After a nice though rushed breakfast of hashbrowns, sausage, hot chocolate, and stuffed french toast we adjourned to our front room for a quick lesson about the nativity story then the present unwrapping finally began around noon. The kids were in such a rush I honestly didn't see what most of them received. At this point its just let them go and get out of the way. Andrea loved her first doll.
John's very unique and well thought out gift to his dad a stress ball and empty box to put stuff in so it won't get lost.
Lia also got a doll and a coat.
Mark got one of these from the farm show last year. He wore it to football practice and gained the nickname Big Iron. The shirts are about worn out. I contacted the company about buying more they responded they would happily send me more as it was advertising for them. Mark was surprised and is now ready for another round of football.
We got some lego's. That's part of our Christmas tradition is spending the afternoon putting together our new kits.
Reed assembling his remote controlled car.
Merle with his new drill and safety glasses thanks to Afton.
John in his new pajamas.
More legos
a tractor set MArk assembled.
Working on sweet potatoes for Christmas dinner. This year we had the dinner I grew up with. It was always a highlight to eat dinner as a family at my grandparents on Christmas Eve. My grandma didn't love to cook but once a year she put a lot of work into making a special feast. Turkey, rolls, mashed potatoes, white gravy, sweet potatoes and pie were the menu. This year with just our family attending Grandma Saunders we had the same.
Dishes are a constant task here. Thankfully the kids occasionally take a turn.
We got to visit with our missionaries.
See Andrea being tossed in the background. A tired homesick Anna, and a Harold continually rolling along with the passing of time.
The girls show off their new pajamas.
Lots of families posed family pictures in pajamas. I didn't post ours but the kids were excited as well.
People choke and comment on our family size but their minds never comprehend the friendship, companionship, and goodness that can be achieved and experienced with a big group of energetic kids.
My brother had handed Merle a new tractor as he walked out his door on Christmas Eve Merle was so thrilled to have a tractor for each hand.
The older kids played some games with a recovering Uncle Bryce and Uncle Matt.
The younger kids enjoyed playing with cousins.
Christmas was quiet and slower this year. We completed the traditions we love, we were necessarily slower with sickness and other responsibilities. We are always thankful for the gift of family and time to love others. We are blessed with so much more than what can be bought in stores. Life is good and we are thankful for a nice Christmas and another set of memories.
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