December was another busy month. We started the month by going to Phoenix and visiting Tonya and Kevin. (they won't be able to be here this year) It was fun seeing their beautiful house all decorated. The weather here was very warm for December, so we did a lot of raking of leaves, etc. It was so nice that we went hiking out back in the red hills. We had performances to go to, family visits, and the usual holiday fun. We went to Tuacahn to "The Live Nativity", we made Santa's out of cinnamon rolls, shopping, wrapping, and watching all the traditional Christmas movies, but my favorites are still: Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and A Christmas Carol. But the best time was on Christmas Eve. We had our usual program. Most of the grandkids performed. We had violin, singing, harp, piano, and of course the Hawker version of the Birth of Christ. This year, baby Jesus was our sweet little Lillyana. We had fun opening, and showing off the new PJ's. With 4 families here on Christmas Day, it took hours to open all the presents, because grandpa still passes them out one at a time. The only bad thing this year was that almost everyone got the flu and was sick for the whole Christmas break from school, but at least we made it through Christmas Day. I love my family, and for me, that is what Christmas is all about! You can see all the pictures by clicking here.
Sam making Cinnamon Santa's
Mandi, Ali, & Sam all bundled up at Tuacahn
MaKayla all worn out!
Ali hiking out back!
Stockings waiting for Santa!
Izzy (and Andrea) opening Dec. 24th on the advent calendar.
She had requested 3 weeks earlier to be the one to open the last day...
MaKayla, & Ellie in new pj's!
Emily singing "The hat I got for Christmas is too big"
The "Nativity" (I love the harp in the background)
Lillyana is in the "cradle"
Younger granddaughters in new pj's!
Grandsons in new pj's! Alex thinks he is too old,
but he will do it for his grandma!!!!
Gwyneth and the Violin and Bow she made for Alex.
It was the best present ever!!