'Tis the Season

Although we had just been out in Utah two weeks ago, George and I felt it was so important that we go back out to attend my dad's annual Rigby Family Christmas Party held in Bountiful, Utah, this year. 

I don't even remember how many years ago my parents started the tradition, but many years before my mother passed away, they started having a wonderful dinner followed by playing Bingo.  The winners get to go into a room piled high with presents.  Of course, after everyone wins, we start all over.  Even with 72 people in attendance, I believe everyone was able to go into the room five times.  It is such fun for everyone! 

Joyce and Natalie helped my dad purchase all the gifts for every age level and interest.  They did a great job!


My sister Natalie with her husband, Mark, and daughter, Brooke.


My sister, Joyce, with her grandson, Cohen.  Joyce's husband, Doug, was home ill.  We really missed him!

Beverly was in charge of the food. It was fantastic!

Here is my sister, Beverly, with her husband Larry and little granddaughter, Charli. 

Angie, Kim, and I were in charge of the table decorations. I thought they turned out really beautiful! We even had fresh pine boughs which smelled so good.

Another really fun tradition my dad has is that he keeps his coins in a bottle all year, plus a few paper bills thrown in, and everyone gets a chance to guess the amount.  At the Copeland table, we were remarking that something was wrong with the fact that no Copeland has ever won the money!  We were all frustrated that we just couldn't get it right!  I said, "Those are fighting words!  A Copeland just has to win it this year!"  So, I put down "$54.40" for "54-40 or fight."  I had to Google this later to remember where the exact saying came from but learned it was James K. Polk who wanted the entire Oregon Territory which included all the way to the 54 degree 40' latitude.  Although he won the election, he didn't get the land that far, but only to where it extends to the Canadian border now.  Anyway, enough of the history, low and behold, they announced that Hannah Copeland had won first runner-up.  I was ecstatic and cheered my head off!  But, then when they announced, "Laura Copeland" as winner, I was in shock!  Yes, I won it with my fighting words--$54.40.  The exact amount was $54.23.  I was only 17 cents off!  Yes!!!!

Kim and Angie, daughters-in-law

My brother Blair and his wife, Denise (If she looks familiar, she is Mary at the feet of the Savior in the artist's rendition of Martha and Mary with Jesus.  Del Parson painted that picture about 25 years ago.)

Some of Blair and Denise's family

Carter and Kade, grandsons

The guys have fun playing a little basketball before the dinner.

Some of the girl cousins.

Kyle and George

Larry (brother-in-law) with George.  He had just had eye surgery.

Laura and George

My dad with the picture of my mother right beside him.  He always brings a picture of her and becomes sentimental every time he looks at it.  Here he is looking at letters he sent her during his days when he was in the Air Force in World War II.

My dad showing and telling the girls about all these letters.   My sister, Joyce, compiled them all into two books.  What a treasure!

The cousins help my dad make some of his presentations.

The brothers-in-law always have a great time together!

And, of course, Beverly didn't forget the ice cream, thank goodness, for George's sake.

Kevin and Kyle, sons

My brother Jerry and his wife, Shelly

My sister Beth and her husband, Ted

What are the guys so intently watching?

A B.Y.U. basketball game, of course!

Lauren and Jenna, granddaughters

After the Bingo party, Jerry's family, Kevin and Angie and their children, plus George and I went to Temple Square to see the lights.  That is another Christmas tradition you just don't want to miss!  Although it was cold, we all had such a great time.

The next morning, we went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Broadcast at Temple Square.  We were so fortunate to, also, hear the choir accompanied by the Mormon Symphony.  It was truly a marvelous experience to be there!  

Afterwards, we went to the top of the Conference Center and overlooked the whole city.  It was a fantastic view!  Kim was having her family to a big dinner later in the day, so they weren't able to come.  We missed them!

The Nativity Scene

The Wisemen

The Shepherds

The Energy Solution Building where the Jazz play.

Kade and Connor in front of the scripture about missionaries going throughout the world.  Someday they will be missionaries, too, just like their older brother, Taylor.

You can just see the Utah State Capitol Building through the trees.

Inside the Visitors' Center, we went up the ramp to the Christus. 

Inside the Visitors' Center was a scale model of Jerusalem that was very interesting.  It lit up in the area where the different events in the life of the Savior happened. 

In the evening, Kade and his dad (and mother) went to the Priesthood Preview because Kade will be receiving the Priesthood on his 12th birthday in January.  He is really excited about that event!

That night we had a Christmas Family Home Evening where we talked about the true meaning of Christmas and talked about how we can show our love to the Savior.  The kids then could hardly wait to tear into their presents which had been wrapped two weeks ago when we went shopping on Black Friday.  Although they knew what was in most of them, they still had a great time as they anticipated finally being able to play with the items they had chosen. 

This was so touching.  Kade came over and gave both his grandpa and me a big hug to thank us for the presents. 

Yes, this is the season of remembering our Savior.  How blessed we are to know of Him and the importance of His birth.  How blessed we are to have families where we can learn to live as He would want us to.