Christmas 2019!

Christmas was a little different this year with Anna Lou going to Ross and Lerlyn's in Farmington.  Other than that, we did pretty much the same thing - Christmas eve was small with dinner with Moss and Christie and Bean.  One new thing we did was to have the kids open a few new toys for at Grandpa and Grandma's house.  They really enjoyed that.  In the morning Supe (and Auri) joined Paul, Bean and me for breakfast since Beacher had to work.  After breakfast we opened our presents and then it was off to visit the families and bring them their presents.  We always enjoy this because it's so much more manageable than doing it all in a big group.  It's one of my favorite improvements on Christmas and came about since Anna Lou couldn't stand all of the noise of the big group.  

We started at the Smiths house where everyone was happy and doing well.  They still struggle - couldn't bear to put up all of the old family ornaments because it made them miss their mom too much - so they got some new ones and it was a beautiful tree.  

Next stop was at Moss and Christie's.  They were enjoying their Christmas morning...especially Kai who is just at that cute, funny age that keeps everyone entertained!  

Then we went to the Borrowmans and were glad that the newlyweds had made it down the night before - Braden and Brynnli.  They seem blissfully happy as they should be!  The family were all trying out their new virtual reality equipment and it was fun to watch them!  (We tried it out before Christmas!)  

After we had lunch the Weavers stopped by on their way to Lance's parents for Christmas dinner.  It was fun to hear about their Christmas present - an upcoming trip to Costa Rica! 

Last stop was at the Randall's up in Enoch.  We drove up in rain and back in snow, but made it just fine and enjoyed our time with them and especially the chance to meet their Christmas puppy - Winston!  He's one loved pup! 

Then we came back home and Beacher and Supe joined us for some leftover Christmas dinner and opening of presents.  Auri liked her present!  Supe and Beacher made our Christmas with their announcement that they are expecting their first baby in July!  It's due right between their July birthdays!  It's so exciting! They are also in the middle of moving into their new house just barely purchased.  They paid off her student loans this year and then got on with their next goals!  We are so excited for them!!! 

Jay and Brynn are coming down tomorrow and we just had to settle with a few minutes on Skype with them Christmas morning and a picture.  We are looking forward to visiting with them in person soon! 

One thing that made Christmas especially nice for me this year was that I got an idea for presents for everyone in July and did nearly all of the family Christmas shopping then.  I still had a few things and friend/neighbor gifts to make, but it was so nice not to be stressing around trying to figure out what to get.  I hope I can do it again next year if possible.  This year all of the kids got new beach towels in anticipation of our Family Camp to the beach in CA for 2020.  We also got a beach shelter for each family that they can use there and for lake/sports/outdoor events.  Moss and Christie were the exception as they are not able to attend the beach trip unfortunately, but they still got the shelter and I found other things for their kids.  

Paul and I enjoyed the Christmas more because of my less stress and he didn't have work stress either which made it nice for him and me.  We enjoyed watching a Christmas advent series of videos that helped us feel closer to the real reason for the season - the birth of the Savior.  We are so thankful that we have the blessing of knowing that He was born, lived and fulfilled His mission in behalf of all of us.  It is knowledge that truly brings peace to our souls for so very many reasons.  It was a very Merry 2019 Christmas!