Kristen and Jared arrived during my vocal student performance at the rest home. I was so touched as after one of the elderly residents tottered up to talk to Brielle. Rather than shy away, she reached out both of her hands to the lady and smiled into her face.
Ken picked up Michelle and Brian late that night from the Vegas airport. They stayed overnight with us. Before heading to SLC the next morning, they attended our ward breakfast/Christmas party with us. Ken and Jared spent that day in the annual Zion National Park bird count while Kristen, the kids and I spent it Ho! Ho! Hoing!
More of the same the whole week before Christmas: Lots of shopping, cooking and Christmas fun. We enjoyed watching the BYU football team cream their opponent in the Vegas Bowl! Christmas eve, we had our now traditional (since Jared joined the family) roast lamb dinner, then had our Christmas program with Brielle telling the Christmas story on the flannel board. We then sang Christmas carols. The kids loved ringing bells and running around, but as soon as we started "Silent Night" little Nathan got a little book, got the sweetest look on his face and sang and sang. When it ended, he would say, "Again!" So we'd sing it again . . .and again. Sweet highlight of the season..We then opened our Christmas jammies. (Kristen and Jared are so good to always get ME some, too) and had hot chocolate with mint ice cream in it (don't start- you'll be sorry) After kids were in bed, Jared introduced us to his family custom of setting up the presents under the tree to perfection. My, what a disappointment we must have been to him all these years as I just cram presents anywhere I can make them fit. It was fun to see him work and work until it looked just right.
Christmas morning was fun- Santa was good to us. And except for the egg argument, all went well. After leftovers for lunch and naps, we packed up the cars and headed up the state to Kristen and Jared's.
The next morning, Michelle and Brian and Shonna and Blake arrived around 9:00am for our family Christmas party. Both were with in-laws for Christmas, so we treasured this one day together. We opened presents, played games and enjoyed another delicious Christmas dinner put on by Kristen. Before coming down, she froze food and had it all planned. We had ham, cheesy potatoes, her famous layered jello salad, lots of veggies and her chocolate molten cake for dessert (I'll post the recipe). We played games all afternoon and the boys broke the rule of the girls ALWAYS win in catch phrase. One of sweet moments was when Shonna was holding Gabbi. She kept touching Shonna's tummy and "talking" to the baby inside. We got pizza for dinner and played more games until too late at night. What a great day together!
On Sunday, we went to church with Kristen and Jared, had another nice meal, then headed back home with a PACKED car with Brian, Michelle, and sweet Gabbi with us.
We spent the next couple of days together. Kristen and Jared came back down on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we hiked the temple quarry trail with Brian's family as they were spending the week in a condo here. After the hike, they joined us for a fun new year's dinner and party. We had chicken enchiladas, jello, green salad, and Ken's famous quacamole. (Come on down and he'll make you some.) We then had a great time playing games: Wii, To Tell the Truth, Catch Phrase, and Action/Adverb (Hilarious!) They are a great family.
New Year's eve, we went on another hike to Johnson's Arch (it was the perfect, beautiful day). Later, we went to dinner at Olive Garden, then came home and celebrated the New Year with glow sticks with the kids, then more games and fireworks. Saturday, Ken took Brian and Michelle back to Vegas for them to fly home and Jared and Kristen left, too. Our house seems so empty now. We are so grateful for family and the joy they bring and for a great holiday season.
4 comments:
I loved reading all about your holidays. It was so fun seeing you all together. I'm so glad you got to be with all your kids. How nice of Kristen to host your get together. That jello looks so festive and delicious. Looks like you all had a wonderful time!
Oh the wonderful memories. We had such a fabulous time together. Thank you for putting on such a wonderful 2+ week party. You are amazing. I loved watching your slide show. That must have been a lot of work, but was so nice to watch. You got some great pictures. I was just thinking how much I like the name Caleb too. It just fits. I like knowing what he will be named. Those pictures of Gabbi talking to him are SO precious. What a wonderful time. I love you Mom!
Thank you SOOOOO much for hosting us! It was wonderful! Kristen is exactly right, you ARE amazing. We miss you, too.. . .Thank goodness for skype, phones, email, and blogs! The pic you took up close of Luli on the Johnson's Arch hike is so artistic - it almost looks professional. You definitely captured the fun holiday!
Sounds like an exhausting and fun Christmas!!!
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