Christmas Break in Salt Lake

After our days in Idaho, we picked up Nanny Flo and headed down to the big city to my grandparents' fabulous city apartment, where the view from their balcony looks a little something like this:

We got there just before a big snowstorm hit, which meant our trip to Temple Square was even more beautiful than usual, with huge snowflakes falling, and no crowds. It was perfect.

The next day we went to the Church History Museum, which is a very cool place that I want to visit again without small children so I can really absorb the great exhibits.

Riding Trax is always a kid favorite, and we loved having lunch at the Gateway...

...and catching a Christmas laser show at the planetarium.

Christmas Break in Preston

The day after Christmas we headed over to Idaho to my mom and dad's house, where all my siblings except one and their families were there. We had my mom's annual fondue and opened more presents. In case you were wondering what it's like at their house with 16 grandkids, here's a little taste:

It's a fun, wonderful madhouse! Nana and Papa spoiled kids and grandkids alike. They gave Grace maybe the best present of her life, a lifesize cutout of Justin Bieber. (Which is in her room and has scared the pants off of me more than once!)

I didn't take as many pictures as usual, but we had such a great time hanging out with everybody. (Madi, we missed you and can't wait to all be together next year!)

We went out to Hollingsworth's house to wow the kids with the amazing light display.

Monday was the annual Beckstead party, with all my dad's side of the family. The kids look forward to this day all year. My grandparents do an amazing job of planning and getting everyone together and we love this day! We've been doing the same things since I was a little girl, and it's so much fun to do them with my own kids now.

We did the pipe chime chorus.

Nana got really into this. (Sorry, Mom, I couldn't resist posting it! Your complete earnestness makes me laugh every time I see it!)

My parents had shirts made for all the grandkids with their number on it by age.

You really should click on the silly picture to make it bigger. It's a classic.

Grace and Halle have such a special bond. Grace told me, "I just can't get enough of Halle. I love her SO much. It's like we were always meant to be cousins."

Waiting for a turn hitting the pinata.

I love this sweet picture of Grace and Grandma talking.

Thanks so much, Grandma and Grandpa, for a great day! We love you guys so much!

We took a trip to Pop N' Pins Lanes for some bowling, which was so fun. Liam was excited about being in the actual bowling alley where Kip and Uncle Rico once were.

We absolutely loved seeing everybody and spending time together.

I love all you Becksteads so much!

We Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas

Since we were doing a big traditional Christmas dinner, for Christmas Eve we did something different and let each family member pick their favorite food. So we had pork chops (Garreth's pick), bruschetta (me), spaghetti (Grace), pizza (Liam), Morningstar veggie BBQ riblets (Sam), and bagels (Declan). The kids loved it! It was the only dinner I've ever made without someone complaining, and I think we'll have to stick to this new tradition!

Then it was time for opening one present. The kids draw names every year and get a present for one of their brothers or sister and we open them on Christmas Eve. This is one of my favorite parts of the holiday. They spend so much time ragging on each other and arguing, that I love when they have to think about someone else. I love taking them on individual trips to the store to carefully choose the perfect present, and I love how excited they get to see their gift opened.

Liam had a heck of a time falling asleep Christmas Eve, and was the first one up in the morning. He was excited to see the basketball standard that Santa brought him!

Santa brought Grace an ipod dock/ CD player stereo, and we gave her this aquarium and a gift certificate to fill it up.

Sam got a snowboard from Santa and a sled from us. In fact, most of his presents were sports-related - a door hanging basketball hoop, a soccer goal net, etc. Parenting Sam is all about energy release!

Declan's beloved pillow pet from Santa, and the kids' new four-wheeler from us.

The aftermath. It was a great day!