Dave's parents came a few days before Christmas and participated with us in a progressive dinner on Christmas Eve hosted by a few families from our ward. We feel blessed to be included in this tradition - this is our second year and we had a blast. I believe the highlight of the evening for the kids was the white elephant gift exchange. Matthew came home with a much treasured pogo stick earmarked for him from the start. He has eyed Alyson's ever since she got one for her birthday; now he has his very own. The rest of us came home with more practical gifts (decorated toilet plunger, LED lantern, used pens, etc.) By some stroke of genious, we did not end up with Hereford's special rose fertilizer contributed by David Sr. I was glad to get that stuff out of my house and car - even wrapped up in gift paper, it stunk! My favorite part of the evening was visiting with friends, enjoying wonderful food, and feeling the spirit of Christmas.
As expected, the kids loved opening their gifts and seeing what Santa brought. We spent Christmas day relaxing and just spending time together playing with the new toys and crafts.
By Sunday evening, Dave's parents had returned home and my parents arrived with Aunt Kaylene. We extended our Christmas for a couple days more with activities around town - to include an awesome dinner with Uncle Garn and his friends Mike and Barbara from Denton. We went to a restaurant in the stockyards of Fort Worth. It was fun to hear the doings and stories from Garn - the food wasn't bad either. Mike has been known for his toffee which he so generously shared with my family.
Plans for the week had a slight wrinkle as my Dad was involved in a car accident Tuesday night. Luckily he was not physically hurt, but it put a damper on the rest of the week for him. Their car now sits in a wrecking yard in Ft. Worth waiting for the insurance adjuster to make his assessment. Mom and Dad were able to rent a car and we continued our plans with a trip to Cedar Park before they headed home this last Friday.
My kids loved playing with their other Texas cousins. Of course, they wished the time could be extended but now it is time for us to get back into our routine and prepare for normal school and work schedules to begin tomorrow.
More than anything, I loved spending time with family. I don't care about the gifts. What I do care about is the traditions and memories we build with our family around this time of year and the knowledge that the greatest gift of all is our Savior, Jesus Christ. With the knowledge that Jesus was born, died, and lives again, I know that I can live again and be with my family forever.
Make this year the best one ever!
Love,
Kari