A Merry Christmas

Christmas in a nutshell. A wonderful time. Christmas morning did not begin until 7:30which was very nice. Kids were happy with their presents, most of them at least. Everything for Emma was OHH or OOOO. Christmas is a delight with children. My cousin, Jacob Brimhall who lives in St. George stayed with us and the kids adore him. He played Lego's, Blink, more Lego's and there was a waiting list as to who got to play with Jacob next. The little ones enjoyed the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Hahn. They chased butterflies from the Elefun game and liked getting buzzed when they hit the sides of the Operation game. (Scott has always wanted that game) We had some dear friends over for an early dinner and had a lovely enjoyable time with them. Plus a crazy lightning storm as we sang Christmas carols.

Snowy, windy weather that night threatened our Snowflake plans, but we left later than planned on Friday morning and made it there safely. No matter how many times we travel our children always think we are idiots and question if we know where we are going! "When you see the temple," is our reply to, "Are we there yet."

Snowflake was wonderful. We loved being with all our family, minus James. The boys worked on their tactical gun skills, cement laying skills, dutch oven skills, woodworking skills(Scott, John, and Aaron completed Aaron's pinewood derby car), and karaoke skills. Mud and campfire smoke graced the boys clothes. The girls worked on their keeping up with children skills, sewing skills, cutting skills, and yes- karaoke skills. Mom and Dad purchased a karaoke machine for our entire family for Christmas and we had a ball Monday night for Family Home Evening, even Great Grandma and Grandpa Brimhall participated! Boys sang California Girls and the girls sang, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. The little kids danced and Darylyn went crazy with Grandma's camera taking pictures. Thank Heavens for digital camera's.

The kids played outside despite the cold temperatures. The only mishaps- Emily stuck a Lego up her nose that stayed there for some time until it was successfully removed. Emma painted herself with my 12 hour lipstick. Yes, it really means 12 hours before it comes off. And Derek had a little fall off of a pile of rocks that resulted in only a small cut. Other than that, everyone was OK.

Katie, Matt, Scott and I went with Mom and Dad to Dad's singles branch New Years Eve Dance for awhile then came home around 11:00 pm. As we watched a movie with Aaron, Brinlie, and Carter- I should say tried to stay awake as they watched I thought, New Years Eve is not what it used to be, I just want to go to bed! But midnight arrived and a drowsy "Happy New Years," was chimed followed by, "OK, it is time for bed." It was a very Merry Christmas.