Ellie started out the Christmas Eve Program by reading a story about serving others--showing when you are serving others, you are actually serving Jesus Christ. We continually want to be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas and how we should be remembering our Savior the entire year! Other family members participated, also. Very excellent evening.
After the beautiful time we all had together at Kyle and Kim's, George and I went back over to Kevin and Angie's where everyone got to open their Christmas pajamas.
Although Angie had even got me a new pair to replace my blue silk pajamas that I have had forever, they didn't fit, but Lauren kept insisting she wanted me in the picture, too. Soon afterwards, everyone hit the sack because there was lots of excitement for Christmas morning.
CHRISTMAS MORNING - I love Kevin and Angie's tradition of having the kids all sit on the stairs until everyone is together before they get to go and see their stockings. Only missing Connor who is serving his two-year Mormon mission in Managua, Nicaragua.
Grandpa George always has such a way with the pets in each house!
Koda was moving from person to person to see what was in those packages.
I was probably the most excited about this gift of all from Grandpa and me to Hannah . . .
When Hannah visited in Washington this past summer, she and Ella had visited the Alpaca farm where they were able to have a little tour. Besides getting to wash the Alpacas off, one of the most exciting parts was to see what they actually made out of the Alpaca fur. When they saw these little bears, they both got so excited. I remembered that and had George pick them up in Washington before he came down. So here is Hannah with hers in Utah. . .
and here was Ella opening hers in Washington. I think they were both pretty surprised and thrilled!
This huge package ended up being something George and I need . .
new luggage! We have now lived out of ours for three months!
Such a beautiful Christmas morning!
Soon Kyle and Kim's family came over and we enjoyed opening gifts with them.
Grandpa George and me with our grandchildren that live in Utah. Such a fun group of kids!
We were only missing Connor (or Elder Copeland as he is currently called.)
But soon, the much anticipated time arrived! We got to see and hear from Elder Copeland calling clear from Nicaragua! All missionaries are allowed to call home twice a year--Mother's Day and Christmas. These are some of the photos of his call:
Everyone surrounding the computer to hear him talk and answer so many questions everyone had.
Elder Copeland had a favorite blanket before he left. Here his dad is showing him how the blanket has fared since he left 18 months ago.
Sadly, it hasn't held up too well, and we may need to make a new one for him when he comes home in six months!
He showed us his name badge.
and then showed us his worn shoe. He has put lots of miles on these shoes and will definitely need a new pair when he comes home.
When asked what he is looking forward to the most when he returns, he remarked, "That I won't have to worry about all the problems of the Nicaraguans that I am trying to help will be on my head." He truly loves these people and has been working so hard to help them find peace and happiness in their lives through coming unto Christ and through the service he can give. A lesson for us all.
A truly fitting part of this Christmas Day! The entire Christmas Season has been so beautiful as we have visited all of our children in Texas, California, and Utah. Someday when we get back to our home in Washington, we can try and catch up with our kids and grandkids there.
We, also, got to talk to and Skype with many of our other children on this Christmas Day. I had to put this picture of Kennedy who put the phone down to show us her Elsa doll. So cute!
Christmas and Family--Nothing better!
2 comments:
You couldn't have asked for a better Christmas!
Look at all these amazing memories you are creating for your grandkids. You have been a busy mama for several weeks now. We all appreciate it so much.......
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