Christmas Celebration

I think I've previously mentioned how I'm liking having family traditions with our extended family. It's great because when we get together it's like having a family reunion, the same way I grew up in Nicaragua.  I also like how we celebrate.  Our Christmas celebrations are mostly centered on the Savior and family.  I hope this helps strengthen our chidren's testimonies.
On the Friday before Christmas, we went over to Mary's house.  This was such a great night because we had so many of our family around.  Uncle D was there along with Aunt Cupcake, her daughter Laura, Bryan (Laura's husband), and their little boy, Locke.

It's a feast!

Mary, Helen, and I played a bit of Christmas music on our instruments.  Did I mention I'm learning to play the piano? I'm not very good, but I'm enjoying it. We played until everyone had arrived.
The evening continued with a feast of turkey soup, salads, fruits, and all kinds of goodies. 


Later, the adults shared some of their favorite and not so favorite Christmas memories.  We also sang some hymns and Christmas songs.  Even though at times the children were getting a bit restless (well, my children), I think they had a great time.  Uncle D, Newel, Phil, and Aunt Cupcake (I think) sang the Lundskog traditional 'Oh Christmas Tree' in German.  It was pretty neat.

Checking out his gift

However, our night was not over.  Nate and Jessica sent gifts to every single niece and nephew in attendance.  As a matter of fact, each kid received a present or two and other goodies.  The kids were pretty excited.




On Christmas Eve, Uncle Danny and Aunt Leslie were visiting the family from Washing State. Sam, Stephanie, and her husband were also present at Kristen's house. Mary was there with her kids.  Helen was MIA at her in-laws house, doing their family traditions too.

Uncle D, Leslie, and Sam watching the play

Of course our evening started with dinner.  Then, we hung out for a while.   Later, the kids put on the Nativity play.  Kristen read the story from the scriptures while the children assemble the scene. It was short and sweet.  I think it was just right, for there being so many cousins.

Stephanie was feeling sick, since she's expecting, so after the play, they headed out.  The Goebels also headed home.

As the night was winding down, I couldn't wait and had Kristen open the present I had made for her.  I hope she liked it.

We also went home.  We had our traditional, open 1 present on Christmas Eve.  That night, I finished wrapping their presents and finished packing for our trip.

The following morning was Sunday.  I almost wish Christmas was on Sunday, every year. There is something nice about it.  I think it's the perfect combination of being the Sabbath and celebrating Jesus' birth.  We got up and hurried downstairs to open presents.  The kids were so excited. 

Maya with 'Hippo' the unicorn.

We tried not to go crazy buying them a lot of presents or toys.  We asked them if some of their money, we would have used for presents could be donated to children in Nicaragua who were at a hospital sick with cancer. They agreed and I really liked their positive attitude and willingness to give. Arden was willing to give his old toys away to those children...too bad we're so far away.

That morning we got ready for church and went to the 11AM session, instead of our ward.  After we arrived home, we finished last minute details on cleaning our house and loaded the car.  Later, we met up with the Walters and started our trip.  First stop, Las Vegas.