Christmas fun!

We headed down to Blanding for Christmas this year (okay, it's actually last year but since it was just two weeks ago that's too weird to say). The fun started on Christmas Eve with a party at my mom's and dad's house with the Halliday clan. Getting together with this group is never boring and never quiet but oh so much fun!

We had a yummy dinner.

Then the kids acted out the nativity in the garage. These are all the chilly spectators.

Lexi as Mary, McCoy as baby Jesus, Carter as Joseph, Maxon and Jake as sheep, Oakley as a shepherd, and Addi and Livvy as angels. Cohen was going to be a sheep with Maxon but ended up in the hospital because he got really sick, poor little guy :(

Jensen, Logan, and Camryn as wise "people."

I bet you haven't seen a cuter nativity than this:)

And here's the entire cast, with a live donkey. The donkey was our Christmas present to our parents. My mom had already seen him so he wasn't much of a surprise to her, my dad had heard enough slip ups that I'm sure he was expecting a donkey but not on Christmas Eve;)

Paco

Grandpa meeting Paco. My parents love him! Of course we were all sure my mom would but the husbands were all sure my dad didn't really want a donkey and we (the wives) were nuts to get him. But he was a hit!

After the nativity we went back into the house and Addi and Livvy sang "I'm the Angel in the Christmas Play." They were so adorable and did such a good job.

Then it was time for the gift game.

Lexi and Kolton both stole what they wanted, a soft blanket and bath gel, yes, my 16-year-old son stole bath gel from somebody and was thrilled with it.

Camryn and Jensen also stole soft blankets which they love. I even ended up with one so our family made out pretty good in the soft blanket department.

After the party the grand kids all got to open their customary new p.j.'s from Grandma and Grandpa.

Livvy and Addi showing off their matching p.j.'s.

Christmas morning started off early with all of us meeting in Grandpa and Grandma's room for a reading of the nativity story and a family prayer. I love that we do this because it gives us all a few minutes to remember what the day is really about. But, I also remember how hard it was as a kid. That story was 10 times as long as it is now;) I thought it would never end! But of course it did, and then on to the presents. There were presents for 28 people so the family room was pretty packed. And can you say chaos?! But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love spending Christmas with my family!

What could it possibly be?

I think everyone made out pretty well.

One of the best parts of the day was a phone call from Josh in France. Everyone had a chance to talk to him and it was so much fun hearing how great he is doing. He is such an awesome missionary and such a great example to all the grand kids.

After the phone call we all went visiting down to Grandma Black's house. I love that Christmas in Blanding means not only seeing my immediate family but so much extended family too.

Grandma Black and Addi.

The Lyman clan.

Saturday morning we all got dressed in our winter wear and went sledding.

Addi and Oakley preferred sliding down the hill on their bums. Not so fast and scary!

Matt and Lexi

Kristi, Oakley, and Jensen

Matt, Addi, and Lexi (that's Addi's pink boot sticking out:)

After everyone had had their fill of sledding we warmed up with some hot chocolate.

Saturday night we had a Christmas party with the Lyman Clan. My dad rented a huge cabin up on the mountain. It was amazing and so much fun.

We had yummy soup and bread bowls for dinner.

Kolton and I prepared a song that we sang together at both parties. The kids acted out the nativity again, without the live donkey this time. We played the gift game again and everyone had a great time. I love Christmas in Blanding!