We had SEVERAL Christmas parties this year. One of the fun ones was Tom’s Dad’s work party. The kids loved going to Grandpa’s work (which was decorated like The Polar Express) to do crafts, games, eat cookies, drink hot chocolate and of course, visit Santa. Sophie was talking up Santa (or as she calls him “ho, ho, ho”) all day, so of course, she had to be brave when it came time to sit on his lap.
The kids had their school parties. Here’s Cedric showing off the gift he got at the preschool gift exchange.
Tom had some work parties too. It was fun to meet the people on his team, his boss and her fancy house!
We also had our ward Christmas party. Lily and Jeff got to be part of the nativity play (Lily’s the angel far right, Jeff’s the top head of the two headed shepherds).
One of our favorite traditions is Sunday dinner in December with my family. We do a big dinner, a talent show, the nativity and watch “Luke II” while listening to “Breath of Heaven”. It’s one of those nights we miss my mom a lot.
Lily and Jeff had their Christmas piano recital. Lily played “Christmas Bells” and Jeff played “Up on the Housetop” and “Joy to the World”. (Unfortunately, I had to sneak out early and headed to Instacare because of a nasty flu bug I’d caught on top of a cold.)
We had the extended family party with my dad’s side of the family. Here’s Cedric walking around with his little cousin, Adair.
The Sunday before Christmas we did dinner with our friends, the Shaws. We were old neighbors, than both of us moved south so we’re still pretty close. We did a red and green dinner and the kids had so much fun playing with their kids and dog.
On Christmas Eve morning I took the kids swimming with my brother, Mike, his kids and my step brother, Caleb. It was a bit cold, even for an indoor pool, but we still managed to have fun.
That night we did our traditional Christmas Eve party with Tom’s family. We ate dinner, looked for the nut in the pudding, did the nativity, sang songs around the Christmas tree and exchanged gifts. It’s a busy, fun night!
After the party the kids each got to open one present… New pajamas!
They each set out a blanket where they wanted Santa to leave their stuff while I got busy making breakfast casserole for the next morning. The kids fell asleep quickly, thanks to all the swimming and partying they’d done.
Christmas morning the kids lined up to see what Santa brought. We made them wait until at least 7am and we let Sophie stay asleep until she woke up at 7:30 on her own.
Santa spoiled us again!
Mine and Tom’s loot
Sophie’s
Lily’s
Jeff’s
Cedric’s
And everyone got a new trampoline and iPad to share!
The kids checked out what Santa brought.
Then we played with our new stuff for a bit.
We opened presents from each other and Mom and Dad.
The kids did a gift exchange this year with each other. Cedric gave to Sophie, Jeff gave to Cedric, Lily gave to Jeff and Sophie gave to Lily. Lily was so excited to get a harmonica from Sophie. She had been a little sad that Santa hadn’t given her one.
The kids got some new clothes to wear.
At 10am some of Tom’s family came over for breakfast.
Then Tom, Sophie and I took a nap while the other kids watched a movie and played with toys.
Later that afternoon we went over to my dad’s house for dinner and another gift exchange and presents from Grandpa and Grandma.
My dad and Suzy also gave Sophie her birthday presents. She got a whole new set of doll accessories! (she was too excited with her new toys to look at the camera)
Afterwards, we walked down to my grandma’s house for goodies and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Then it was time to head home for bed.
The following day the kids’ cousins, Kate and Tag showed up. We were tending them for a week while their parents and older brothers were on vacation. One night, all the kids had a sleep over in a hut!
The weekend after Christmas we had our friends party with Tom’s high school guy group (we really need a name for this gang). Unfortunately, a lot of the families were out of town, so it was a smaller bunch than normal, but we still had fun!
Monday, December 30th was our 14th anniversary. Tom and I managed to leave the six kids with my niece, Aubree and had a fun date night at dinner and a movie.
Then it was New Year’s Eve! We had a bunch of people over to our house including, our friends from the ward, Tiffany, Kenny, Chris & Nick and their kids, plus some of Tom’s family, Maren, Tim, & Charlotte. Kurt, his friend, Denise and Maren’s friend, Cassie even stopped by for a bit. While we were partying some crazy elves came and TP’d our yard!
The kids (all but Sophie) made it until midnight! It was a fun night with lots of fun games and good food.
Now it’s 2014 and the adventures continue…
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