Christmas and Happy New Year

What a Christmas holiday we had . . . Amylee, Jonny and K arrived early, early Wednesday morning. Brooke, Dave and kids arrived on Thursday morning. I had to work Christmas eve until mid day and then was off until the 31st. We prepared Christmas Eve dinner, traditional sheperd's dinner - yummy! Brooke's friend Patricia came over with her daughter and visited for a while - Matt, Shirley and kids arrived about 9:30pm (H had been in Maui visiting grandparents and plane came in about 8:30pm to SFO). We read the scriptures and a couple of stories and then hung up stockings and the kids headed off to bed. Every bed in the house, couches, futons, floors, etc were full. We even used a couple of blow up beds. Fun times.
Christmas morning started about 8:00am with a rush of people (kids) into the living room to examine what they had received. Lots of giggles and happy kids. Cold fun cereals for breakfast and then time to open gifts. We usually are very organized but with nine adults and nine kids ages 14 to 1 year - it was crazy, paper everywhere, lots of laughing and just good times.

The rest of the day was spent hanging around the house, some familes went to see other family members and friends. Simple dinner - Chinese (also a tradition) and early to bed.

Saturday eight of us went to see "The Nutcracker" performed by the SF ballet. Such great memories. Thanks papa for watching the little boys. We the evening at a wedding open house for David and Grace Poulsen (Poulsen's have been friends of the whole family since we moved to HMB 28 years ago. M was sick with the croup (sp?) much of the trip. We all knew he felt awful and we worried about him but he hung in there and did almost everything we had planned. Sunday we all went to church in the HMB ward. The Poulsen's (friends in the ward) had most of their family visiting because of the wedding open house, between the two families we filled the chapel. After church we all headed to Alameda for a BIG family dinner at Dave's parent's home. We all had a great time visiting with all of the families there.

Monday's activities were planned by Matt and Shirley's family. We met at a indoor swim park in the east bay. The kids had a blast (so did many of the adults). It was very similar to the outdoor swim parks in Utah that we enjoy during the summer visits. Lots of fun water activities to play in and on. Brooke and Dave headed out for the night to the Bed and Breakfast they went to on their honeymoon (aniversary).

Tuesday was K's birthday, Amylee and Jonny planned the activity. We met at the Zoo and enjoyed a fun day. The weather was a bit drippy but everyone had fun. We had cupcakes to celebrate.

Wednesday morning the "Men" went surfing. Mark had arranged to borrow some boards from a guy in the ward and everyone rented wetsuits. They had a really good time . . . afterwards they did some skim boarding. Matt used the skim board he made when he was about 14yrs old. His first ride was great, the second one not enough water and the board stopped but Matt didn't and ended up breaking his foot. The men then carried him off the beach and he spent most of the rest of the day icing his foot. Brooke and Dave had planned a day at the beach, but then it started raining and with Matt not being able to walk without crutches. . .those plans went down the tubes. Instead we all went to the temple and enjoyed the lights, music programs and hot chocolate in the parking lot. (thanks Matt and Shirley). Brooke, Dave and Kids headed over to his parents for the rest of their trip.

Thursday was recovery day and New Year's Eve. I worked my normal day until 3:30pm - we made some treats when I got home and spent NY eve watching movies, eating and napping. We were all awake at midnight (just barely!) Kyle went to Santa Cruz to celebrate with friends. Friday we slept in and then in the afternoon went to the Marine reserve, it was a minus tide - the lowest one of 2010 (on the 1st.) - K has such a good time looking at all the ocean animals. He even touched a sea anename and made it squirt water. He loved the seastars and the crabs - but didn't want to touch those.

Amylee and familiy leaded home early Saturday morning. Brooke and family flew out on Sunday afternoon. Sunday night dad and I sat in the living room with the Christmas tree lit up and were so happy that we were all able to be together for the holidays. The grandkids enjoyed each other and had such good memories made. I probably forgot something we did. I love all of you and I am so glad that everyone really enjoys one another and loves being together. Love, MOM