 

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Decorating the Christmas Tree

 It was really fun this year that Ayla was old enough to really decorate her own Christmas tree. Of course, she did get some help from her Aunt McKelle.

 This was very serious business!

Ahrian on the other hand...wasn't much help but at least he made up for it with his cuteness.

Little Man Goes to Nursery

 This handsome little boy is just growing up way too quickly! He is such a sweetheart that loves his Mama very much. It's great having a Papa's Girl and a Mama's Boy.  I think our family is very well balanced.

Ahrian is posing for his first day of nursery.  Ayla and Ahrian will be in the nursery together for one month until she graduates to the Primary.

 

A typical moment in our household. 

I can report that Ahrian did great at nursery.  Went in and played the entire time without a single tear!