The Holidays

This was one of my favorite Christmases yet because we got to spend time with both the Larsons and the Ogdens. The weekend before Christmas Scott's younger brother Edward got married in St. George. All 14 grandchildren (including 6 born the same year as Ian) were present, and 8 of the siblings were also there (minus only the brother who is serving an LDS mission.) We stayed at a 19th century home off main street and all the cousins had lots of time together. Some of them had never met!

The bride and groom were gorgeous and giddy, but unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of them. This picture was taken at the wedding luncheon. I am glad someone video taped all the parents standing behind the camera, as we were all acting ridiculous in an attempt to get the kids to smile (heck, we would have settled for just looking in the right direction.)

Here are those adorable cousins again, wearing T-shirts saying "My Idaho Cousins Love Me." Awwww.

We were thrilled to introduce Joseph to his grandma and grandpa Larson.
He loved them both from the start. You may think it would be hard to share the love with all 14 grandkids, but Scott's parents have a way of making my kids feel like they are their only grandkids. They always make sure we all feel special.

Then we began the long journey back to Texas. The 4 hour flight seems eternal when traveling with two lap children. Especially when only one lap child is permitted per row, and when you mistakenly assumed that a red-eye flight would mean the babies would sleep.

Ian on the Las Vegas airport tram. I love my double stroller.

Ian's bunny also traveled in style.

Joseph was the best traveler of us all, and unlike his brother, he slept for a decent portion of the flight. The day we got home we excitedly welcomed my maternal grandparents and my parents. We loved having them here for the holidays and everyone was so helpful with bathing, feeding, rocking and loving the boys. Ian really enjoyed his time with all the grandparents. And Leo the cat. Every morning he would wake up and croak (he had a bad cold) "Where's Weeeoooo?"

Here were are hanging up our stockings on Christmas Eve.

Check out this beautiful box my grandpa made for Joseph. Ian has one similar, and beautifully handcrafted boxes belong to each of his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. I love this tradition. These will be beautiful heirlooms.

Great Mama and greatgrandpa opening presents on Christmas day.

Ian and bubble bath. He didn't know what it was, but was still thrilled.

Is it 56 years of marriage Grandma? Aren't they adorable? I am so proud to say they have been married for so long. I sure love them, and we were so thankful they could make the drive here from Arizona.

My good-lookin' parents. Ian loved the baths they gave him, playing cars and puzzles, running errands and going to the zoo with 'Gampa'.

Wearing the bamboo robe Great Mama and Grandpa gave Ian.

We mostly have video of Ian opening presents, so I will work on making some blog videos of it. He loved his basketball hoop and 'motorcycle' (tricycle).

Let it snow!

It started snowing in the afternoon last Wednesday, and it didn't quit until after 10 p.m. What a treat! Now if we could only get some mountains here, Scott would feel at home.

Ian showing his bunny the snowflakes.

We also thought hurricanes never hit Houston... guess it really is time to get serious about food storage!

Giveaways!

Like cool blogs and free stuff? Check out this giveaway, and this one too! Hurry though, the contests are already underway.

I won body balm and hand soap earlier this week and received the delightful package from The Soap Seduction in the mail today! Thank you, Smitten Blog Designs, for the beautiful templates and your awesome 12 Day Give-Oh-Giveaway!

sick for 10 days = folding laundry for 10 years

I warned him not to push it over...

Thanks for all your well-wishes. We are all doing much better.