Christmas in Paradise

This is my overdue Christmas post. Christmas was different for us this year. This is the first year I did not spend Christmas with my children. It was, to say the least, bittersweet. I was very excited for them to spend Christmas with their dad and mom. I realize these memories for them are essential and will never be forgotten. Yet I was also sad, but for selfish reasons. I love this time of year. For me it is truly a magical, sweet time. The magic that is Chrismas, for me, revolves soley around my children. To see the excitement and joy at the wonderment of the season in their eyes makes me a believer once again. I don't just speak of the belief in Santa and elves, flying reindeer and magic top hats, but of the belief in the great plan of salvation. The greatest sacrifice given to mankind. I love to read the Christmas story to our children, to bear testimony of the love their Savior has for each of them individually. To share with them the love that their Father in Heaven also has, so much so that he gave his Son that we may all once again have the opportunity not just to live with him but to have provided a way back, especially when we stumble. I truly love Christmas. Now knowing that this would be a bit difficult for me, my sweet husband decided that he would take me out of town. He planned a trip to a beach house in Newport for Christmas, but not just that, he was able to get some amazing tickets for the Christmas day game between my Lakers and the Celtics (boooo). We had such a great time!! I couldn't have asked for a better gift. James could barely contain the surprise himself. In fact I'm surprised he did!! We thoroughly enjoyed our time together in California and decided that every other year we will take a trip. Home for the holidays without the kiddos isn't much fun so we figured this would be a great opportunity to spend time together.

ME opening our Lakers tickets!!
Here we are at the game. We had fantastic seats (thanks Steve)! We even got to sit next to several Celtics fans which made the win even more rewarding!!
Bynum with a sweet dunk...so good to have him back.
My boy Kobe. Best player in the league.
I can't say it enough...great, great game! Even Santa took time off to see the game...
We took the opportunity to take some pictures out by the beach. We did, however, freeze our booties off. It was freezing! Which would explain why we were the only people on the beach!
This was taken in the beach house. I know you don't see any of the actual house but it was such a beautiful place. The beach was right outside the back door.
Like I said, Santa made sure not to disappoint. I made the kids wait until James got home from work to open their gifts. I think they just about keeled over with excitement. Having to walk by all those presents and not be able to touch them!! I of course enjoyed every moment. We hope that your holiday season was as sweet as ours.
Our babies!