A White Christmas in Utah

Yes, this was definitely a white Christmas!  So much snow--and even some reindeer!

 I will never tire of the scene at Christmas time--as long as I can stay indoors!

 However, this would be the last time George and I would be standing on Kevin and Angie's porch looking at this beautiful scene because by the next time we come again, they will be moved to another beautiful spot (can there be anything more beautiful can this?)  But, more about that later.

 Kevin and Angie have always been so gracious to allow so many people to be house guests in their beautiful home.  Usually we end up spending Christmas there because we are in Utah for my dad's Christmas party.  I hope they don't tire of us being there at their special time of year because definitely we don't tire of it!  Craig and Cassie, also, stayed there but went back before Christmas. 

 We had some fun days before Christmas with their family.  One night we went out to eat and to a movie.  The girls ordered ribs at Texas Roadhouse.  George and I couldn't believe Lauren and Hannah (those two skinny little girls!) emptied their entire plate of ribs!

 Of course, we always enjoy seeing Koda, even though he almost licks you to death!  We love to see all the tricks Kade has taught him!

 We love watching the kids open their Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve.

 

 

 We loved that Taylor and Ellie were there, too.

While everyone was opening their Christmas jammies, Kevin was talking to the kids about the fact that they would be moving soon and asked them to name their favorite memories in this house.  George and I loved hearing their answers.

 The kids all gave sweet, heart-felt answers.  There have been many wonderful memories made here.  Definitely for George and me was the fact that this home has had so much love and welcome for everyone to come and stay.  They always manage to have a bed available and wonderful food and fun!  That is something we all appreciate so much!

Afterwards, everyone modeled their new sleeping attire.

Everyone looked so sharp! 

 It was either Lauren or Hannah who said they will never forget the way they line up on the stairway on Christmas morning in this house waiting for the "Go!" signal to go downstairs to see what Santa has brought them.  Sure enough--the girls were the first ones there!

 

 Whenever I think of Connor, I think of him wrapped up in this big red blanket.  I have seen this so often.  Anyway, he stayed wrapped up until everyone was ready for the big event!

 Finally, all the kids were lined up for the starting signal.  It looks like they put light bulbs in Koda's eyes, right?  Hah!

Santa had filled the stockings with so many fun things.

 And then, one by one, the gifts were unwrapped.

 

Connor got gifts that show his next major event in his life after graduation--a two-year mission!  Besides this camera, he also got a beautiful new luggage set!

 Kevin gave all the girls a visit to the spa.

I loved my little travel kit and gift card.

Tomorrow we would be traveling to San Francisco for the Brigham Young University game at the Fight Hunger Bowl, so George was very excited about his jacket.

Lauren and Hannah were so busy the night before getting some special gifts ready for their parents.  This little frame with a picture of the two of them together was so special, but what was written on the back was even more so!

This is the picture and note they gave to their mother.  So sweet!

After they gifts were open, it was fun watching the kids with their dance program.  They were very good!

So much fun!

Pretty soon, Grandpa Robert and Grandma Marti came.

Angie always fixes a huge scone breakfast on Christmas morning with eggs, sausage, and all the trimmings.  So, we all enjoyed that!

All the kids and Koda with Grandpa George and Grandma Laura.

After awhile, we all took a trip about a mile away to the new home where Kevin and Angie's family will be moving in just a couple of weeks.  This will be their new view!  

And, yes, there are still reindeer there!

 This is the outside of the new home.



While they are doing extensive remodeling upstairs, they will be living downstairs.  I can't wait to see what it looks like when it all gets done!











I don't know all the plans, but I know this desk is going to be black and the cabinets will be painted pewter.

I really want this Master closet!

Modeling done by Lauren.

Or this storage area--it's magnificent!

And this will be Lauren and Hannah's room.  After helping them bring some boxes to the new houses, we went back and started on our next Christmas Day project.

By this time, Kyle and Kim, Jenna and Carter had come, and we were all thinking of our little Cannon.  We wanted him to know we were thinking of him and wanted to wish him a Merry Christmas.  So, the girls, along with Kim, worked hard on some posters which we then all took as a family to Cannon's grave.

Yes, Merry Christmas, Cannon.  We will love you forever!  Such a beautiful Christmas Day as our hearts turned to the Savior and to our family.

Tomorrow:  We head to San Francisco