Christmas 2023

There's always a feeling of excitement in the air once school gets out for Christmas break. Jaxon and Violet planned the whole month out. Meaning, they planned something Christmasey for each day leading to Christmas. Sometimes it was putting snowflakes around the house, sometimes dressing in Christmasey clothes, making cookies, etc.

We always look forward to reconnecting with cousins at Mamie's house.

We did our traditional bowling before Christmas. We had an hour to wait for our lanes so the kids preoccupied themselves trying to pull stuck quarters out of machines. I don't know if I should be proud of their ingenuity, or... Travis just said to look the other way.

 

Then at last it was Christmas Eve. We love going to Mamie and Papa's to eat, sing, and open presents.

We got everything ready for Christmas morning, including putting the kids' experiences on the tree. This year, the experiences for the older 3 were climbing classes at the Quarry. Ivy is going fishing at the fishery, and Talmage is taking a tumbling class. 

I don't know why I don't have any pictures of stockings this year, but Santa brought Ivy and Talmage a playhouse, Ginger a reading chair, Violet a wildlife camera (so we can see any animals that pass by while we're gone) and Jaxon got a projector screen.

Of course, the day after we went to the cabin to refresh for a few days. Jaxon and Violet always plan a special show for Travis and I that involves all the kids.

Jaxon also got a BB gun this Christmas.

We came back for church and in the evening enjoyed a nice family walk around Pioneer Park to see the lights.

Violet had a small stomach bug so she brought a bowl just in case.

 We had a fabulous Christmas!

Ginger Turns 7

Can't believe this girl turned 7. She is such a thoughtful, considerate girl. She's always looking for ways to help me and is very sensitive to the needs of others.

She's so excited to start going to activity days with Violet. We love you, Ginger!

 

Pre-Christmas Happenings

We had a fabulous couple weeks leading up to Christmas. I personally didn't mind the lack of snow one bit. ;) The youth were able to visit the Orem temple. We had almost 40 baptisms last year in our ward- convert baptisms. It's been great to see the youth group grow.

Violet and Ginger did wonderful on their Christmas duet. They performed to "Put One Foot in Front of the Other" from Santa Clause is Coming to Town.

This year I got the "Santa Sing Along", which is what I had as a kid. Our kids loved rocking out to Christmas Karaoke all month long. Here Travis takes a turn at the mic.

Ginger did fantastic in her Gingerbread Man school play. She was cast as the old woman who made the gingerbread man. She looked so cute as an old lady. This is always a fun 1st grade tradition.