Lonely, er I mean, Relaxing Montana Christmas

We haven't spent many Christmasses outside of Colorado, but this year was one of the few away from family. Because Baby 3 is due in early February, I was advised to not travel very far from home. So Sam, the kids and I hunkered down in Bozeman for the holiday.

We attended a Christmas Eve service at one of the churches we've been "shopping", then came home, had a light dinner of dips, appetizers and cold shrimp (similar to what we would have had if we were in CO and went to my sister's Christmas Eve party). Then we all opened some Christmas presents.

Jimmy got a real tool set, a tool box and some wooden boards from Pop and Gramma. He loved them, and concentrated really hard as he drove nails and screws into the boards. I was so impressed with his patience and skill!

Pop and Gramma (or "Grammy", as Susie calls her) got Susie some Fancy Nancy dress up clothes, and there isn't much Susie likes better than purple boas!

Then it was time for jammies and leaving cookies and milk for Santa and some carrots for his reindeer. We also sprinkled some Christmas Dust in the snow to help Santa and his reindeer find their way to our house. Then we tucked the kids into bed and had some eggnog. Sounds magical, right?...

In case you are wondering... my mind HAS blanked out the whining, crying, and fighting that happened all day when Jimmy wanted to open a gift early, or when he didn't want to go to church, or when he refused to eat anything besides cookies... minds are great at protecting our memories!

This morning Sam and I were so excited to play with the stuff Santa brought the kids, but the kids SLEPT in!!! Around 8 AM they finally came downstairs and saw their gifts and the stockings. Then the fun began again! Santa brought Jimmy just what he wanted, "a giraffe that falls down," and he brought Susie a baby (the baby is part of a family in a dollhouse). Jimmy also got a Leapster2 handheld game.

Jimmy with his Giraffe that falls down.
Susie playing with her dollhouse... it took a while to get her to look at her stocking with all of the fun stuff in the dollhouse.

After presents, we had a super-sweet breakfast (Caramel-soaked French Toast) and watched Wall-E. Then we went sledding (Daddy and Mommy got the little ones their first sled), came home and snacked until dinner time. Jimmy played with his new Mr Potato Head pieces and his video game while Susie played with the dollhouse and new Princess dolls. Mom and Dad even got a little nap!

Here are a few pictures from the first sledding excursion.

Even I couldn't resist testing out the new sled... but just to appease baby, Sam, and the doctor, I didn't go down head first on my belly like I wanted to.
Susie finally warmed up to the snow, after two and a half months in Montana. Although she was even happier when she ditched the hat and unzipped her jacket. She still thinks she is in the Southern heat!

We all pitched in and buried Jimmy in the snow. Once he was covered (except for his head), he wanted Susie to throw snow at his face. Silly kid!

We hope all of our loved ones had a Wonderful Christmas!