Christmas

Although we stayed in town for christmas this year I spent most of the holiday feeling a little homesick. My mom really is the center of the family and since she is serving a mission for our church right now it feels really lonely. ...not that we want her any other place-we're so thankful she's there...we just have really missed her around the holidays. Luckily the Ferguson cousins came down for the holidays and the in town cousins were here and Uncle John was here. So we had a party anyway.

The first night the cousins came we went to the live nativity at Tuacahn. It was super cool to see camels and other animals on stage. The next day we hung at a new park. We checked out the equipment first. Then we played games in the field. 

Christmas Eve we hit church, sang songs at a care center, and checked out the temple nativity. Afterwards we had a great dinner with the whole family. That night we continued the tradition of going to Uncle Ron's farm for the nativity. I was really thankful for the tradition because it would have been really easy for Uncle Ron to not do it this year but it made all the difference in the world to our kids.

Madison included us in her tradition of going Christmas caroling to a Care Center. It was a super cool experience for all the kids. Half way through one of the residents asked Jared to help him get ready for a church service and I was so proud at the way Jared just jumped in and tied his tie for him. We could have spent hours there singing but Creed timed out and we left all happier than when we started.

We also got to go see the nativity at the temple. We usually go at night so we can enjoy the lights but somehow that didn't happen this year. Despite the cold nearly killing Jocelyn it was a good time and I was thankful for a strong brother who helped me get her home in one piece.

Christmas morning was awesome as usual. Creed was super happy about his military book with dog tags. Cami was also thrilled with her book. We got all the kids suitcases for a plane ride trip somewhere this summer (like to visit Grandma in Ohio). The olders only vaguely remember riding on planes and the youngers never have been on a plane so it is about time. Once we moved back to the west we never really needed to fly so it has been awhile.

Jocelyn got a twinner outfit with her doll and she was super happy about it despite Brent being concerned that she was too old for dolls....

We made everyone the traditional waffle breakfast. We again missed Grandma Rice but again the tradition saved the mood and everyone was happy and full.

Jocelyn's face when she saw her airplane voucher...hidden inside her suitcase.

All the kids tackling Brent in happiness over the gift of a trip. Also win win because I don't have to find a place for any toys...I hope the actual trip is as fun as they all are anticipating it to be.

And following the St George festivities later in the week we went up to Heber and spent time with the Weight family.