Christmas

After a long, happy, fun-filled, crazy Christmas vacation in Utah we are now back in LA getting settled once again so I finally have time to blog. Christmas this year was fabulous! We had the best time in Utah with friends and family. Our Christmas Eve was very exciting with an Ostler family rendition of the nativity. It was quite a production. Craig and Sandy brought back some amazing costumes from Israel that really made it special. The most entertaining part of it all was watching Jimmy play the part of the director. He definitely had some very strong opinions of who should play which part. I got to be the angel. Amber and Derek did a great job of playing Mary and Joseph with, of course, Luke playing the part of baby Jesus. Given that it was a very long night for him and he was ready for bed, I think that he was significantly more grumpy than the real baby Jesus would have been. Jim and the little boys were shepherds, Heather was the inn keeper, Jared was King Herod and Craig and Sandy were the wise men. Oh, and don't let me forget Kristin. She had the privilege of playing the donkey that brought Mary to Bethlehem. Lucky her! That was exactly how Jimmy the director/producer wanted it. It turned out great, although, I think our version was quite a bit more loud, crazy, and chaotic than the real night of baby Jesus' birth would have been. Anyhow, we had fun doing it.

The next morning the craziness continued, but not until 8am when my kids finally stirred out of bed - thankfully. We all needed some extra sleep after the previous night. The boys were so happy with all of the fun stuff Santa left for them. And, of course, both sets of grandparents really out did themselves this year. Jim and I got the best gift from Craig and Sandy. A few days after Christmas they (including Kristin, Heather, and Derek) watched our kids for us while we stayed overnight at a bed and breakfast. It was our first overnight getaway in 5 years and it was very much needed by both of us. It's amazing what a little break will do for your spirits. But that's not all, my parents got us a Wii. We are having a blast with it. I told Jim that whenever we need to go out on a date but can't get a babysitter all we have to do it turn on the wii and go bowling or play tennis together! It is so much fun. Thanks so much Craig and Sandy and Mom and Dad for your awesome gifts!