I'd like to start by pointing out that the post for Christmas 2012 didn't make it up until early April of 2013...this time around, I'm beating time by about 3 weeks. We're talking real progress here, folks!
We'll just go in order and start with my trip to Zoo Lights with the kids. The kids and I bundled up one weeknight and headed into SLC, arriving at the zoo just after the gates opened for the evening. To say that we were in the middle of a cold snap would be putting it nicely. We were all bundled up head-to-toe...and completely freezing the entire time we were there. We arrived just as Santa was headed to get his reindeer and got a quick picture with him before going to a nearby building where Mr. and Mrs. Claus would be available for visiting. We were only 2nd or 3rd in line to see them and even though we'd only been at the zoo for less than 15 minutes, we welcomed the chance to warm up inside while we waited. After hanging out with the Clauses for a few minutes, we went on to see the light displays and animal exhibits, take a few rides on the carousel (unlimited rides on my pass...awesome), and duck into buildings for warmth whenever we could. When we were good and close to being frostbitten, we left the zoo and went out to dinner at The Olive Garden (one of the kids' favorites - the basically inhale the salad there).
Sub-freezing fun at Zoo Lights!
About a week after going to Zoo Lights, we took another jaunt into SLC to visit Temple Square. Going in the late afternoon/early evening, traffic and parking were great and we actually arrived prior to the lights turning on for the evening. We started out with a stop to see the candy window displays at Macy's and walked up the block just in time for the lights to turn on. It was bit chilly but NOTHING like the temperatures we had braved at the zoo the week before. It was nice to be able to take our time and enjoy the displays. We started at the Reflection Pool and then went on through Temple Square, making a stop at one of the sets of big east facing doors (a real thrill for the kids). It was so nice to be there before the big evening crowds. Afterwards was another dinner at The Olive Garden. I tired for Blue Lemon and a couple of other places but they begged and I'm a sucker. At least I knew the kids were getting their vegetables.
Temple Square and the candy windows at Macy's (top and bottom corners on the right).
Last - but not least - was Christmas. We had a very quiet Christmas Eve at home. The kids received their traditional Christmas pajamas - dog/puppy themed this year - and new slippers. We sang Christmas carols and hymns, read the nativity story from the Bible, and sent the kids off to bed where they struggled to fall asleep. For the first time in years, I got almost everything done earlier in the day and evening (final wrapping, baking cookies, making our Christmas morning pastry, etc.) and Max and I actually made it to bed before midnight. It was a miracle and it felt so good! Christmas day was also very laid back. We enjoyed the morning and early afternoon with just the four of us and then had my little brother and his family over for Christmas dinner. It really was a wonderful day.
Top four pics are from Christmas Eve (kids insisted on silly-faced pictures) and bottom pics are from the big day.
Well, there you go...our Christmas season in a nutshell. I'm already looking forward to the holidays this year - less than 9 months away!
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