Christmas has been fun this year. We were not sure if we would have anyone home and turns out we have them all for a week +. We are loving every minute of it. I had only planned food for 3 days tho so its been interesting. Certainly not a lack of, just lost of dishes and trying to get through all the leftovers. Ammon and Cora got done their project on the Regina Temple early and made it here the evening of the 21st. They almost made it in time to have donuts with us after the ward nativity. I had to work the 22nd. I was glad they had made it so Blake wasn't by himself all day. He was pretty bored they day before and was not looking forward to another long day. 23rd Blake and I went to town to pick up the last of the fresh food and his suit. Ammon and Cora had some things they needed to do so didn't come with us in the end. Then a quick house straighten and laundry. 24th Leah made it just after lunch. It was a low key day. I did some prep work for dinner, everyone had last minute gift wrapping and just hanging out. We had appetizers as always for Christmas Eve dinner and then acted out the nativity.
I think it was one of my favorite nativities ever. We all had multiple parts and I loved the baby Jesus Leah made for us. It may have been a tad irreverent, but it was very fun. A Christmas Story was watched as per tradition, Ammon had never seen it so that was fun for us. But we also realized how much we quote and talk through the whole things since we do watch it ever Christmas Eve. Such a great show. Christmas Day everyone slept in. We had breakfast and then slowly opened presents.
Cora wrapped Leah's gift to look like an alligator.
They girls got and had given us some fun games that we have enjoyed playing.
Dave was given a 22lb turkey. We had a bit of a struggle with it. I thawed it way to early cause I panicked. They we had to try to keep it cold but not freeze it again. But in the end it was amazing. Dave took it over and did the whole thing. He likes stuffing cooked in the turkey, I don't like it at all. He called his mom and got her recipe and everyone that ate it loved it. So we ended up having a traditional Christmas dinner for the first time, and it was great.
We have been watching the forecast for weeks looking for a good ski day around the holidays. The girls brought their ski stuff and have been hoping, but -29 is just way to cold to ski. Unfortunately it is to cold to go hooding or walks outside or anything. We have been sticking inside as much as possible. Playing games, reading, and talking. I have enjoyed it, but feel bad they won't get a ski in while here. 26th my parents, Myrna, and Cannon and Nicole came. Church was short so we decided to do something a little different and had brunch together after. Lots of fun syrups, fruit, bacon, eggs, waffles and juices. It was delicious, quick and easy. Turned out great. All the family stayed an visited for a while then got in their chilly cars and drove home.
More relaxing, reading and fun. Ammon pulled out his guitar again and this time, he and Cora sang. It was fun to listen to. Leah joined in a few of them, and Ammon got her to play a song with him as they all sang. Dave and I had got a mic last week in hopes of some karaoke, but no one wanted to sing loud, just fun in the background. But it was beautiful.
More game and daily scripture reading to wrap up the evening.
Leah thinks she will be her until just before New Year's Eve and Ammon and Cora have no idea if they are leaving Tuesday or Wednesday, so we are just hanging out, having a blast and trying not to freeze. It has been fantastic Christmas. Filled with kids, noise, fun, food and lots of laughter and love.
Merry Christmas!
