This year we decided to start a few of our own family traditions. We took advantage of the Mile
High Holidays promotion and booked a room on the 22nd at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Denver on the 16th Street Mall. The lobby was decorated beautifully which inspired a big "OOOOHHH" from Sarah. My heart fluttered with excitement!
We quickly dropped off our things in the room and headed out into the cold to walk to The Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. This was a favorite of mine as a child. [In fact, my Golden Birthday (turning 10 on the 10th) was a fantastic celebration with two of my friends and my family at this restaurant!] After dinner we walked back to our hotel and pointed out all the beautiful lights on display in Denver. The girls were amazed. 
As we approached our hotel Matigan was riding on Ryan's shoulders when she says, "Mom who is doing all that Ho-ing"? We were confused by her question, but soon realized that she was referring to Santa driving a Horse Drawn Carriage down 16th St. Mall saying; "ho, ho, ho"! What a wonderful surprise!!
No one slept much that night so we got an early start to the snowy day and headed home to pack the car for our trip to Edwards to stay with Ryan's parents. The Vail Valley at Christmas time is such a glorious place. The lights, the snow, the atmosphere, it's truly awesome!
The Welch Girls had such fun making food and everyone helped!
One of my favorite traditions growing up was that every Christmas Eve my dad would read Tucker and I Twas the Night Before Christmas. This year, Ryan was able to read to the girls. Truly a highlight of the holiday for me!
Another Jones family tradition is to blindfold the kids before they see the tree. Sarah was too young this year, but Matigan enjoyed the great surprise!
Matigan's first Mani/Pedi! 
We had a wonderful holiday with family and are truly blessed and incredibly grateful!
1 comment:
Looks like you guys had a great holiday! Isn't it so much fun to combine family traditions into your little ones lives...I really like that part :-)
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