Christmas Festivities {December 2018}

The Lights at Temple Square

The lead-up to Christmas definitely started off on the right foot. We took the Front Runner up to Salt Lake to see the lights at Temple Square with the Olsons. The ride on the train took a little longer than expected, but it was so nice to not have to drive and try to park in the chaos of the city. To start, we all ate dinner at the Lion House. It is a yearly tradition for the Olsons, and it sounded fun, so we joined them. It was a bit crowded, with long lines, but things moved pretty fast, and the food was absolutely delicious! Their rolls are simply to die for.

After dinner, we walked around temple square. One child (Andalee) went missing during the transition, but luckily, she was found quickly! Apparently, that is a fairly common occurrence, so they were pretty collected about the whole thing. Christian wanted to see all of the different nativities from around the world, so he and I broke away from the big group for a few minutes and went to look at them. It was really neat to see Christmas through the eyes of different cultures. Then we met back up with the big group and took some pictures with the temple and the beautiful lights. There is such a peaceful feeling on the grounds of the temple, and I'm glad we live close enough to make the journey up their occasionally. The little kids were getting antsy, so the Olsons headed home. We stopped to take a few more pictures and then headed for the train.

As we got to the train platform, Hyrum told us he had to use the bathroom. We told him he would have to wait until he was on the train. After we were all loaded up and seated, they informed us that the bathrooms were broken. Gah! We were worried that we might have a big problem on our hands, but luckily, he made it all the way home! It was a lovely evening and a great start to the holidays.

School Programs

Andrew and Christian both had Christmas programs this year at school. Christian wasn't at all excited about being forced to take a music class this year, but it was required. I suggested Band or Intro to Music, but he wasn't really that interested. Choir is the fallback class for everyone who isn't involved in the others, so that is where he landed. It was pretty exciting to see him go from dreading choir to actually enjoying it. I give all the credit to his awesome Choir teacher, Mr. T (Tijerina). He made choir entertaining and fun for Christian. He is not a natural singer or performer, but he learned the material and had some fun in the process. It was amusing to see him at his choir concert because he was so focused on doing everything right. He was right up in the front and made sure to smile the whole time, as instructed by the teachers. They did a great job, and I am proud of him for doing something he wasn't super comfortable with and doing it well.

The 4th grade also did a Christmas performance entitled "Memories of Christmas." The whole thing was outstanding. The singing was superb, perhaps the best sounding program that I have been to because the kids knew all the words, and there was the perfect mix of classic and new songs. At the end of the program, they sang a song while a slideshow of pictures of all the kids played in the background. It included Christmas memories from when the 4th graders were younger. It was so sweet! I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and Andrew did a great job. 

Christmas Eve Nativity

This was our year to be in Idaho for Christmas. It is always fun for me to be at home on the farm at Christmas time. This year was especially fun because Dad set up a special place in the barn to hold the Christmas Eve Nativity. Mom and Claire found a bunch of random costumes at DI, and all the kids got to participate. When they were all dressed up, we headed to the barn. There was a special little manger set up near the calves and chickens. As Dad read the Christmas story from the Bible, the kids acted it out, and the animals provided the ambiance. It was pretty incredible! 

 Hyrum and sweet Vanna as Joseph and Mary

3 crazy wisemen (McKay, Andrew, and Christian) and the cutest shepherds (Callie and Carter)

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was exciting as ever for the kids. It is so fun to be with all the family because there are so many presents and decorations. Each of our boys only received 5 presents like usual, but since there were so many people, the room was filled and it was a magical morning. We spent a little bit of time opening our own family gifts, and then everybody came over to open sibling and grandparent gifts. 

After all the presents were opened, we had our traditional Christmas breakfast of cinnamon rolls, fruit, and yogurt. It has been the same every year that I can remember, and I loved it! We spent the rest of the day playing games and chatting. One of my favorite presents from the day was a Christensen cookbook from my mom. My cousin Natalie made them from recipes that various family members submitted, and then my mom gave them to each of the families for Christmas. I love having all the family recipes in one place. Another great Christmas gift was that three of my brothers finally cut their nasty hair. They had been having a contest to see who could grow the longest hair for the last 3 months. They all looked terrible (which I think was part of the plan :) They finally shaved and got a haircut over the break. Huzzah!

Christmas morning delight

The girls with their new cookbooks

The boys (pre shave and haircut)

Family Temple Trip

Probably the coolest thing we did over Christmas break, and definitely the most important, was go to the temple as a family. All of my siblings and their spouses, Christian, and my mom and dad were there. Half of our group did Sealings, while the rest of us went to the Baptistry. It was Christian's first time going, so it was really special. Since he was there for the first time, they had the main person over the baptistry come and talk to our whole group about the temple and the importance of the work. I thought it was such a great introduction for him. Then we all got to be baptized and confirmed. Uncle Joe and Jonathon did the baptisms, and then Grandpa did confirmations. It was also really wonderful because we got to do the work for family names that my mom had found. She has found hundreds of names over the last 20 years, and I am so impressed with her diligence. I love spending time with my family in the temple and am so grateful for opportunities to do it.