Christmas Break

We had a wonderful Christmas. We stayed home this year, which we haven't done for three years. It was really nice and relaxing. Jeff was able to be home a lot of days, so we took some time to just have fun together. We went swimming, bowling, a couple of parks, and a fun gymnastics trampoline gym. It was fun to be able to spend so much time together, with the kids having a break from school. When it came time to go back to school we had a some sad kids, but they are back in the routine now. It is nice to take breaks through the year and have some fun.
Dallin and Brea both got these balls to bounce on from Santa. They were a huge hit. I think Dallin spent all day on that ball. I got a camera so I could capture him in action. I have been without a camera for a couple of months and I missed it tremendously. I was thrilled to get a new one.
Jackie woke up Christmas morning to find an American Doll! She has loved that doll (Julie as she named her). She looks like Jackie, same hair color, eye color and they even have a couple of matching outfits, like the pajamas pictured here.
This is excited Brea on Christmas Eve. We spent Christmas Eve at Mr. Biggs and then at home for our traditional appetizers and activities. We have lots of yummy goodies as we watch each other do talents. Dad always plays his trumpet and we sing carols. The kids come up with a variety of talents (gymnastic tricks, songs, poems, ect). We had our friends over that day to enjoy the festivities with and have some more kids to enjoy. We played the Left/Right game and acted out the Nativity (with 6 kids under age 8). Needless to say it was a unique Nativity re-inactment. We let the kids open one present before bed, Brea happened to open these cute pajamas for her and her baby from Grandma. She got a special surprise when she woke up on Christmas morning and the pajamas she had put on her baby were now on a new baby Santa had brought. She didn't even wake up when Santa came in her room!
Dallin is showing his remote control car - A prized present from Brea. That car went all over the house, even on carpet. Dallin said it must be a race car because it goes super fast. There is something about boys and remote control cars!

Christmas Day was spent enjoying each other, enjoying new presents, attending church where Jeff sang in the choir, playing lots of games, and eating chocolate!