Christmas Celebrations

Zach got done with some training the day before Christmas Eve so we got to head home for one night  before the back and forth madness that Christmas is for our family. Zach and I decided to exchange presents to each other at home this year. He was sooo thoughtful and on his own ordered this ring for me. I got an infinity ring with the boy's birth stone in it when they were born. He had this one made now with Joelle's birthstone in the middle and the boys' stones on either side of her. So special to me!

 We started Christmas Eve morning with a pancake breakfast at 9:00am at Bob and Willa's house. We made coconut pancakes with blonde syrup along with hot chocolate, hash browns, bacon, and eggs. It was nice to be in a home this year instead of out at a restaurant. And like always, Jack and Eli were just thrilled to be with Jonah. "Jonah's my best cousin" they say.

 Then we went bowling as we always do! I obviously couldn't participate because of my surgery, but everyone had a good time. Jack and Eli even tried it several times without a ramp and just running up and throwing the ball. I was impressed. The baby girl cousins snoozed the time away.

 We got some lunch and fed baby sis then headed to Farmington. Grandma Jeannine and Grandpa Rondo stopped by for a quick visit and we took a 4 generation picture of the first born daughters. 

 Our candle lit dinner wasn't as pleasant as previous years due to my toddler children not wanting to sit down and eat. Hopefully next year will be a little better. But it was awesome that our whole family got to be together!

 Dad read the Christmas story from the scriptures as we attempted our first nativity scene. Jack and Eli were so excited they got to dress up like a wise man and a "sheferd". Joelle rocked her part as baby Jesus. 

(practicing earlier in the week)

 Always take a family pic by the tree. 

We played some games, had molten chocolate cake made be Braden, and gave the boys their new pjs and books. Then it was off to bed. We woke up to tons of snow! Perfect way for Christmas to start. 

 Jack and Eli were really into opening presents this year. in fact after they were all gone, they kept asking for more...spoiled children.

 They played ninjas and rescue bots the rest of the morning. 

 We left by noon to venture back to Cache Valley in all the snow and the boys were knocked out in the car within a few minutes. It took us almost double the usual time because of the weather but I'm just glad we were safe after seeing cars slid off the road and even one doing several donuts across all the lanes right in front of us on the highway. 

 Our time with the Johnson clan was wonderful. We made pizzas on their fire oven and green smoothies. We exchanged gifts where the boys then had us all in tears/laughing as they shot everyone with their nerf guns. 

 Willa taught the grandkids how to play two songs with the bells and it was so cute. 

Then we let off the paper lanterns into the sky that always is so beautiful. Then we had birthday cake in honor of Jesus's birth and sang Silent Night. 

I'm so happy we got to be with Zach on Christmas this year. I know it will be our last actual 

Christmas together for a while and I can't imagine doing all of our fun traditions without him there or without his help! I look forward to seeing how our family will evolve in our traditions as we adapt to our pilot family lifestyle. So bummed we didn't make it a priority to take a family picture!