Pre-Christmas Days

I have some to realize that Pre-Christmas is better than Christmas morning itself.  There are so so so many fun things you can do in help bring in the Christmas Spirit.  And now with kids, these Pre-Christmas events have become so magical.  Baking cookies, making ginger-bread-houses, eating chocolate, watching movies, visiting Santa, looking at lights, and Christmas day itself are best with two 2-year-olds.   I loved watching their excitement and wonder.  I loved hearing their comments.  And best of all, I loved watching them open presents on Christmas morning. 

Leif was blessed to get a full 6 days off around Christmas!  It was so nice having him home.  Since we didn't get to see either of our families, having Leif home made Christmas personal and special.  We tried to do one fun thing together each day in preparation for Christmas. 

For one of our day, we went to Bush Gardens.  It was all decorated up for Christmas with trees, lights, decorations, Santa, and awesome Christmas shows.  The twins had so much fun watching "Christmas on Ice" and getting on stage with Santa.  They also LOVED riding the car-rides along with the train.



We then went and visited the Largest Christmas Store in Clearwater. It was big!!! 



Another day Leif and I got to celebrate our 7 year-anniversary.  Together we went and saw Jack Reacher.  It was a great movie.  We then went to lunch and got to go Christmas Shopping.  It is hard to believe that we have been married 7 years.   In those 7 years we have lived in 3 different states.  Together we have traveled,  laughed, cried, loved, and started a beautiful family.  It will be fun to see what the next years bring.

During Pre-Christmas  we look the twins to visit Santa 2 times.  One was at our ward Christmas Party.  And the other was at "Winter Wonderland" in Clearwater.  Winter Wonderland was a lot of fun.  The twins got decorate cookies with Mrs. Clase, ride a train, go to a petting zoo, and visit Santa!!   Both the kids understood who Santa was and were so excited to sit on his lap.  Savannah had decided that she wanted My Little Ponies for Christmas.  Micah asked for either a Soccer-ball, or Base-ball.   Both of them were so cute when they sat on Santa's lap and whispered what they wanted. 

Telling Santa their secrets

Decorating cookies w Mrs. Claus

The petting zoo

Riding the train

I have now come to realize that I will forever have 2 little helpers when making cookies or treats.  Together the twins and I made A LOT of cookies to give away to neighbors.   We filled 12 plates full of treats and delivered them to our random neighbors.  Micah and Savannah were so cute.  I think our neighbors were more excited with seeing the twins delivering gifts then they were the cookies.   

 And best of all we go to relax.   The twins just loved having Daddy at home.  It was so fun to watch them cuddle and play together.  I love my little family.