Cherishing Christmas

This year I cherished Christmas more than ever.  It was so wonderful to have all FOUR of our boys under one roof, and back together as a family.  When we picked up Bracken from the airport oh his return from college, I looked in the packed backseat of the car, and was reminded of the most important priorities in my life......FAMILY and the gospel of Jesus Christ that allows us the opportunity to be together forever.  I think I had a perma-grin for the next several miles!! We planned several activities together, and looked forward to packing almost 3 weeks of memories together during this Christmas break away from our hectic and busy schedules. (nevermind Parker's goofy face in this picture)

 

 

First things first......We had waited for Bracken to come home first before our traditional annual FHE neighbor gift giving evening.  We started this tradition in China several years ago, and we realized how positive and beneficial it was for our family.  Because of everyone's busy schedules, how rarely we take the time to visit with even our next door neighbors!!  We thought it appropriate to introduce ourselves to some of our neighbors we had yet to meet through a Chinese themed gift (with sparkling apple juice). 

 

 

 

 

The next week or so leading up to Christmas was filled with holiday preparations, decorating, shopping, a trip into the city to see the Christmas decorations, and a very special holiday performance by Preston.

 



 



 

The decorations were up, the shopping was done, the ever important menu's were made, and we were waiting patiently for Santa to arrive......well maybe not patiently enough!  The boys begged for an early present opening party Christmas eve, so we caved and let them choose ONE.......

 



 

 

Even Rosco begged enough that we let him open one as well.  Obviously it was a hit--Tyson always chooses the perfect gifts for the dogs!!

 

 

Christmas morning arrived soon enough, and after a delcious brunch, (brunch because teens sleep waaaaay past breakfast) the present opening resumed.....

 

 









Our Dad is the greatest gift giver! What a great addition to our home this will make.....

 







 

AND EVEN MORE SURPRISES FROM DAD....  He was probably just as excited to GIVE the surprise, as the boys were to receive it.......SEASON TICKETS TO THE WARRIORS!!!  Need I say more.....THANKS DAD!

 



 

The rest of the day was spent "Wilde Style", cards, board games, and more cards......and just for mom....a break in the day to see the opening premiere of "Les Mis" at the theater.  A FABULOUS day with my family......as close to perfect as one can get!!

 





 

 



 

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH A BIT OF HEAVEN!