Christmas Eve
Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed their family for a spiritual, delicious and fun evening together.
While we all gathered, Allison read a story to Ruby and Evie.
Jon
Treygan and James
Tricia wasn't feeling well - so she wrapped up in a blanket to stay warm.
Hailey, Conrad and Dex
After singing Silent Night and an opening prayer, the Nativity was presented by the grand kids.
With so many granddaughters, we have to have a schedule of whose turn it is to take the part of Mary. This year, it was Ruby's turn and she did a great job! Sam took the part of Joseph and Preston was a Donkey (that apparently really loved the baby Jesus!). Evie was a shepherd with a baby lamb.
Here is a picture of the full cast!!
After the nativity, we took turns sharing our favorite scriptures and our testimonies. This is a special, sacred tradition we share once a year at Christmas time.
After our program, we all enjoyed a dinner of appetizers. This included: cheese ball, crackers, veggie plate & dip, egg rolls, gyoza dumplings with dipping sauces, pork, seed and mustard, shrimp, little smokies in barbecue sauce, brie cheese filled with pecans and brown sugar wrapped in puff pastry, artichoke dip and trifle for dessert. It all was yummy!!
Dishing up Tricia's delicious trifle
Even Dex loved the food!
After dinner, we gathered again to the sibling exchange gifts and the gifts from grandma and grandpa.
Evie found a spot she liked by the Christmas tree.
Grandma and Grandpa gave all of the grand kids - soft, fluffy throws with their name embroidered on them. Violet (in the background) and Ruby have their pink throws and Dorothy and Kyra have navy blue.
Ella and Aleeya are wrapped in their pink throws.
One of Jon's gifts was this fun Christmas sweatshirt.
Lots of smiles and fun opening gifts!!
What is in there?
A big ceramic chicken for Grandpa!
Alex, the Rubix Cube Master, received another challenge!!
It was a happy evening being together! However, we ALL missed the Minnesota kids and their parents!!
Christmas Day
We gathered at Tricia and James' home for a soup dinner, white elephant gift exchange and games. Santa brought the Woidkas a new Boston Terrier puppy for Christmas. They named her Minnie and she came to the Christmas party. Everyone wanted a turn to hold her1
After we all ate, we began the White Elephant gift game.
Dorothy looks happy with her choice.
What will Kyra choose?
There she is with her surprise.
Looks like Kelly got play dough in her mystery gift bag.
But not for long - Ruby scores a steal when it is her turn!
2015 brought a wonderful Christmas for our family, but we did miss the Craws!
We are so proud of Tricia! After a tough primary and final election she won and is now a member of the Elk Ridge City Council! She was sworn in on Monday, January 4th and of course Hal and I attended this important event.
