Christmas in Colorado

I don't have time to write a bunch of separate different posts, so this is all going to be in one giant blog. We left for my parents' the Friday before Christmas and stayed for a week. It was such a blast with all the siblings and cousins. I was so worried about being away from home with Daryn or forgetting to bring something she needed, but everything went great! 

Reagan really held her own with her older girl cousins. She jumped right in (around, over, etc) and was her usual semi-aggressive, get-er-done, self.

Daryn, of course, won everyone over with her sweetness. 

 She had an especially great time with Grandpa Claus.

And Grandma.

 

And Aunt Sharon.

And Mommy.

(ok that happens all the time.)

And of course, we were all excited to see this stud, fresh off the mission! He was playing with my phone and taking pictures, so he has no one to blame but himself.

There was lots of down time, so out came the games and puzzles. My do-not-disturb face.

Reagan loved the piano and treated us to several "recitals". Look at that form!

 I wanted so badly to finally get a good picture of both girls in their Christmas dresses, but alas. It was not to be. They took turns being so silly!

 Monday afternoon, we went on a fun outing to the rec center. Everyone loved swimming, but it made me a little sad when I remembered taking Reagan 2 years ago, when she was 6 months old, and there Daryn was, 7 months old and watching from the sidelines. She was a good sport, though. Afterwards, we stopped by the rock climbing wall where I used to work, and Reagan had her first try at it. She did so great!!

Waiting (not so patiently).

 And up she goes!

 Wow! She got so high with very little assistance.

 Chiara also wanted to try, and she did even better. What brave girls!

 Bffs for life.

On Christmas Eve, we decided to swing by the new Cabelas they built recently. Good thing, too, because we picked up a couple last minute gifts that we didn't even know we needed, but were a big hit!

 We also stopped by my great Uncle David's house in Denver and got to see his beautiful tree. Merrill tried to pretend he wasn't impressed, but he couldn't hide it.

That evening we were able to reenact to the Nativity with a very full cast of characters, although I didn't get any pictures. Not too surprising, considering that nearly half the cast was under the age of 5. Then we sang hymns. Reagan and the other girls danced and twirled.  

Then it was time for pj's, cookies and letter for Santa, and stockings! 

Try as she might, Reagan could not get out a smile for this picture. It's an ongoing struggle- she can't smile on demand. 

 We had to settle for this. If you spend any time with her in person, you know she's doing her weird nose-blowing thing.

 Daryn wasn't afraid to cheese it up for the camera, though.

 Daryn's first Christmas- very early in the morning. That sleeping through the night went right out the window when we were sharing a room.

 And a little later that morning.

 Reagan was awesome and slept until 8:30, when we finally went to get her up.

 So excited!

 Arghh, matey. Look at all me booty!

Opening her first present- a pink camo pop gun (from Calebas :) )!

 And then later on, (coincidentally) matching earmuffs, for shooting. We are a little redneck sometimes.

Daryn opening her first present. 

 A new hooded bath towel!

This one is the best Christmas present anyone could ask for :).

Reagan showing off her OCD tendencies. Of course, one turtle never made it home to the bathtub.

And one of the biggest hits, a red wagon from Santa! I can't say it was the favorite, because Reagan is pretty in love with her new kitchen from Aunt Genevieve and Uncle Stuart. What generous gifters!

It was so nice to be able to spend some time with family and celebrate the Savior's birth. It went by much too fast, and before we knew it, we were back in the car, heading home. Thank goodness for pictures!