Christmas Joy 2011

We had a Very Merry Christmas at the Carnahan Household this year. I think it had to with the pre-planning and simplifying I did before the start of the season. But most of all it had to do with my focus. My heart was truly joyful to share the Good News of the Season with not only my three little ones, but also those around us. So each tradition we completed had at its heart, pointing to our Savior. What else good bring such a Merry Christmas? Here are some highlights in pictures...

Annual choosing of our Christmas Tree from a local boy scout troop.

Why can't I play with, pull down. and chew on the ornaments?

Peeling the paper off old crayons to make new ones for the cousins.

Eating the chocolate out of the advent chart...yummy!

Christmas Eve in our new Christmas PJammies.

 We hope you also had a Very Blessed Christmas!

El Paso, TX 2011 Trip Highlights

We had a really good visit with Kyle's Family in El Paso the end of November and Beginning of December. It was a great way to spend quality time as a family before we began the Christmas season and closed out 2011. I think my favorite part of the trip, was all the unrushed time we had together. Those moments were not captured by the camera, but they refreshed my heart non the less. Of course we also spent a few days out and about too.

Strahmans Pecan Farm
You can learn all about it here, but they also had yummy ice cream.

Air Force Museum

El Paso Zoo

Cloudcroft, New Mexico

White Sands, New Mexico

I couldn't get too many pictures of Landon, he was way too busy sledding!

Traveling with Children Tips

We just returned from a trip to see Gram and Poppy in El Paso, TX. We left Thanksgiving night and returned this past Wednesday. It was a great trip with some fun excursions, yummy food, and rest. Just what this momma needed. Today I wanted to share 3 things that made our trip go more smoothly.

Number 1
The Trunki...well 2 to be exact.

One in Purple

 

and one in Blue

These little rolling suitcases were great! The held a few of the big kids treasured items, a change of clothes, and a blanket. They come with a "leash" so L (5) and E (3) were able to pull them through the airport. They also rode them and pushed along with their feet. The Trunki fits perfectly in the overhead storage on the plane too. I was a little worried the novelty would wear off and I would be dragging these through the airport, but they were a hit! They come in lots of colors and you can get one here.

Number 2 

Dried Cranberries Snack Mix

I have always packed snacks for my children when we travel due to overpriced airport food and convenience. This time I really wanted to avoid artificial and high sugar snacks. So I put together dried cranberries and nuts. The kids (and parents) enjoyed it, and I didn't feel like it was a complete waste of calories...even if on the way home I threw in a little chocolate.

Number 3 

ebags

I was looking for a way to make the packing, living out of suitcases, repacking, and unpacking easier. So I got online and found ebags. They work just as described and made keeping all the kids clothes organized a breeze. The ebags even made my thankful list. Using these I fit all 3 kids clothes in one large suitcase for a 14 day trip. Also when we arrived at Gram and Poppy's I just put each child's ebag in a drawer and they could still help dress themselves each day like they do at home. Before if they tried to help, clothes were thrown everywhere as they dug through an overstuffed suitcase. I would love a second set to use for the adult clothes too.

So there you have it...3 travel helps for your upcoming Christmas Traveling.