Christmas 2015

Puna and Papa came to us for Christmas this year.  We had a great time together.  But they had quite an adventure trying to get to us.  They lost a tire on the trailer that was towing the snowmobiles which caused an axle to break.  After trying to get it back together so they could tow it into a city, they just had to abandon the trailer.  Then they spent a while trying to find someone to fix it and get it towed off the highway.  No luck.  They found a trailer to rent and got the machines moved.  Then a repair shop said they could do the work but needed to order the parts in and it wouldn't be ready until after Christmas.  But still no one was available to tow the trailer.  Papa tried dragging the trailer.  It was working but just as they neared the shop, a police officer told them they couldn't drag the trailer or they would get a ticket.  Grrr.  Papa tried to explain that he's from out of town and no one would tow the trailer.  After letting it sit for a while and anxious to get on their way, they finally decided to just drag the trailer the rest of the way to the shop - come what may.  They were hoping to make it to Kuna that night to see Danielle but by the time everything was resolved enough for them to leave, the highway was closed due to an accident.  It was a discouraging day to say the least.  We're just glad they were safe and decided to stop and sleep at a hotel that night rather than navigate frontage roads in the dark winter night.

 They finally made it to us. Puna was so happy to see the kids, she planted a big lipstick kiss on every single one of them.  Lily thought it was so funny.

We had a ton of snow.  We made good use of the snowmobiles in the neighborhood and yard.  The kids loved getting towed around by Papa.

I've had this beautiful Nativity set for a while now but it didn't come with a stable.  After looking through stores, Puna decided she and Papa could make me one that was just as beautiful for a fraction of the cost.  I absolutely love it.  They were so excited to give it to me, they couldn't wait until Christmas.  I'm glad they gave it to me early so we could enjoy it for a long time. It will be a family treasure for years to come.

 

 Papa, Daddy,and Uncle Brady got to enjoy two snow mobile day trips.  The weather was a little nasty sometimes.   We had a lot of snowfall during Christmas.  But they had a good time exploring new areas to ride.  They even found an old log cabin.  After getting stuck a few times and having some fun, they headed toward home.  Only one problem.............

The alternator went out on the Hummer as they were heading back to us!  Different electrical accessories on the car started quitting as they neared Rexburg, so Papa had to turn everything off (except what was necessary for driving) and hope they would make it all the way to town.  The car died just as they pulled into the parking lot of an auto parts store. Lucky break! In the frigid night air, Papa fixed the car and they made it back home to us. That was enough adventure for a couple of days.

 

We got all dolled up for Christmas Eve dinner.  The highlight for the girls was the olives.  And Tommy had his eyes on the chocolate cake all afternoon. We read from Luke 2 and sang a few Christmas carols before going to bed.

 The kids were so excited about Santa.  It was hard to get them into bed on Christmas Eve.  The adults were more sleepy than the kids! While the children were nestled all snug in their beds, Santa worked his magic.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

The kids finally went to sleep but they were up at 2:00 am, 4:00 am, 5:00 am, and finally we let them start opening presents at 6:00 am! Next year we are setting a rule that no one can leave their rooms before 6:00 am.

 Annie was so excited to get green nail polish in her stocking.

 Joey had no idea what was going on but he liked being in the middle of the action.

 Tommy was over the moon about his big bag of Cheetos!

 Annie was so excited to get a snow globe.  She loved the music and the dancing princesses inside.  Unfortunately Annie dropped the globe after owning it for less than five minutes.  Glass, water, and those little white snow pieces were all over the carpet.  Annie was in tears.  Thankfully she was easily distracted by other gifts to open and we got the mess cleaned up pretty quickly.

 Even in the middle of present opening fun, Tommy made time for his Cheetos.  The boy is obsessed!

 

Lily made us a cute ornament for the tree.

 

This Christmas was all about Cheetos, trains, and books for Tommy.  He had a wonderful day.

 The kids loved putting their hand prints on a new shirt for Papa. We were excited to find this one because it has a mustache on it.

 Uncle Brady spent the night at our house since Madison was in California with her family.

The girls asked for lots of LEGOs this year. They were not disappointed.

We got to spend a little while Skyping with Grammy and Grampy on Christmas morning.  And we enjoyed a breakfast menu planned by Annie: sausage, hard boiled eggs, hashbrowns, and powdered sugar doughnuts. It was a great Christmas morning!

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying our presents. The girls kept Papa and Daddy busy assembling all the LEGO sets.

 We also got out in the snow for a while and went to the movies to see The Good Dinosaur.

 Tommy was in train heaven all day!

 It was such a quiet and happy day.  We're so glad the kids asked for quiet toys.  Maybe they will want LEGOs and trains every year!

Merry Christmas.  We are so thankful to have so many blessings in our lives.