To begin, does anyone remember where we went for the holidays? Arizona! And guess what? We almost had a white Christmas. Since we were in Prescott about 1 1/2 hours north of Phoenix, we could actually get snow.
I was bummed since I was ready for a taste of the Arizona sun and warmth but the boys loved playing. And hot chocolate was had by all, so it wasn't all bad. And it only stayed 2 days.
My parents are real "do-ers." Trips are always been filled with lots of activities, everyday having some fun outing planned. But this time around, all the parents of small children (therefore, all of us) asked for a quiet vacation of us staying if pj's all day, playing games, reading, taking naps and watching movies. And that is exactly what we did.
Chess was a very common activity for the men. Our ten year old nephew Jack won the majority of games.
3 boys, 3 buddies who played lightsabors and Legos, wrestled and explored, challenged each other on Wii and fought very little for 2 weeks straight. It was yummy.
We made "ginger bread" houses one afternoon. Goofball, who won't smile normally...
Katherine and I glueing the houses together with burnt sugar.
"One of these things is not like the others..."
Katherine (the 2 year old crying niece above) has a presonality like no one else. She has energy bubbling out her ears and must be the center of attention at all times. You instantly love her because she instantly and so wholeheartedly loves you. One Monday night we were having Family Home Evening, one night each week where we have a lesson from the scriptures and a family activity, and my dad was teaching about how to respect your parents. He was standing in front having the kids make a list of 10 ways to show respect when Katherine just couldn't stand it anymore and she had to go up and yell her 2 cents. She keeps us all thoroughly entertained...
Chess was a very common activity for the men. Our ten year old nephew Jack won the majority of games.
3 boys, 3 buddies who played lightsabors and Legos, wrestled and explored, challenged each other on Wii and fought very little for 2 weeks straight. It was yummy.
We made "ginger bread" houses one afternoon. Goofball, who won't smile normally...
Katherine and I glueing the houses together with burnt sugar.
"One of these things is not like the others..."
Katherine (the 2 year old crying niece above) has a presonality like no one else. She has energy bubbling out her ears and must be the center of attention at all times. You instantly love her because she instantly and so wholeheartedly loves you. One Monday night we were having Family Home Evening, one night each week where we have a lesson from the scriptures and a family activity, and my dad was teaching about how to respect your parents. He was standing in front having the kids make a list of 10 ways to show respect when Katherine just couldn't stand it anymore and she had to go up and yell her 2 cents. She keeps us all thoroughly entertained...
Jonah was his usual curious self and into everything, the pantry being a favorite hang out.
Luke and Jack got ENORMOUS Star Wars Lego ships from Nana & Papa and about 25 collective hours were put into getting these puppies together.
Jonah opens his very first Christmas present EV-ER...a phone he nevers plays with.
He did love the chaos and wrapping paper and music and ornanaments though...
And the great cuddle time with Nana...
and his beloved chapstick.....
and Papa.
Papa and JB
What a beautiful and peaceful place, looking out the back window of my parents home.
Until next time. Thanks!!
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!
Now that's more like it, Nat. I needed some of the Christmas fun. Aren't the kids terrific? Interesting happening about climbing out the window. Isn't conscience a wonderful gift?
ReplyDeleteI loved the video of your dad going after Jonah. It was hysterical.
I wonder how Katherine will survive when a sibbling comes along. Life is so hard sometimes. I love you. Thanks so much for sharing. I've been aching for more news down here. Love, Mom in Provo