December

December was more of the same as the months before - busy work, and tying up loose ends.  I had to scrap some of my projects, but added a few last minute ones...

My sister in law decided to do the big family Christmas party at least once more this year.  We weren't planning on going, because two trips to Utah was really not in the budget, but several of the family members twisted hubby's arm (close to dislocation,) so we went.
Even though I wasn't too thrilled about it at first, I'm pretty glad we did.  It was really neat - they had done so many things to pay homage to Wayland's parents.

All of the siblings were there, and a good number of their children.  LaVeda would have been so happy.

They did something different this year - they put Santa in the living room, and had everyone take turns as families - less chaos, and you could actually hear what the kids said to Santa.  Brilliant!

Ellie

Millie

Arilie

Jenny

Melissa

Jeff & Jennie

Pat & Wayland

After everyone talked to Santa, they took advantage of the gathering for a Sibling photo op...

Back row L to R, Janet, Linda, Shanna, Jeanine.  Seated, Dennis, Carol, Wayland

Back row, Travis & Janet, Linda & Jeff, Keith, Shanna & Mark, Jeanine & Kerry.  Front row, Kathy & Dennis, Carol, Wayland & Pat

 We all exchange Christmas cards there (saves from having to mail them - ha ha) and some pass out little hand made gifts.  There was one that I was particularly happy to receive - this little cookbook that Jeanine put together;

After LaVeda passed away last year, I started asking around the family for some of her recipes - there were some things that she did that were such a big part of all the family traditions - ie; she always made us all a batch of divinity at Valentines,  home made root beer for the summer picnics, etc. etc.
She wasn't a fancy cook, but everything was hearty and homey - and just good eats.

Jeanine included a lot of family photos and memories along with the recipes - it is just a sweet momento of a mothers love.  I love it!

We were just there for the weekend and had to run back - but we were able to see our son's new house (if only from the outside.)  They will be able to move in before Christmas, and are so excited!

We didn't do much celebrating in Las Vegas, but my friend called me one night and asked if I would go to the live nativity with her - Wayland actually had the evening off, and wanted to go with us, so the three of us set off for parts of the city unknown.  I love going places with Lorene, it's always an adventure!

When we got there, the line was around the block and down the corner.  We were there for the last showing, and were afraid that we wouldn't be able to get a seat.  We stood there for about 45 min. - eventually, some of the actors came down through the line and told us that if there wasn't room, that they would do a third showing.  It was really neat seeing that many mormons in one spot in sin city LOL.  While we waited, we went into one of the buildings there that had a display of creche's that had been gathered from all over - it was an amazing variety - everything from miniatures to lawn sized ornaments, and in every style you can imagine, (and it was warm inside!)  Meanwhile, hubby was holding our place in line, and striking up new friendships right and left - ha ha.

We finally got in to the arena, and the show was really good.  I've never been to a live nativity, but it was really cool.  In the smallest way, you get to feel a bit of what it was like on that night of nights...

When the angels appeared and started singing, it choked me up.  Wow.  (Although I would not have wanted that part - they were right on the edge of the roof!)  What a fun evening - I'm so thankful for friends who make it possible for me to see these things!  Finally feeling a little Christmas spirit...

We ran home on Christmas Eve.  All through the season I thought about talking hubby out of this, but as the time grew closer, I just couldn't imagine spending Christmas Day alone down here without my family.

We left around one, and got home just in time for the turkey dinner.  :)

Then we gathered around and brought our Seattle kids in via Skype, and opened gifts.  The kids had all drawn names and had their own little exchange - that was really fun to watch!  They all know each other so well, the gifts were well thought out, and kind of a hoot.  Then they all opened the pajamas I had made (it's the Christmas Eve tradition,) and, I just couldn't stand it - I had them all open everything else that I had made.  I wanted to see their faces - it's my right as a granny.  :-)

It was such a fun evening.  We pretty much opened everything that night, but it was more fun to do it while everyone was there.

That night while we slept, Mother Nature dropped a foot of snow in the valley.

 Is there anything more magical than Christmas Eve snow?

It was all too short of a visit, but it was so worth it.  We finally got to see the inside of Jeff's new house, and share the girls' excitement of all the things Santa had brought. 

That's what it's all about...