For the last 10 Christmases we have spent the holiday in the winter wonderland that is the Vail Valley. We have enjoyed every minute at Ryan's parent's home for the special time of year! The snow, the lights, it's truly a winter paradise for Christmas!! That being said, now that we have two young kids traveling for the holiday is becoming more and more difficult. This year, with my mom and Brent in town was the perfect time to start our own family traditions and stay home for Christmas.
Every year we get a real tree and put up lights and decorations in the house. This year since we were going to be home we decided to get a bigger tree. We got the most perfect 10+ft tree at Costco of all places, it was truly magical!!!
Matigan and Sarah visited Santa at a special brunch and we loved the daily activity of the Advent Calendar, we baked and decorated cookies, we made crafts, we shopped. All the fun things of the season!
We took our 2nd annual family Christmas Adventure which we started last year. We stayed in a hotel on the 16th Street Mall downtown and had an adjoining room to Nonnie and Poppy (they just couldn't get rid of us if they tried!). The downtown experience is turning into our favorite tradition. We went to the Children's Museum, we walked to dinner and rode the bus (which, was of course, the girls most favorite part of the whole time!), and went to the City and County Building to see the spectacular lights. Oh, and can't forget our detour to the Brown Palace with white lights galore! I'm already excited for next year's adventure!
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| What is a hotel visit without the obligatory jumping on the bed?? |
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| First time the girls shared a bed. Although there was some discrepancy in the lighting, they did great! |
We really tried to stress the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate the special day. I know that it's inevitable that the girls will love to get presents, but we're hoping that they'll also love to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the joy of giving and sharing, and the time with loved ones! This year it worked beautifully! Matigan and Sarah were kind and gracious and took their time on Christmas morning. They would hand out presents, open some presents, play a little, the whole event lasted about 2 hours!
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| Ryan getting ready to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" |
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| One of my most favorite family traditions was being blindfolded and my brother and I being led to the tree for the big reveal! Figured it was a great time to start this tradition with our special girls! |
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| Matigan "got it"! |
We had a wonderful, delicious Christmas meal too! Ryan's parents were able to come down for the celebration as well as my cousin Ka'imi. What could be a better way to end a fantastic day?
We are such a blessed family and are so very thankful for all of our loved ones, happiness, and good health! Here's to a prosperous 2011!
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