Christmas Eve in Crested Butte

We spent the weekend before christmas up in Crested Butte.  Maya knows that everyone needs to wear sunscreen in Crested Butte, even her baby.

There is a wonderful sledding hill right outside our house and Xander and I had lots of fun sledding on the hill.  It is quite steep, so Maya isn't that interested yet.  I don't expect that to last long, she is already becoming quite the daredevil.

Xander writing his letter to Santa Claus. He really wants an airplane with a button on it, just like his friend Jack.  Since Maya can't write yet, Xander let Santa know that she wants books and art supplies.

Xander and Maya both got in some good skiing this trip.  Xander is riding the lift as well as the magic carpet now.  Maya is starting to get her ski legs under her.  She is still desperate to ride the big lift. Maybe later this year.

We wanted to have christmas day back at home so we headed back from crested butte on christmas eve.  At home we all read Twas the Night Before Christmas before everyone went to bed.

Christmas Art

Christmas is a great time to do art projects.

Xander and Maya both had fun building gingerbread houses.

Getting ready for Santa Claus to visit.

The Artist at Work

Maya's first attempt at water colors was a success!  I love seeing her creative process, and the pure joy she gets from seeing what she can accomplish.

Blue Mountain Montessori Christmas Party

Xander's montessori school had a wonderful christmas party with lots of fun works for the kids to do.

Pipe cleaner candy canes now hang from our christmas tree.  The balance beam was Xander's favorite.

Xander Likes the Camera

Christmas Decorating

So it's no secret that I've long been a Humbug when it comes to Christmas.  It starts too soon, lasts too long,  the music is played too loud, is too saccharine, well, you get the idea.  But this year, we went all out for the first time.  We were going to be home for the Holiday, and with kids who are "just the right age" it was irresistible, even for me.   They found joy in every single step- even the initial unpacking of Christmas decorations.  Yes, it's true.  Kids love the box as much as the gift.  It's just the adults who lose sight of this!

Xander was  a huge help putting up the lights on the house and in the tree.  He really got into it and was so proud of himself when the whole scene was lit up.

Xander and Maya spent 3 months trying to blow sounds out of the horns (without luck).  The Christmas tree  didn't last as long- but then, there are over 35 years of history on each tree, and in that way it is timeless.

The other nice thing about the tree?  You can decorate it and redecorate it day after day in preparation for the big day.  Only 3 ornaments were harmed in the production- and none beyond repair with a little elf magic.

Faces of Xander

Grandma Kathy Indulges

When Grandma Kathy comes to town, the kids get spoiled.  And its fun.

Belly button cookies are the best.

 Maya loves to have her finger nails painted.