Our Christmas Get Away!

Bel made a simple menu and schedule so we all knew kind of what to expect. Some things changed, like swimming based off weather and s'mores were a different night, but for the most part it went as planned. 

on the road! Koda knew he was going with us so he was so good on the drive. He didn't whine while we were loading up the truck like he has done in the past. He was ready and happy to go on the road trip. 

We drove straight to Brian's on Saturday the 20th. We made it in exactly 13. 5 hours. We left at 5:30am and only stopped twice. We made really good time. It was a short visit with Brian's family but then Sunday morning we got up and headed to Jaime's parent's house to start the holiday week! The 4.5 hour drive was a much welcome drive after Saturdays. lol

Olivia had already been at grandma and grandpa's for a few days since school was already out. We flew her down to Arizona. It was so fun to see the three of them hanging out together and laughing and having a good time. They love being together. 

It was Jaime and Bel's birthday that Sunday the 21st. So we had them open their gifts later that night. My plan was to make cinnamon rolls because Jaime said that's all he wanted for his birthday but we ended up leaving a day later than planned due to roads and the boys both weren't feeling very well. Because we got to Arizona Sunday later in the afternoon I didn't want to be up late making the rolls. I planned to make them Monday morning instead. 

I came down Monday morning and saw this view. Koda loves to snuggle with Aida every morning. I guess it's good we keep his same schedule as best we can. :)

The cinnamon rolls turned out so good! They got finished just before it was time for us to head out to go have dinner with Chaz, Olivia, and his parents so Jaime ate one really quick. While we were gone others had some and told me how much they loved them. Even Aide, who doesn't really care for them said it was so good and she ate an entire roll! I'm glad Jaime's birthday cinnamon rolls turned out so well for him. 

While dough was rising we got out into the pool to swim! 

Tuesday Dec 23

We met Darin and Makaela at the Gilbert Temple to do baptisms together. 

It was such a special morning. I love being in the temple with my family. And every time it's just Aidan and Tyler in the font, I get so emotional. They're such wonderful young men. I loved having Olivia with us since she's been gone at school. It's always so special whenever I get to see her again. I felt grateful to have Darin and Makaela there with us. That's now twice this year we've done baptisms with them. 

After baptisms we went out to Raising Cane's for lunch and then went to Darin's house to see Christy had everything set up for a gingerbread decorating contest. She has everything you could need to make incredible decorated houses. It was so fun. I loved seeing everyone's work. 

Tyler spent some time with Samson. :)

Makaela's house

Olivia's

Darin's

Aidan's

Aidan's

Elise's

Tyler's

Tyler, Fig, and Samson

Jaime's and mine 

Jaime's and mine

We sent pics to the Naylor Family chat and asked everyone to vote. Olivia received the most votes and won the grand prize of $20. I felt it was fitting for the college student to receive it. lol

After decorating houses we cleaned up and helped get tables set for dinner. Aren't these bow napkins so cute! I love them. 

Christy and Darin made their Christmas Eve tradition of homemade ramen. It was nice that they did it on the 23rd for us and gave up the tradition of doing it on the 24th. Since they had other plans for the evening of the 24th they said it worked out great for them. 

The beef turned out perfect. 

Marinated eggs were delicious 

And it was a yummy filling meal. 

After dinner we headed to the Mesa temple to see their light displays. It was so beautiful!

The real orange trees had orange sphere lights. So pretty. I didn't realize there was real fruit in the trees for the longest time. I also learned that the temple has missionaries come and pick the oranges to give to food banks to serve the community. How neat is that!

The temple lit up so bright against the dark sky and the lesser lights on the trees and displays. A beacon of light! So pretty. 

Ready to follow the three wise mean to our Savior. 

Seriously I'm in awe every time I see these picture. 

We went to all the displays leading up to His birth. 

Such a fun evening with Darin, Christy and the girls. 

Everything is more magical when I have one of my girls with me. 

Olivia and I loved this covered and lit arbor to walk under. 

So pretty. 

Back to Darin and Christy's house for dessert! Whatever that girl makes is always a work of art. She is all about the details and I love it. 

So faaancy!

Makaela played a Christmas piece for us on her cello before we had to go. This girl is just as talented as her mama. She plays beautifully. It was a fun evening but then we had to go to the airport to pick up Chris, Lindsey, and Isaac! 😁

Wednesday Dec 24th

We started the morning off with some exercise. We went to the Verado Stairs to hike up the hill of stairs. 

Ready to head up those stairs!

We made it up. Beautiful day! Christmas Eve with a morning hike and not freezing?! Not too shabby!

Bel and Chris

Olivia was sitting at the hallway mirror doing her makeup and in true Koda form, he laid down and made himself comfortable in her lap. 

It was just the cutest thing I saw!

Time for our Christmas Eve festivities. Bel set up an Italian soda bar and planned so many fun games and activities. We had tamales and pozole for dinner. It was delicious. 

Spoons. We played with candy canes at first but needless to say they were crushed the moment everyone grabbed for one. hahaha

This was the first time we had Isaac and Chaz for Christmas. They loved played the games. 

Cups was the favorite game of the night. We played it multiple times and got some fun roars of laughter. 

After each game the winner got to pick a bag for a surprise gift. Most were gift cards to places like McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Starbucks. With some having cash, candy, and even Amazon gift cards. Bel and Chris even bought scratch tickets for everyone to try their luck. Most of us all one a few dollars. Jaime and I combined made $6 but gave it to Lindsey and Isaac. (Poor college newly weds and all lol.) Chaz made the most at $10. We had such a fun time playing games. 

All Diana wanted was a picture with everyone. We made it happen!

After games we opened gifts. Here are a few of the things the kids were gifted.

Lindsey has been wanting a Mariners hat for a while. 

Aidan got all 3 games of the Little Nightmares video games series. 

Tyler is getting to where he's excited to be gifted clothes. 

A new UW Huskies sweatshirt. 

Spider-Man vinyl. 

Issac got some things for his car. A battery tester. 

Chaz got a PS2 gift card. 

Tyler is really building his collection of Lego technic cars. 

Chaz and Olivia. They were enjoying the evening together with family. I loved having him join us. 

After gifts we put on Christmas jammies. 

We read a shortened version of the Christmas story and shared a spiritual thought with our kids. Jaime pointed out that it could be a long time until all 7 of us are together for Christmas again. Next year Lindsey and Isaac will be with his family and the following few years the boys will be on missions. Made everyone pretty teary just thinking about it. It made us all feel more grateful for this time that we all had to be together. After our little moment together we went and placed our stockings in the family for Santa to fill. Good night! Merry Christmas to all!