Christmas Eve
Mitchell & Curtis getting luminaria sacks ready ....
.... while their dad catches up on some much needed sleep after the long drive.
(Sorry Soren, I couldn't help myself)
Goofy, adorable Avery and Aubree
Santa Mitchell
This beautiful lady made this beautiful salad!
Yummy tamales!
Yummy queso!
Angry Baby makes an appearance - she's definitely on the naughty list!
Tres Leches cake finale
Mitchell wins for the kids - an R2D2 Bop-It game!
Rachele, Riley & Curtis Getting ready for the new jammies parade
Dreaming of Sugarplums
Stumpy chose to spend the morning by Kris' side. Kris made sure he was adorned with ribbons as he unwrapped his gifts.
We missed William as we opened gifts, but he was sleeping off the 24-hour drive to El Paso (that should have only been 13 hours).
Dad is such a great sport!
Scott and Mary Louise joined us for a nice afternoon visit and dinner.
Someone REALLY likes trains ....
And his first taste of Tres Leches!
It was a perfect evening for a walk along - and in - the ditches!
December 26
Dorsey's Hallmark Store was happy to see us come en masse right as they opened their doors. They even set up a special table for us to use as we made our ornament choices :)
Tanja & Brad chose this sweet guitar that plays Feliz Navidad!
Kris was delighted to find a Wizard of Oz ornament
La Familia - a father, mother, 2 sons & 4 daughters - a perfect beginning!
William's choo choo train
Curtis's first Mustang
We squeezed out the very last of the warm sunshine
and made a Taco Cabana run for Tanja
before the snow began to fall.
Sunday
And we woke up to this:
Dad did the honors
The Gingell's arrived after their own snowy adventure, and Grandpa made sure everyone was filled up with waffles, bacon, eggs and hot cocoa :)
There were a few more Christmas gifts to open ...
Best gift of the year earned Sonja & Marc hugs!
Avery made quite a presentation out of giving Grampy his gifts!
Church was cancelled, which all the Utahan's thought was hysterical (we're used to it!), and so we enjoyed a very lovely day at home playing games, eating leftovers, taking naps and walks, reading, and just enjoying being together. We even had a sweet devotional with a great 2 1/2 minute talk from Curtis on repentance and some meaningful comments from Marc on the power of prayer.
Christmas is such a beautiful season! I am so grateful for my family and the constant love they show to me. It is such a blessing to be able to share these special moments together.
