before christmas we had "the talk" with our kids on how sometimes we don't always get everything we want, but sometimes get things we need. we decided this was especially necessary with moving to utah. arizona winter clothes are much different than utah winter clothes...and santa would be taking this into consideration. they were all totally understanding and even lit up at the thought of getting to wear the "big underwear" (long johns). outdoor toys were replaced with "long car rides" toys (good idea santa). we kept it simple for the kids this year, which wasn't so "simple." i did all of the shopping and preparing solo, since parker was already in utah. once again i don't know how all 4 of the kids survived the "naughty list." but they should consider themselves lucky.
tilley monster is obsessed with all the age appropriate things, little 2 year old girls are obsessed with. babies, purses.....
....and make-up. heaven help me. 
we were extremely blessed to have parker here with us for christmas. it wasn't till literally days before that we found out he was able to come. the work situation was crazy and trying to hire someone to cover for him while he was away and train him was nuts, but it worked out. thankfully. i don't know if i can imagine christmas without our entire family. we had my dad's amazing christmas breakfast, and then also helped ourselves to breakfast at the meadows. holidays really are all about family and good food. so we indulged. and we have no regrets...i don't at least.
