We had a wonderful Christmas week!
It wouldn't be Christmas without our visit to the senior home.
After handing out cards and candy canes, Josh played some of his Christmas arrangements.
The owner of the home expressed his gratitude for our service over the last 17 years. He said he wished he had invited us to have dinner with the seniors that night. He wanted to do something--so he gave us dessert--yummy chocolate chip cookies. So kind.
Our Christmas Eve began with lunch at Bourbon Brothers.
They even had a lot of gluten-free options for Jayna!
Back to the house for The Muppet Christmas Carol movie and brownies with peppermint ice cream!
After the movie we all made a Christmas Eve snack.
Jayna made muddy buddies.
We ate our snacks while playing some games.
Dad gave us a Christmas movie trivia quiz.
We learned that Rudolph's dad is Donder--who knew?!
Dad also had us put paper plates on our heads. Then he directed to us draw a Christmas tree with ornaments and a star--and a fireplace with a stocking!
We got points for certain things! It was hilarious!
We then began our Christmas Eve program--beginning with music.
Josh played some of his Christmas arrangements.
Jayna and Elizabeth sang Silent Night.
Then Jayna sang When Mary Sings a Lullaby.
And, of course, we played carols on the chimes!
Dad thought he would be funny and ran out to get gloves so he could be like the official bell ringers.
Then we retired to the family room. Since we didn't think it would work well acting out the nativity with just the five of us, we watched the record-breaking nativity on YouTube where over 1,000 people participated--including The Piano Guys, Peter Hollens, David Archuleta, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was wonderful! If you haven't seen it, here's the link:
Then Mom read a story from Elder Holland about when his father passed away during Christmas. Then we watched our Christmas Eve DVD about Christ. And then we all shared our favorite story of Christ.
Then we went back to the living room where Dad read our final Christmas story--a Twenty-Nine Cent Christmas, and we listened to Silent Night by Mannheim Steamrollers. Very peaceful.
Then it was time to open PJ packages!
And finally, the traditional reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Dad.
Christmas morning!!!
Santa came!!!
Jayna got a sleeping bag--which she couldn't get out of its case!
So Elizabeth helped her.
Christmas breakfast.
We all helped out--Jayna made gluten-free waffles.
Jayna got some interesting--but valuable, jewelry from Ty.
Some of the highlights of the day were talking with family.
We got to Facetime with Michelle, Ty, Afton, and Eliza . . . a couple of times!
And we got to Skype with Dallin!!!
He is really doing great!
His new companion speaks English--and we got to talk to him for a little bit, too. He had wonderful things to say about Dallin!
The only sad part was that Dallin never received our Christmas package. Hopefully it will still make it there eventually.
And finally, our Christmas Day dinner.
Christmas was wonderful--because it was filled with faith and family.
I am so very grateful for my knowledge of our Heavenly Father's Plan and for the Atonement of my Savior. Without this knowledge, Christmas would be meaningless for me. That tiny baby, laid away in a manger with no crib for a bed, makes all the difference in the world. . . all the difference in time and eternity.
I loved every bit of this. Except there were too many pictures of Mom (do you detect my sarcasm?). Wish we could have been there with you! Though I'm sure some of those activities were much more enjoyable without two crazy sugar-loaded toddlers. :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Kathy! It looks like you had a wondefful time.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Michelle. I guess that's what happens when you are the one taking all the pictures! :) We would have LOVED for you to have been here--especially with two crazy sugar-loaded adorable toddlers!
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