1.10.2011

just hear those sleigh bells jingling ...

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Merry Christmas! Yeah, it's January, but I just took down my Christmas tree yesterday, so I am still in the Christmas spirit! We had a wonderful holiday both in Kansas City and back home and here is small look at the fun.
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While in KC, we went to see Santa at the library. This was Cora's first taste of the Man in Red and while she didn't seem too enthused about the whole affair, there were no tears.

Am I a bad mom if i confess that I'm a little disappointed that she didn't scream when I put her on his lap? I just love those pictures of the kids who are absolutely terrified of Santa!
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Hay told Santa all about how he wanted a knight hat. When he first came up with this, we had no idea what in the world he was talking about. I had read him 'Twas the Night Before Christmas a few times and we weren't sure if he was talking about the man in the story's night cap or what. Luckily he expounded on the request a few days later by explaining that he wanted a sword as well. Ding, Ding, Ding: knight, not night!

UTAH!
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Our arrival in Utah couldn't have come at a better time (and not just because Hayden had been asking me incessantly when we were going to fly on the airplane.) The day we flew in, we were met with a blanket of snow - and that snow didn't stop for 36+ hours. It was amazing! We don't usually get snow in Kansas City so it was a welcome surprise. Hayden immediately wanted to go out and build a Frosty.
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Day two into the snow and we had about 2 feet of snow at my parents.
It's was a little boys paradise!
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We were lucky also lucky enough to be there for the annual, traditional Palmyra Ward Christmas Extravaganza complete with a life-sized, dancing Frosty the Snowman, darling Suzy Snowflakes, and rolling donkey. Aside from the slightly inappropriate Santa Claus (seriously!) it was such a fun night and brought back so many memories of being a little girl.
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Christmas Eve was spent at my parents home surrounded by all of our family. We laugh that no more Stewart's are going to fit in my parent's house, but like it our not, we are going to keep growing. Better plan an addition to the house Dad! Just look at all those cute little cousins in their Christmas pj's in the annual stair picture.
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The kids were spoiled rotten and loved to spend time with their cousins.
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The night ended with a rendition of the nativity and a few final pictures.
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And last but not least, cookies for Santa and a few treats for Rudolph.
Hayden was adamant that we not leave him out.
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Christmas morning brought with it the beloved knight costume and the surprise hit of Christmas, Hayden's marble works set. Nate recieved marbles for his third Christmas and was a bit nostalgic about getting Hayden marbles as well. As predicted, he has absolutely loved them and can't get enough of his beloved marbles.
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As for Cora Jane, Santa saw fit to bring her a dolly. Her Baby Huggums is so sweet and reminds me of my baby doll from when I was little. I guess I am a bit nostalgic as well!
Cora just likes to eat her.
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All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas! The big secret of the year was a surprise trip for Ali's girls to Europe, Germany and Paris to be exact. I feel so privileged to have been invited along for the adventure. Ali, Maddie, Sophie, Mom and I are in for such a fun trip!
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The rest of the time in Utah was spent relaxing, playing with cousins, and soaking up all the fun that comes with being around family. It's crazy how much Hayden loves his cousins. Every morning he would ask who could come over to play or who's house he was going to. He is now going through serious withdrawals!
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We have also concluded that Hay has a little crush on his cousin Saige. He was always so sad when he went to their house and she was at school. When she was around, he was right at her side participating in whatever game she had planned. It's true love!
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One last note for document sake: Cora is the most amazing eater on the planet. She will literally eat anything that is placed in front of her and loves every second of it. She still isn't crawling and all that food is continuing to go straight to her cheeks. I can't look at her without pinching or smooching her growing cheeks. She is such a doll!

IDAHO
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The day after Christmas we headed up to Idaho just in time for little Sophie Mae's blessing.
It is so great to be home for those special moments.
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The annual George Family picture.
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Oh wait. This one looks a little better!
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Cora jumped right in and showed off her darlingness to Papa. She is such a dollie!
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That night was met with more presents (we are so blessed!).
Cora just loved the wrapping paper. Typical baby!
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Tricia sent a fun package of light up Rudolph noses and of course, we had a bit of fun with them. Such a fun present Trish!
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While in Idaho, we also hit the slopes. I took my first ski lesson, and while I am bruised from head to toe, it was a really fun time and I can't wait for our next ski trip. I better get this figured out because we are going to live 15 minutes from the ski hill this next year! Hayden is also excited to get his own pair of ski's next year.
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The boys also had a great time playing at the snow and Hayden is a true snow bunny!
They also built a huge snowman that stayed up for our entire trip.
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Last but not least, my stud muffin celebrated the big 2-8 while we were home. I feel bad that this is the best picture we got of the festivities, but at least it's documented. I love you babe! Thanks for all you do for us and for making life exciting every day!

4 comments:

Amanda said...

So much fun! I miss the Palmyra Ward Christmas party! Oh the dancing Frosty and the Suzy Snowflakes! I LOVE that it hasn't changed!

elizabeth said...

You guys had a Christmas marathon. I love that picture of Cora in the pink vest.

Amy said...

What a fun trip! Too bad we have to come back to reality huh? We are glad y'all are back...hopefully we can survive this freezing cold weather!

Lechelle said...

I am LOVING Cora's lashes. Wow those are precious.

Was Santa at the Riverside Library? We'll have to check it out next year. This year we went to the north oak mall, and I'd like something faster next year.

I'm excited to see your blog!

That is cool that you know Kenna. I don't know her personally. I just know of her through the online adoption world, and that her struggle has been much harder than most. I should take her button down now that they have their precious miracle, Yay Kenna!