Merry Christmas!

As tradition dictates, I took a picture of the “kids” as they got up.  Thrilled would not be the best word to describe their opinion of the matter . . . but pictures I did take.

They didn’t seem to mind opening up their stockings for find what goodies Santa had brought them. .

Our packed schedule required us to move directly on to present opening. . .

David was delegated the job of passing out the gifts. 

We tidied ourselves up and headed to Reno.  We had bought tickets to see Les Miserables before taking David back to the train station for his ride home. . . something about work the next day. . .

We were so grateful that he was able to come spend a few days with us, even though we no longer have a bed for him!  The couch isn’t so bad when you get to leave with presents!

Change of Seasons

One of the hardest parts of children growing up is holidays.  While we’d love for them to part of OUR festivities each and every holiday, it’s more important for them to form their own traditions.

It was our first Christmas without Jennifer.  Yes, she was gone on a mission one year and the previous year, she was married but brought her husband home with her.  But this year it was different . . . not in a bad way, but somewhat bittersweet.  Their little family was celebrating on their own.

However, we did take GREAT joy in having Allie and David home. 

Paul needed to shovel before fetching David from the train station. . .

David and Allie hadn’t spent much time together though they live in the same state.  What better way than to put a jigsaw puzzle together.

David endured the picture taking, while Allie embraced it. 

David is determined to beat Paul at arm wrestling so every visit includes a few rounds. . .

I’m not even sure who wins, but it’s always lively.

Nothing does this mom’s heart more good than the sounds of her family enjoying each other’s company.  It makes for the best holiday memories. 

Oh Christmas Tree

In years past, we are slow to decorate and even slower to put up our tree.  But we were lucky enough to have Allie for several weeks this year and we had to celebrate .. . . by putting up the tree once she was home.

Could we be more enthusiastic?  Doubtful!

We found a corner for the tree. . .

Paul and Allie worked hard. . . I “needed” to ensure there was photographic proof!

It is a lot of work for a college student who has been running on a sleep deficit for . . . . the past three and half years?  Or maybe longer?

Decorating would have to wait for another day. . . if at all!

On Top of Things!

The past bunch of years, we have been very apathetic when it comes to Christmas decorating.  I’m not sure why.  It started when Jennifer and David went on their missions.  I suppose it could have been that we weren’t all together, but the reason doesn’t really matter.

The first item on the agenda was Paul’s office.  I’ve NEVER done a thing to decorate it.  Some of the people he works with cannot handle this and take it on themselves.  So this year was to be different . . .

I’m not sure it made his office much cheerier (it’s work after all) but it did give Paul something to fidget with!

Before and After

This year, Christmas fell on a Sunday so our celebration was split up.
I subject the *kids* to photos when they get up.  They seem to love me anyway.

We enjoyed stockings before church. . .


Santa KNEW she needed starburst wrappers!
After we got ready, we went off to church for sacrament meeting.  We were blessed with some outstanding talks that really set the tone for the rest of the day.  This is the day we celebrate Christ’s birth . . . I love it when Christmas falls on a  Sunday for this reason. 
We returned home to continue with our celebration, meaning presents and a feast (of which there are NO pictures.)


We didn’t know until the last minute that they were coming . . . so they got double gifts.  We watched them open lots of things.

David asked for something expensive so he didn’t open much, but was very patient.

He got everything he asked for. . . he must have been very good

Little did she know she was in the process of opening her FAVORITE present. . . juggling pins!


We finished off our night playing games and enjoying David’s company. . . he would be leaving early the next morning.