Christmas Week

This year we had Christmas at Toquerville. It is getting harder and harder for everyone to get together so it was such a blessing, we all made it. Greg and I went down the night of the 19th. We thought Denali would sleep the whole way but no. Brenden and Cart were already there. The rest of the family trickled in on the 21st. Sierra was the last to arrive (biggest blessing). On the 22nd my parents went all out with breakfast. Bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, and waffles. Brenden and Trujillo sang during breakfast. Way to start off with a bang. Mom had this new candy nut recipes that she made for us (we made about 5 batches and ate every nut). We make lots of candy and treats. We did not stop eating for a week. It was great!!

 My mom was so excited to show us all the new recipes she had found. One was a lemon pie. It was good till we started to just eat the lemon. Denali did not like the lemon but he kept eating it. Cart shoved the lemon in my face just as we snapped the picture. Denali was so good. He really does like everyone as long as I am not right there and he can still see me. McCarty and Brenden called him birth control all weekend.

Of course with all the kids there we had to get out the ponies and hook up the wagon. I love riding in the wagon. Denali did not like the pony. He wanted nothing to do with fuzzball. He did not mind the wagon.  The kids like climbing on the hay but they could not go too far. Denim and Ralayan would help the little ones up. They were such good helpers. Darlin and Katana loves fuzzball. He was just the right size for them.

 

 Since McCarty, Brenden, Greg and I were the only ones staying for Christmas, we did the Christmas exchange on the 22nd.  It was fun to get to see everyone open presents. We all went in for my mom's present and got her this picture "the thinker." My mom had got a few pictures of my grandfathers after he passed. All the pictures were sold but this one. On the left is the new and on the right is the old.  I had Charlotte and had made her a scarf. (I did not get a lot of pictures because Denali could not handle the loud sudden noise, with all the clapping and wooping.) Greg and I took turns holding and watching.  

 

 On the 23rd Steve and Cyndi had a big Christmas celebration at their house. Each family had a time that they could go and be with Santa. The fist 30 min was a questions and answers about how things work at the north pole. He had an answer for everything. The little ones were way into it. Most of the time Denali and Katana crawled over everyone (mom). Greg got 90% of it on video. 

 Then Steve and Cyndi had each kid a present. All of them were surprised that Denali did so good with Santa. He did not stay on Santa long but long enough to get a picture. Then everyone had to take family pictures. The kids did good but they were done. They wanted to go play.  Denali was just happy to be off the floor and to have people holding him.  Steve loved watching the kids.

 

Of course before everyone left on the 24th we had to all jump in bed with Mom and Dad. Really we kicked mom and dad out and we took over the bed.  After everyone left on the 24th McCarty, Brenden Greg and I all pitched in and cleaned. (Really Brenden and Greg did most of the cleaning with mom and dad) We also went and looked at lights. There were not as many this year. It was kind of sad.

Denali got to be the alarm clock this year. Dad wanted us up early but it did not happen. We all got PJs that are summer PJs, I love them. Denali was not into presents. Next year, he had a LONG week. Greg got a Blue ray player and I got a straighter. Brenden got lederhosen he had to drop his pants and put them on.

 

 Greg and I had to leave on Christmas. I just love that everyone loves Denali. He has the most kissable cheeks. It was bitter sweet to leave.  We stopped at his parents on the way home to see his family.

 

 

*Mom and Dad did sooo much work to see that we all had a wonderful time. Lots of games and food. I am so blessed to have the family I have. I don't know what will happen in another 2 years.