Christmas in Colorado!

We had a wonderful Christmas in Colorado this year! Both kids traveled fairly well...Ava talked non-stop both ways, and G slept on the outbound flight (I sat next to him) but he was a little restless on the return flight home (Scott sat next to him.) I'm just really glad the flight is just under two hours; I'm used to traveling alone where I can catch a nap while in-flight, but not with these two kiddos! Our outbound flight was a little delayed, but G entertained the gate area with his cute shenanigans (a random man picked him up and sat him on his lap - made me a bit nervous, but Scott was right next to him the whole time) and Ava made a new friend who she could play "Monster High" dolls with. Couldn't have asked for a better situation in a delay! One woman actually made a comment to Scott and me about how wonderful it is to see such loving parents with their children. I'm going to tuck that comment away, and pull it out whenever I'm feeling a bit frustrated with either of them!

It was great to see my parents, eat lots of REALLY good food, bask in the Colorado sunshine/blizzard (yep, it was definitely a white Christmas in Colorado,) and even get a surprise visit from Santa at the house. My parents' close friends came over for dinner on Friday night, and during the course of conversation, Scott and I discovered a new place we need to check out in Wisconsin - a smokehouse! Can't wait to head over there with a cooler and stock up on some yummy meats and cheeses!

This year was the 1st year that G had a clue as to what was happening during the holiday (last year he was less than 2 months old at Christmas, and was only aware of sleeping and eating) so it was fun seeing how he reacted to the gift opening, and the general chaos that surrounds the holidays.

And my own personal favorite part? I actually took a break from work. I've been working so many hours that I'm almost at the point of burnout, so taking several days off, and only working maybe 3 hours over the course of 6 days was much needed. I'll be back at work tomorrow, but with a new goal...less time at work, and more time with my family and friends. As much as I like my job, I needed to remember that I work to live...I don't live to work!

Ok, lots of pictures to share - get ready!

My sweet, sleepy travelin' G

Scott, Ava and the "man who didn't say a word"...I'm really impressed that Ava didn't try to talk his ear off. (But, she did on the return flight when a younger woman sat next to us - poor lady!)

The frozen tundra of Colorado...

Decorating Christmas cookies with Grandma Karen

Hangin' out!

Ava found a little nook in the office and spent a lot of time on her tablet...

I promise he wasn't as uncomfortable as he looks - and check out that belly!!

Grandma Karen, Scott and G

I don't often post food pics, but these smoked salmon apps were delish!

"Ho, ho, ho!" Look who dropped by to check in on Ava (and wisely told her that she would need to wait until she's older to get a big trampoline!)

G's 3rd Santa visit in two weeks - amazing!

We had a stowaway - George! Glad you made the trip to CO!

Hahahaha! (Stop with the pics, Mommy!)

Another food pic...our family's traditional (German) butterball soup...so yummy!

Snuggle time with Ava before watching "The Polar Express"

Time to open gifts...G was most intrigued with the ribbon and the boxes...

Usually Ava's the tricky one to get smiling for the camera

Totally freaking out when she realized she got an American Girl doll

Meet Annie (the flight attendant asked me if it was Samantha...I said no. And then I marveled silently at the fact that a grown man knew enough about AG dolls to know the name of one of the dolls!)

The very first American Boy doll! :)

Leaving treats for Santa...

...who gobbled them up when he came to visit!

Such a great picture of the two boys...

G was admiring his lion sun catcher...

...until a flashy, noisy fire truck came along!

I'm bummed this pic is blurry...this is Ava's real smile. Love that dimple!

It was a big Christmas for Ava...not only did she get Annie, but Santa also brought her a pink .22 rifle! (Not sure how I feel about that, but I know that Scott will be with her during the learning and shooting process, and I know I can trust him 100%!)