Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve every year we are lucky to be invited to the Smith house.  And, each year Santa (yes, THE Santa) makes a visit and gives the kids an early Christmas present.  I remember the first time we went there was no Bryce and seeing Cayden see Santa come into the house made me cry. He was just so delighted and happy.  Bryce, on the other hand, does not appreciate the sight of Santa in the same way.  He has never gotten withing 2 ft of Santa without someone with him.  So, this year poor Santa had to endure both Bryce and me on his lap.  Our friend Palmer was Santa's special helper telling Santa a little something about each child that was called to sit on the lap.  When Cayden came up Palmer said, "That's Cayden.  He's in a special class for 4th Graders that are smarter than other 4th graders."  When it was Palmer's turn to get his present he told Santa, "I tell all my friends that you are real even if they don't believe in you." So sweet!

So my blogging has been a little slow lately.  Okay, non existent.  I'm not sure why I took a break.  I could say I've been busy (I have) or that we had a broken computer (we did) but really I have just not done it.  So, here goes with at least one post.  This weekend we did something we don't do very often - we went out of town with just the four of us.  It was amazing.  We went to a friend's cabin for two nights.  I think the stars aligned because our weekend was free to do this.  My Christmas shopping was done. Jeff didn't have basketball.  I even think the laundry was done. We spent the weekend snowshoeing, sledding, playing games, and decorating cookies.  This particular cabin does not have t.v. or a computer (it is possible to live without either) and therefore we had just US.  Wow.  Crazy.  And, it turns out we actually like spending time together.  Here are some pictures of our weekend.  By the way, we also love to spend time with our family and friends but this was a weekend I won't soon forget (and hope my kids won't either).

Jeff's Hike on Longs Peak

While I was enjoying the company of my mom, sister, and neices in Colorado Springs Jeff and Bob decided to climb a 14'er.  They decided on Longs Peak which required them to get up before the "crack of dawn" and drive to the trailhead, hike some 12 miles, and drive home.  Jeff has always enjoyed hiking and I was happy that he and his dad could do this together.  Both were tired and sore but felt great about their accomplishment.  

 Sunrise

 Starting out

 Are we there yet?

 Handsome fella

 Bob made it

 Jeff did too

Together at the top

Bryce and Aunt Chris

 Love

More Love!

Personally, I think they get along so well because they share a personality.  Generous, helpful, and a bit naughty independent.