The days leading up to the big day were full of anticipation~ mainly with me! It was all I had on the brain, of course, with so much to do, and I was just so excited! Maybe its that the kids are getting older, but they seemed to be most excited to get out of school.
There was mutual activities and Daddy Fun Day to squeeze in there- all before that last day of school and the kids are home to stay. It's a mad dash to get everything finished, but I love it!
Paisley added to the decor here and there. I loved these snowmen she created for the stairway.
She asked if I'd snapped any photos and when I told her no, she made sure to capture it.
We were able to have dinner at Christine and Cameron's on Christmas Eve-Eve at their new house and see all the work they've put in to it already- it's a great place! I am so happy for Christine to finally have her horses right by her, I know that is a dream come true for her, so it was fun to see it all. As we sat at the table talking with everyone I started feeling so sick! It just got worse and I had a pretty rough night. I was panicking thinking of all I had to do in the next few days- plus a YW retreat coming up. I felt better the next day for family to come over for the celebrations (phew!)
On Christmas Eve we drove out to Utah Lake to see the first light show they have put on. It was great! I liked that it was so close by.
We arrived home to a jolly house with Grandparents Taylor's and Geertsen's and Cade and Ashley and family! Eeeeeeee! We had a delicious Christmas Eve dinner, the usual: Ham, potatoes, salad, rolls~ everything was so yummy! The kids iced cookies for Santa of course, and then the Christmas program. We took turns reading Luke 2, setting up the nativity as we went. Then we all watched Luke 2 together.
This group was so excited! And I just can't believe we are here at another year, doing our thing!
After the family left, we did a quick clean up, and we gathered in the front room around the tree so the kids could open gifts from each other. They each took their turn and said something they love about who they picked. Their gifts to each other were sweet and well thought out. Then they opened their Christmas jammies!
The room was packed to the max, not room for one more thing. It looked so jolly and fun!
I wanted to sit here and and just look at everything all day long. But the kids were going crazy! Besides, we had church to get to eventually so we dived in. Lot's of chaos and squealing. So fun! My favorite was after the Lego's, footballs and barbies had been opened- everything on their wish lists had been fulfilled. Then some small gifts were spotted behind the tree and on the windowsill. The kids were all so confused at what they were holding. I pod's and kindles! They just couldn't believe it! It was a big surprise indeed!
We had a wonderful sacrament meeting. I'd love it if we all met every Christmas Day. We walked in to sacrament meeting to see Paul and Sharon~ what a treat! Then Mommy and Daddy arrived shortly after! It really made it extra special, it was a wonderful meeting. The kids were so excited to have grandparents come home with us after and show them all their new stuff.
That night I got so sick again! I had to be grateful that it hit in-between times I really had stuff to get done. I realized I haven't even had a cold in two years, I don't know what that was about! Then the next few days were pure bliss, regardless. Staying in jammies, not leaving the house, slowly going through every gift while movies play and plenty of goodies all around. I love Christmas!
The rest of the break was heavenly and busy all at once. Jon took the kids sledding at Rock Canyon~
I spent a night up at Heber Valley again for a YW retreat. We were back in time for New Years Eve!
The girls sledded, we had crafts and devotionals.
These are a lot of work and planning and each time I say, "We're not going to do this next year." But, we'll see...
New Years Eve was lovely at home with plenty of treats and puzzles and games and movies. At the strike of twelve everyone was still standing so we grabbed our pots and pans and whooped and hollered into the winter night, with fireworks booming in the distance. Happy 2017!
There was mutual activities and Daddy Fun Day to squeeze in there- all before that last day of school and the kids are home to stay. It's a mad dash to get everything finished, but I love it!
Paisley added to the decor here and there. I loved these snowmen she created for the stairway.
On Christmas Eve we drove out to Utah Lake to see the first light show they have put on. It was great! I liked that it was so close by.
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| Christmas baby |
After the family left, we did a quick clean up, and we gathered in the front room around the tree so the kids could open gifts from each other. They each took their turn and said something they love about who they picked. Their gifts to each other were sweet and well thought out. Then they opened their Christmas jammies!
They each got fresh pajamas and a new cozy robe to replace the ones that barely
cover their bums.
Then it's off to bed for the long winters nap :) They always say they'll never be able to fall asleep- but it seems they do quicker this night than any other night of the year!
Christmas morning arrives before we know it!
We had a wonderful sacrament meeting. I'd love it if we all met every Christmas Day. We walked in to sacrament meeting to see Paul and Sharon~ what a treat! Then Mommy and Daddy arrived shortly after! It really made it extra special, it was a wonderful meeting. The kids were so excited to have grandparents come home with us after and show them all their new stuff.
That night I got so sick again! I had to be grateful that it hit in-between times I really had stuff to get done. I realized I haven't even had a cold in two years, I don't know what that was about! Then the next few days were pure bliss, regardless. Staying in jammies, not leaving the house, slowly going through every gift while movies play and plenty of goodies all around. I love Christmas!
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| Jon all spiffy for Christmas Day church! He put this on my phone so this is the face I see when he calls me. |
The building of the Lego's! I don't' see this ever getting old!
Dad couldn't resist finishing Adren's jet.
One of my favorites~ Fresh new cute pillow cases, two for each and a new fluffy pillow.
Much needed.
The girls sledded, we had crafts and devotionals.
These are a lot of work and planning and each time I say, "We're not going to do this next year." But, we'll see...
New Years Eve was lovely at home with plenty of treats and puzzles and games and movies. At the strike of twelve everyone was still standing so we grabbed our pots and pans and whooped and hollered into the winter night, with fireworks booming in the distance. Happy 2017!
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| Paisley trying out her new Christmas sewing machine. |