Update: December 20-29

**Disclaimer--LONG, but it's my blog and there may be more pictures coming later.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20: Our ward Christmas party. Delicious food, great company, festive music, and a lovely rendition of the chipmunks. (Think helium balloons and singing) This was the first LATE NIGHT of MANY this week!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21: We decided to drive down to Carlsbad for the day. We only had one church meeting and headed down after that. We went to surprise Papa and Grandma who had arrived the day before. They were far too close for us to only see on Christmas Eve. Thankfully Richard was kind enough to agree and escorted us down and back. PnG were pleasantly surprised. Aunt Jan and Uncle Jack were also there. I took down my holiday baking and all of us ladies baked the day away. It was such fun, and far too fattening!!!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22: FESTIVE FAMILY HOME EVENING--We had 8 couples + 3 toddlers over for a get together. I made a version of Dana's Potato Soup. (Lisa said since it was a special occasion I should use cream and whole milk. I know I destroyed the lowfat soup option, but it was worth it.) I also made a salad, homemade french bread that was so simple, and Trader Joe's Apple Cider. We ate, chatted, and then reminisced about Christmas traditions. There were many similiarities and many we had never heard of before:

**opening PJs on Christmas Eve

**easy cheese and ketchup in stockings

**meat fondue for Christmas Eve dinner

**Elf on a shelf

**ornaments

**many people were allowed as children to go downstairs whenever they awoke in the morning and play with their Santa gifts (Richard), while others had to wait and all go down together. (Kim) OUR COMPROMISE: We decided we would put a little gift next to our kids beds that they can play with them to keep them entertained until we are ready to get up. We started this tradition this year; thanks to Aunt Patty for the idea.

We had a cookie swap and I made these ornaments for everyone who came.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23: I picked Cindy up from the airport this evening. It was fabulous having her here with us for the Christmas holiday. I am a bit lonely now that she's gone.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24: We went back to The Johnson's house in Carlsbad for the late afternoon and evening. It was wonderful being with family and Patty knows how to throw a dinner party. Grandma and I completed Sarah's Christmas sock-topus, which was to be her Christmas Eve crib toy to keep her entertained while she waited to see what Santa brought her :). It was a labor of love and I was grateful that Grandma was there to help me. Grandma's do everything better. (and much faster I might add.) We made it to bed by 1:00 and we didn't even have much Santa to do. UGH! What will it be like in years to come?

(I think anyone with Bigelow genes finds it impossible to keep their eys open in the car. )

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25: Merry Christmas! This is the day I was awarded a not so good mommy award because I told Richard we didn't need the video camera because Sarah wouldn't really be getting into the Christmas spirit. Boy was I wrong. When I brought Sarah Jane downstairs and she saw new toys next to her stocking she slid out of my lap, reached out her arms, crawled right over and began playing with them all. It was adorable.

When we opened gifts, she opened hers and very slowly I might add, but it was entertaining. Here is a terrible quality video of her opening inch by inch and please remember she did this with all of her presents, not just this one. We were in there for hours...magical hours!!!

I got a serger for Christmas, eventhough I wasn't suppossed to get anything. Richard says it's not his fault that Sarah got me something. I should look pretty professional now. Wink, wink! And as usual, Richard was Mr. Creative in the way I received it. I love that guy!!!

We spent the afternoon and evening in Simi Valley with the Steele's. I love having family so close. Richard and I love taking Sarah to their house because she's adored there and cared for so well by everyone.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27: Cindy and I spent our day at Paper Source, In & Out, and getting pedicures. Then in the afternoon we finally tested out the bike trailor Ron got us for Christmas. We rode down to the beach and were out for over 2 hours. Sarah enjoyed herself and looked awfully cozy. The Huff's arrived from Salt Lake. They always make the drive since Elizabeth throws a mean New Year's Eve Party. It's where anybody who's anyone will be on the 31st.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28: Cindy took our family photos. We went to the beach, since it's practically the law to have your pictures taken at the beach when you live near it. I figure we probably won't always live this close so we should take advantage of the option. Plus, I have been promising Cindy palmtrees for her photoblog; of which she didn't get any! Oops, sorry, hopefully waves and sunsets count instead!!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29: Sarah has had a blast today playing with her cousins. Sadly they left to go to Simi Valley but we will see them on Wednesday. I decided today that Sarah needs older siblings--does anyone need me to borrow their kiddos? It sure was nice not to have her underfoot all day long. She plays so well with other kids and seemed so big to me today.

IT HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL WEEK, WHICH SEEMS LIKE JUST THE PERFECT WAY TO END A WONDERFUL YEAR!