Christmas Love

This Christmas Eve we had the privilege of joining Mark's family here in Utah for a night of fun!  We have always read about the events each year on blogs, but we were excited to be able to be part of it this year...and it was SO fun.  

When we got to Uncle John and Aunt Jolynn's house, Joseph was a bit nervous and didn't want to be very social...but he quickly warmed up and had a great time...with pony in tow and all. 

We played some Christmas Bingo...Joseph especially liked playing with the Hershey Kisses.  We felt pretty lucky to be sitting with Grandma and Grandpa Brems.

Then, Joseph was a shepherd in the Nativity...he mastered the act of abiding in the fields as he wandered and didn't quite stay with the rest of the Nativity.

And then, Santa came.  Joseph still isn't sure of Santa so he kept a close hold on me.

And even though he wouldn't sit on Santa's lap, he still got a nice present from him!

Thanks Santa...and Uncle John and Aunt Jolynn for such a fun and wonderful Christmas Eve! :)

On Christmas morning, Mark was able to continue one of his favorite childhood Christmas memories- Joseph had a string of yarn to follow to one of his presents.  Mark remembers having some very fun obstacles to go through in order to follow the annual yarn, string, fishing line, etc.  So, it was extra special for him to continue this with Joseph.  It took Joseph a little bit to catch on, but he enjoyed it once he did.

...well, first he was a little distracted by the easel he got from Great Nana and Papa.

But then he was led to his new red wagon!

Then we were back in the presents room...Santa/Family and Friends were very good to us all this year...we felt very loved and especially blessed!  Thank you for all who took part in our fun day!

  

Grama and Papa Vidinhar got on Skype with us for the opening of presents.  Joseph was so excited to see them...and it was very hard to get him to focus on presents once he was on the computer.

Eventually, daddy got his attention and we were able to start on presents...although, you'll note the cell phone is nearby the entire time.

Uncle Chad has gotten us all hooked on Big Bang Theory...so Joseph got him the first 5 episodes and we got him the board game.  We're a bunch of nerds...but it's fun! :)

Joseph actually got into ripping presents open...

...and then he would stop and play with or read each item!  ...we had a LONG, but fun, morning.

Once we finished opening and playing with each present a bit, we headed to the living room for some Little Einsteins in the red wagon.

....while Mark and Chad read their new books while lounging in their Christmas PJs.

Joseph was a VERY spoiled boy as usual...thanks again everyone!

Yay for Christmas! :)  The rest of the morning was spent running around playing with toys...

 ...and then heading upstairs to play on Joseph's new table with some of his favorite new toys.  Yes, those are Gumby toys...he loves them!

And his puzzle takes some serious concentration!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas full of love, joy, and lot of relaxation...and that you were able to enjoy this special day just as much as we did!!!  Merry Christmas!

December: A Month of Celebrations!

December, like June, is a month full of celebrations for us.  There is the obvious Christmas season that always brings lots of fun, but we also have birthdays, and this year, an exciting graduation.  

But before we get into December's celebrations, here are a few pictures of Joseph and his best buddy, Uncle Chad.  He loves his Uncle and they spend many hours a day playing together, reading, watching Disney Channel, and just being goofy together.

Early in December, we had the chance to go up to Salt Lake City and meet up with Mark's mom and grandparents.  Joseph got to meet his Great Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell!!!  He loved spending time with them and Grandma Maxwell.  Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures, but here's a shot of Joseph's first nativity...made by Grandma Maxwell!  He loves it and will often play with it...imitating the sheep especially.  Thanks for such an enjoyable evening, Grandma Maxwell and Great Grandma and Grandpa!

Next, we went up to Salt Lake for a night of lights.  We love seeing the temple lights and were very anxious to be able to take Joseph to Temple Square this year.  First was dinner...a quick shot with daddy.

Then, we ventured out in the FREEZING cold!  Joseph LOVED the lights!

It wasn't long before he refused to be in his stroller any more and wanted to run free...weaving in and out of the crowds.  But, he did find the water and stopped to admire it...giving Mark a chance to capture these very sweet shots!

Taking a little break inside to warm up a bit.

And then back out again...

Kind of fun that it was snowing...not so fun that a snowflake covered Joseph's face....

Three of our parents have birthdays in December.  This year my mom turned 50 so I really wanted to be there for her special day.  But, we had to split up a bit, unfortunately.  Mark and I do not do well separated so that part wasn't fun...but otherwise, Joseph and I had a fun time celebrating with grandma in Hawaii.

First, we went to the mall and took a picture with Santa and rode on the train again.  Joseph hated being with Santa alone...so I got to be part of his first Santa experience with him...pic to come later.  But, he loved the choo choo train!

When we got off the train, it started to snow...well, Hawaii style snow...the mall's Christmas tree had a bubble maker in it and it would blow out bubble bunches every 15 minutes which they called a blizzard.  As much as Joseph loves the real deal...he loved the fake snow as well...even tried catching the flakes in his mouth! :)

Some more mall toys...Joseph is definitely a prince whenever Grandma is around!

Happy Birthday, Grama!

 

 

Unfortunately, Joseph was up sick the night of grandma's birthday...so we didn't get to go to her surprise party the next day...but we hope you had a great 50th, Grama!

Grandpa time...

Joseph was introduced to my favorite treat...Long Johns! And, he loved them just as much as his mommy does!

 
On our last night we had some family time...

Dad even made my VERY favorite...his Chinese Pot Roast Chicken and Chow Fun!  YUMMY!!!!

THANKS for such a fun trip, mom and dad!

Once Joseph and I returned from Hawaii, Mark headed out to Phoenix for Robert's graduation!  Congratulations, Robert!!!!  We're all very excited for you! 

Meanwhile, in Provo, we got some snow and our little snowman was SO excited.  He even got to try out his new snow pants!

Sweet Joseph...

Argh...

Our travels are all done and we are happy to be together again as a family!  Joseph is also very happy to be with his Uncle Chad again.  He kept his Uncle busy today...watching Disney...

...and playing chase with his puppy...

...and mowing the carpet...

I don't know who was more ready for nap time when it came...Chad or Joseph!?!

And, our month of celebrations continued this afternoon...we had our Christmas Eve together tonight because tomorrow night we get to spend it with the Brems family!

First an attempt at a family picture...attempt is the key word...

....Joseph was MUCH more interested in his puppy...

...we even tried taking one with the puppy...he wasn't having it!  LOL!

Christmas PJs and ornaments...

...and Cinnamon Rolls...

We hope everyone has a VERY Merry Christmas and is able to have a day full of love, joy, and family!  MELE KALIKIMAKA!