Christmas Memories

Christmas all started on Thursday the 22nd! We had a great family christmas party at Aunt Pam's! Yummy food, singing, and the nativity acted about by all the kiddos! Then Friday late afternoon early evening we met the Johnson family for soup and cookies at the park near the Temple to see the Christmas lights! Then on Christmas Eve, we spent it at Ben's uncle's house, Steve. We had yummy 'tradition ham balls' with all the fixings. The cousins had fun jumping on the trampoline and playing with each other. Ben's aunt and uncles gave gifts to all the kids which was super thoughtful! Also, great-grandma Opal gives each of the kids new pajamas! We also locked our keys in the car, but I can laugh about that now.

 When we got home we left donuts and gingerbread cookies for Santa on his special Santa plate! Then Ben and I stayed up getting ready for Santa and Christmas morning! That morning Benji's screams in delight for his new 'big boy bike' will forever ring in my ears. My heart melted into a million pieces! 'Santa gave me a big boy bike'' ... over and over again. Abby loved her desk and Tyler couldn't wait to ride his new scooter.

 I loved every second of Christmas morning watching and listening to my kids as they opened each of their gifts!

 That afternoon we had Ben's two brothers, Jake and Jodie/their families and Ben's parents over for dinner and games! We had so much fun! The food was super good too! We opened gifts from grandparents, played the Bean boozled game which is really fun to see everyone's expression when they get a 'skunk spray' flavor instead of licorce. ;) The kids played an old Johnson family favorite from back in the day.. Junkyard (a sock throwing game) also the good old White Elephant game which Ben and I scored a grandma Opal christmas decoration to treasure for years to come! We also skyped Ethan and his family in Texas! There is a picture of this event. Technology is fantastic and helps us feel closer to our families that live far away and can't be with us! We really all enjoyed each other's company!

I had a lot of gratitude in my heart this year and tried to take in all the experiences and family moments! Until next year......