The kids were already down in American Fork on the morning of Christmas Eve, and there was a big storm predicted for that night, so I packed everything up - just in case - before leaving here.
After dinner we all bundled up and rode in the wagon, pulled by the truck, and caroled around the neighborhood. It was fun to see people peeking through their windows or stepping out on their porches when they heard us.
Trudy had given us each a horse-patterned fleece blanket to wrap up in while we caroled. Those blankets have kept us warm many times since then too.
All the kids got new pajamas that night.
Here's little cousin Lydia feeling very pretty in her new nightgown.
Had to get a photo of Cam wrapping a gift for Michelle. Would you ever guess it's a round brush?!
After the kids were in their pajamas and we had read the Christmas story and had some other activities, they all went downstairs and fell asleep. There were about 10 of them, all lined up on the floor. I could hardly believe how quickly they were asleep. It wasn't very late, but the snow had started coming down and didn't look like it was stopping so we decided to stay. It was one big party with five families staying there all together.
Santa's surprises for Jordan, Jemma...and Hooper:
Jordan's wish for a new phone came true.
Jemma was happy with the jungle in my pocket playground:
Jemma and Jordan gave each other a tied fleece blanket. The one Jemma gave Jordan had the Utes logo on it and the one he gave her was puppies. They had no idea they were making the same thing for each other, but it was really sweet how excited they both were to give it, and then to receive also.
Trey got this motorcycle and let a lot of his cousins take him on a spin. They all loved it.
Later in the day we went to Provo for more fun with cousins and family. Grandma Pearl joined us there, we had dinner and gift exchanges. The kids went wild with excitement.
Jemma got more puppies
Jordan got more Utes gear
We all gave my mom and dad a photo book featuring their grandkids. (Jessica got a better picture of this, I was at an awkward angle.)
Christmas night was a whole different experience as we were driving home. The usual 30 minute drive took two hours on snow-packed roads the entire way. Luckily everyone on the road was being cautious as we drove, single-file, at 25 mph up the freeway. It was treacherous, truly a white-knuckle experience and a great relief when we were safely home.
The celebration continued the next day when Laur and Travis made it up from Flagstaff. We all gathered again and the cousins exchanged their gifts. They also sang a sweet Christmas song for us -- thanks Leanne and Michelle for organizing that! They were so cute.
Then, later that night, Leanne gave Jemma a new look.
6 comments:
wow, how quiet our Christmas morning seems after seeing yours!!
That wagon is so charming, what a fun family Christmas you had!
Jemma's new cut is darling! I love the visuals of riding while caroling, wrapped in blankets, and the kids all lined up on the floor asleep. Glad you had a great Christmas.
It's so nice to see you posting again! It's great that you were prepared and able to spend the night on Christmas Eve. It was so snowy on Christmas day, I can imagine how scary your drive home must have been.
Looks like you had so much fun! I just love being near all the cousins and having those special memories together. You're so lucky to have family close by.
Thanks for inviting me onto your blog readers list!
I think that's hilarious, the way the kids are all sleeping bundled up like that. I suppose tired kids could sleep on a clothes line!
What a great Christmas - it's half super-organised and half-totally relaxed. What a great balance.
Sorry your weather's been so extreme. We've just had our first day of a SLIGHT covering of snow here in Manchester (UK), but it's freeeeeezing!!!
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