Disneyland, Service and Celebrating!

This year we celebrated Christmas a little differently. First: the weekend before Christmas we went to Disneyland! (I know, it probably gets pretty boring of hearing about the land of Disney for the 4th or 5th time now...) We went with my parents, all my siblings, my brothers girlfriend and our niece Autumn. We were there for 3 days and had a blast! All the Christmas decorations were fabulous. This giant Christmas tree is towards the entrance of Disneyland. Our niece kept saying "I don't know how they got that star all the way up there on the top of that tree!"

We took millions of photos, so I only chose a few of our favorites. Cinderella's castle was spectacular for the Christmas season. Autumn is a BIG fan of Princesses. She even met her favorite princess, Aurora.

She got to meet Mickey Mouse too. And he was all ready for the holidays in that lovely Christmas sweater.

Autumn had lots of favorite rides. But if you ask her- she will tell you that "Small World" was her very favorite. She also loved the Tea Cups, Alice in Wonderland, Pirates and "Halloween and Christmas mixed together" or the Haunted Mansion. Small World was actually really cool for Christmas. This was it all lit up! Uncle "Scotty Potty", Autumn Bottom and Samwise.

We had a blast in the hot weather (75 degrees) and were tuckered out by the time we got home. Thanks for going to Disneyland with us Autumn!

Our regular Christmas celebrating starts Christmas Eve. We all go to my Nana's house for a big party. All my cousins, Aunts and Uncles join for some pizza, opening of Pajamas, a little concert and the sharing of favorite Christmas memories.

And of course, Santa comes to visit :)

Scott and I then spent the night and woke up Christmas morning to open gifts with all my siblings- in our matching Christmas PJ'S!! Then we enjoy Christmas breakfast together.

This year our Christmas tree had to go into what I call the "red room"/office. I call it the red room because when we moved in that room had the most RED carpet and matching curtains I had ever seen. I have taken down the curtains- but the red carpet will remain until we turn that room into a nursery. (Which will be in a while) Anyway, the tree had to go in the red room because our two cats would climb up the tree, chew off limbs and break the all-glass decorations. This tree was left to me from my Grandma who passed away a few years ago at a very young age. I always loved this tree. We have added our own little touches of course :)

We opened the gifts from each other and had a good time. Scott got his car windows tinted (which he couldn't unwrap) and some car speakers, along with other small gifts.

And I was spoiled and got the Kindle I wanted. Love it.

Later on that day we went to Scott's parents house for a Christmas feast and our new Christmas tradition. This year, Scott's mom wanted to start a new way of celebrating Christmas at their house. She was inspired by President Thomas Monson's talk about service and decided it would be good to celebrate Christmas with service instead of gifts. Each of us was to do some sort of service, take a picture and make a scrapbook page. We then did a little Family Home Evening where we all explained what we did. It was a great experience and reminded us what Christmas is all about. These are the pages I made for me and Scott.

Scott and I helped move our friends to their new apartment. It took 9 hours and it was up 5 flights of stairs in the snow! And for my service, I volunteered to assist at the homeless shelter with my boss. We had a great time.

We couldn't pass on giving the girls a little something tho. So here is the clan opening some presents. And of course, little Lexi just happy to be playing with the boxes.

That was our Christmas celebration. We had a fabulous time and can't wait for next year. Hope you all had an amazing Holiday!!