The Christmas Whirl

The Christmas whirl has hit and things are getting busier and busier. Here are some pics of what has been happening, both in our home and with our family.

For the first time in years, I participated in a model horse Secret Santa exchange. I had a very generous giver. Isn't that Running Mare lovely? (My recipient is saving her gifts for Christmas Day so I am not posting them here in case she reads the blog.)

After a few "Charlie Brown Tree" issues,

our tree is decorated and ready for Santa.

The "Ice Wampa has hung its stocking up" ornament is on the tree, too.

The kids are having their packages shipped here, and since our bedroom is already chock full of boxes of our gifts to them, the overflow is going into the spa tub in our bathroom.

Pepper is always happy to check out gift bags.

I've closed Horsiemama's Haversacks & Mercantile and Jolis Chevaux until January 2 so I could work on gifts for family and friends.

I embroidered this apron for my friend, Lisa Connolly, who is away from home and serving as a missionary with her husband, Pat. I knew she'd find it funny!! (So did I.)

Some grands (Titan and Cambria, in this case) are seeing Santa,

while others are participating in some community gathers such as making gingerbread houses,

which may or may not also include some candy sampling (if you know what I mean.)

Addie, Cory, and Braden found a horse at their December Robotics Club meeting and sent me a picture!

Local neighborhoods, 

churches, and the Temple have a variety of decorations on lawns and buildings that are fun to walk or drive around and view. (I always want to sit on that life-sized donkey when it is put out each year!)

Christmas is coming!

(No doubt my kids all thought after that last sentence, "And the goose is getting fat!" Am I right, kids??)

Summer 2021: Visiting Jessica/Kyle Stops By

We were able to meet briefly with Kyle and his family at Jessica's. They were staying for a month with Ashley's family in Heber City and came down for pizza and a quick visit.

It was good to be together even for a short visit.

Melissa is usually a little shy at first, but Boompa made her feel comfortable from the get-go and kept her supplied with pizza and water.

Jessica and Andrew have the best pergola and we spent most of the evening sitting in it and chatting as we ate.

I had to smile when Melissa let Craig feed her the pizza instead of feeding herself. He loved it.

After supper, the kids went into the toy room in the basement and enjoyed all that was on offer there.

There was a lot to look at and play with,

including a wall of board games. Jessica's family's hobby is playing board games together and they have 300+ games!

All too soon our time together was over

and we headed out into the yard by the rock retaining wall to take some family pictures.

All of us.

Boompa, Grammy, and seven of our grands.