There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

We celebrated our annul Family Christmas Eve party in our usual way this year--at Shannon's with a feast that was totaling out of this world. We had turkey and ham with all the trimmings and it was mighty yummy. It was so so good to be home for Christmas again and sharing it with those we love the most. Everyone was able to attend except for Trevor and his family and the Silvas. Oh how we missed them. It would have been completely perfect if they all could have been with us too.

Alanna and Cambria anxiously awaiting the feast.

Brian and Chris mixing up some of their fantastic banana slush.

After a wonderful dinner, the grandchildren acted out the nativity while Mark read the story with carols being sung at the appropriate place in the story. It was wonderful. Last year Mark read the account of the Savior's birth over Skype while it was acted out at Shannon's house. This was much better actually being there. I am not much into this long distance thing.

Then the long awaited moment that the kids had been waiting for arrived. Time to open their gifts to each other. Sometime before Christmas they all draw names and then buy a gift for the person whose name they have drawn. It is always so exciting to watch them as they eagerly open then present. Oh to be a child again with all the wonders of Christmas.

The boys patiently waiting for their turn at opening presents. Be patient Jim, Brigham, Ty, Tucker, and Matt. Your turn will be coming soon.

Jaimee and Ryanne await their gifts.

I like hugs from my grandchildren. Here I am with Abby, Alanna, Kylee and Cambria.

More lovely granddaughters to give me hugs. Me with Jaimee, Ryanne, Kylee and Tori.

After the grandchildren all open their presents, it's time for the adults to play the number game for a chance to open their presents. As luck would have it, out of 13 I drew #12. By the time it gets to the last few people some of the favorite gifts have already been claimed by the person who has had them in their possession three times. But do you know what, it never really matters what gift you end up with. We have so much fun just being together and enjoying one another's company. I think that Mark and I appreciated it more this year than we ever have because of not being able to be with everyone last year. All in all, we had a wonderful wonderful time. I think the best ever!

This has to have been one of my very favorite Christmas Eve's and you can see from the picture the reason why.

Merry Christmas from our family to you and yours.