Looking back at these photos it seems like so long ago....maybe because so much has happened since then. I am not sure which part of the holiday season I enjoy the most but it just might be the days leading up to Christmas itself. This year we enjoyed making sugar cookies that we then iced, as well as candy cane cookies that I then took to a cookie exchange. Next year we will not be traveling for the holidays so I plan on baking a lot more and trying some new recipes.
Since moving to the Salt Lake Valley back in '98 Steve and I have been alternating the location of where we spend the holidays. So one year we spend Thanksgiving at home and Christmas in Wyoming where all of my family lives and then the next year we spend Thanksgiving in Wyoming and Christmas in Utah. We decided that this was the last year that we would be spending Christmas in Wyoming due to many factors. The boys are old enough now that they just want to be at home when Santa comes plus it is so hard transporting packages to and fro. We decided it was time to stay home and start our own family traditions. We are always open for visitors and hope that family members will be willing to make the trek out our way at least every other year. Consider this your official invitation. :)
Before heading off to Wyoming this year we got to celebrate Christmas a little early with Grandma and Papa
McCormack as well as all of our friends. Landon was old enough this year that he needed very little prompting when it came to opening his presents. He and Lucas both loved the the Batman Cave and the Castle from Grandma & Papa as well as the books and clothing from Aunt Erin. When we headed home that evening I began questioning some of the purchases I had made for the boys because they had already received a lot more than some children get at all. It really made me stop and think about how blessed we are.
Some cute pics of the boys being sweet........
Our Christmas tree before packing up and heading to Wyoming.
Can you believe my baby turned two over a week ago? I sure can't but I have to say we have had a wonderful two years with the little guy and can't imagine what we did without him. Since Landon got a lot of his brothers hand me down toys and the fact that his birthday is so close to Christmas; we decided to combine his big Christmas & Birthday present and get him something he could enjoy for a couple of years. 
Landon loves driving his brothers jeep and when he was about 18 months old he started driving a 4-wheeler, just like this one, that one of his friends owns. We could not believe that such a little guy just hopped right on and took off!! 
I think Landon and Lucas both like the new 4-wheeler. 
We celebrated Landon's 2nd Birthday by having a party with friends and family at the house. Lucas and Landon loved helping me decorate with streamers and Elmo themed decorations. I made a big pot of Tortilla Soup and brownies to go along with the Elmo cake. Landon was so excited and every time he heard the door bell ring he ran to greet his guests.
Big Brother Lucas enjoying some chicken and beans from the tortilla soup (and yes he had a big ol' pile of dip). ;)
Like his brother, Landon likes things separate on his plate - for example - meat, cheese, beans and dip. Needless to say.... neither one is a big fan of casseroles or lasagna. :(
The birthday boy in all his glory.
Gracie Armstong befriends Jack Turvey but don't worry she is still Landon's #1 girlfriend.
Not the best picture ever but a great story. Mia is a cute little 4 year old who took an immediate liking to Papa Joe. She sat downstairs by him watching Monsters vs. Aliens. When he went upstairs she followed him and kept saying 'Let's go back downstairs and watch the movie'. Papa Joe really got a kick out of her. I am just jealous because she spoke more to him in one evening than she ever has to me.
Sarah getting her baby fix with adorable little Maggie - who was wearing the cutest little party dress. Landon used to get jealous when I would hold baby Maggie or baby Deja but he is getting better.
Baby Deja with her mommy Angi.
Steve had to get his baby fix as well. jk Maggie is such a good baby no matter who is holding her. ;)
Cake Time!! 
He just looked around in awe as we all sang Happy Birthday the first and the second time. Our friend Mia was downstairs with Papa and missed the first rendition and so we sang it again so she could join us. 
When it came time to open the presents Landon knew exactly what to do.......
Sean and Sam goofin' around.
Mia, Angi & Sam - who had those binoculars on his eyes most of the night. I must remember to ask his mom if he has a pair. ;) We had such a wonderful time with family and friends and appreciate each and every one of you for helping us celebrate such an important day.
Landon's actual birthday was Sunday the day after his party and so he got to hang out all day and play with his new toys. He also got to wear his special shirt that his brother got him for his birthday.
Lucas got to pick out his own clothes......... 
Shortly after returning home from Wyoming Landon came down with an ear infection which then started to move into his eyes. Luckily we caught the infection early enough that his eyes did not get too bad. However our little guy looked so sick and really wasn't his happy go lucky self for a couple of days. (His little friend Gracie however was not feeling bad at all. ;))
No sooner was he feeling better than his brother started complaining about his ears hurting and his left eye started getting red and 
Christmas Day we woke up around 7 am and Uncle Robert and Aunt Shelly had already arrived at Grandma Janice's house to open presents. The wind was blowing 90 to nothing so we were unable to see the reindeer tracks and there was no sign of the carrots we had left for them. Had it not been for the fact that Santa's cookies and milk were gone, the stocking were full and there were more presents under the tree we might have thought Santa had passed us by. ;) 
The boys enjoyed going through their stockings first to discover new tooth brushes to go along with all the candy they received. Landon wrote a letter to Santa asking for toys with buttons that made noise and he was not disappointed.
Opening all those presents can be exhausting for puppies & little boys.......
All cleaned up and ready to play with new toys.
What I love most about Christmas......
One of the nights we left Mommy White Dog at grandma's house and Lucas laid by the front door waiting for Papa to drop her off. I think that was the longest 1/2 hour of his life. ;) 
Christmas with Aunt Cathy produced lots of smiles and even though this cool game said 3 and up all the kids were entertained for quit a while......
His golfing career started with Gator Golf......
Madeline and her beautiful blue eyes..... 
