Christmas Time

Christmas is truly the most magical and wonderful time of the year!

Both Whitlee and Bronson had a program:

Grandpa Rich invited us to a Christmas party where the kids got dressed up to act out the Nativity, which is one of our favorite traditions.  However, we are down to only a couple of girls to help us dress up and Whitlee and Hadley really didn't want to be Mary this year.  So Charlotte stepped in to play the part so that we didn't leave cute Jack hanging as Joseph.

Grandpa brought out some cash and encouraged some gambling addiction in a grandkids game of Left, Right, Center.  Whitlee was the big winner and came away with $50!

We got a surprise package in the mail from a family in Cedar City, UT and it turns out it was from Ashlyn!  Her companion had finished her mission and headed home right before Christmas.   Ashlyn prevailed upon her to bring a nativity home and mail it to us from the United States.  She also included thoughtful little notes for each of us.  We were completely blown away at the tender gift that she had pulled off!  Her notes were touching and it made a very special night reading them.

The kids also gave sibling gifts to each other.  Whitlee really loved her punch needle craft from Charlotte!

We got new church clothes on Christmas Eve to wear to church.

And Bronson got a suit this year as he received the priesthood and can now pass the sacrament at church!

We got absolutely spoiled at Christmas!

On Christmas morning, Whit had to beg Ian to come out of his hiding place in the closet so that we could go up and see what Santa had left.

Charlotte loved her cake decorating kit and an I-Pad

Whitlee got some chairs and art supplies for the loft in her bedroom, as well as an Insta-Max camera that she asked for.

Bronson didn't ask for anything, but was delighted to find that he got a .22 gun!

And Ian got a forge so that he can continue to learn to make knives and a weight set for the whole family to use!

We also really loved the ward party at the church where the kids aged 12-18 participated in a shadow nativity.  Ian got to be Joseph and did a very reverent and great job acting the part.  It really brought a wonderful Spirit to our Christmas season.

We really love this time of year to have a chance to think of Christ Mas (More)!