A Colorado Christmas

Nothing like blogging about something 2 weeks after the fact!  This was the first year since we've been married that we haven't traveled for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it felt really weird but also really great not to deal with the stress of traveling.  My parents graciously offered to travel here so we could have a Colorado Christmas. We really missed the rest of the family and wish that we could have all been together for Christmas, hopefully next year!

My parents came in the Monday before Christmas and we didn't waste any time getting things ready for Christmas.

There were many cookies to bake

and many (like way too many) presents to wrap. Damn you, Amazon Lightning Deals!

Christmas Eve night we had our usual prime rib dinner.

Brady was too hungry to put his fork down, apparently.

Then it was time to try and get a good picture of the kids. Ha.

Of course there was drama queen break.

"STOP TEASING ME!"

The best one we could get!

Brady and Layla decided it was our turn next.

After about a bajillion pictures it was finally time to open gifts.

I would love to say that this was the best Christmas ever and that it was magical but I'm going to keep it real here. The kids got way too many gifts (like 15 gifts from my parents and us plus at least 10 gifts each from family and friends) and honestly, it super overwhelmed them. Like overwhelmed them so much that they were acting up. Unfortunately after many timeouts, and talking to's, mama was a little over Christmas.  It was sad. Honestly, 4 and a half and 2 and a half have been rough ages. I try to keep in mind that they're really young still, we've put them through a lot this year with all of our moves and changes and not having family nearby but it's still frustrating to deal with.  I wanted them to have a magical Christmas and since we don't really buy toys for them during the year besides their birthdays, I went a little overboard. But I've learned my lesson, next year we are going to keep it simple and I think that'll be the best for everyone!

Once everyone calmed down a little, we wrote our letter to Santa.

Sprinkled some reindeer food on the front step, and called it an early night. I bought them the cutest matching Christmas PJs too but of course couldn't find them but at that point I was just feeling a lot of  'whatever'!!

The kids actually slept in and were in great moods the next morning. 

SANTA came!! This trampoline was just as much for them as it was for me. It seems like they have endless energy so since we don't get outside as much in the winter I thought a trampoline would be an excellent energy release. And it has been!

Christmas day we did a whole lot of relaxing, 

playing with new toys,

and a whole lot of jumping.

We had friends over for Christmas dinner and attempted yet another Christmas picture.

3 generations!

And to cap off Christmas, I got a stomach virus that night. Merry Christmas to me! :)

After a couple of days once everyone was better, we did some sightseeing. We went to the Pioneer Museum.

She insisted on wearing a kitty dress and gray sweatpants. Nevermind the fact that it was 10 degrees out. Whatever. This may have been my motto for 2014.

We also went to the Broadmoor Hotel and fell in love with their Christmas decor. Which I took zero pictures of. You'll just have to trust me, it was gorgeous! ;)

Having some tea and crumpets at the Broadmoor. Also known as bagels and hot chocolate.

The rest of the time was spent playing and enjoying each others company.

So it may not have been the most perfect Christmas ever but we were together and we made memories. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!