Wrapping Up 2012

The format for this post is crazy...I'm posting it anyway because otherwise it will be June! Finally getting around to that holiday post to wrap up the end of 2012. I know, I know, it's the end of February, but cut me some slack :) We'd warned our families that this was our year to "only visit one place, one family". Alyse is now a full priced airline flyer and after our summer of traveling around to visit and stay with loved ones, we were pretty sure it was time to really start the traditional "this Christmas is with Brandon's side, next with mine" etc. But, as you will see, we had a hard time holding to that...hard to turn down time with loved ones, Christmas gifts of airline tickets, and a chance to meet a new nephew. Luckily, we didn't stick to our predetermined plan, and got to spend time with: 1. My dad in Cali 2. Brandon's folks and brothers in Cali for our official "this is Christmas with Brandon's side" visit 3. Brandon's whole family and his mom's parents and sister in Arizona Sleepover at Grandpa Mitch's Condo in the East Bay This was the first time we've spend the night at my dad's place since Alyse was born, and it was really nice and relaxing to visit on his "turf" and enjoy some of the things we used to do pre-parenthood...well, actually, the only things we did that we used to do were eat ice cream and go to my dad's fav burger place. Everything else was different since they included a kid aspect: a different playground and park every day, feeding the ducks, and a nice Christmas concert. Lots of good time to hang out and Alyse got to re-remember Grandpa Mitch. Christmas with the Woodlands One of the best parts of spending Christmas with Brandon's side is that they have some beautiful and fun traditions. They are one of those families who set in motion years ago some rich and wonderful family activities, foods, and just moments together that they really do year after year. I think I love this so much because my family doesn't have such set traditions due to Lish and I growing up spending different holidays with mom and different ones with dad, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love holiday time with my side too, but the dependability of traditions is different with the Woodlands. Below are a list of some of the traditions I can think of and of course some pics of our wonderful time together in Cali: -cut down their own huge tree (Debbie and Carl now do it sans kids!) -Debbie's famous cinnamon rolls (Alyse got to "help" this year) -hot chocolate "bar" set out from the beginning to the end of the season with special Santa mugs on actual Christmas day -Christmas Eve festivities including homemade lumineries in the front of the house, delicious dinner in the sunroom complete with decorated table, Nativity acted out/read outloud, family talent show and/or sharing of cultural traditions, Christmas carols -Christmas Day fire in fireplace, presents, breakfast with cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate Of course we had lots of time to just hang out and play too! Arizona Trip Brandon's sister and bro-in-law had their first baby, and first grandson for Brandon's parents, so we all (minus Derek sadly) made the post-Christmas trek to Mesa, AZ to meet Glen and be there for the baby blessing. Brandon's parents took pity on us (ok, on me...being pregnant and having a two year old) and bought us plane tickets to fly, while they drove with Sean. We all met at our great vacation rental and enjoyed some quality time hanging out. Glen is adorable and everyone wanted a chance to hold him...Alyse still talks about how she got to hold Baby Glen! Some highlights were spending New Year's Eve with Brandon's grandparents, being there to celebrate Sean's bday (on the 1st), seeing the Mesa temple Christmas lights (Alyse LOVED this), the Children's Museum in Phoenix, and taking advantage of some warmer weather. It was really nice to spend some more time with Shari and to see her as a mom. This was probably one of the first times we've spent time together where there was a lot of down time and hang out time vs. being together over a holiday or for a wedding. And, I've noticed, when you share the experience of pregnancy, labor, and being a mother, it bonds women together in a way that not many other experiences do. So, thanks, Shari (and Ammon!) for letting us be with you AND thanks to Brandon's folks who made the visit possible!