MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

CHRISTMAS EVE: We went to Cedar City for the majority of the day to spend time with Grandpa Winslow, Tyson had yet his third round of opening birthday presents, and then we had the annual family Christmas Program put together by Mike's cousin Lauren. It was very nice. Tyson played "Jolly Old St. Nick" on the piano, Anna sung "Christmas Bells are Ringing", and I sung "Star of Bethlehem". We read the story of the birth of Christ out of the Scriptures and sung hymns. Minus the 2 yr old throwing a tantrum (that would be my son) it was very nice, though we did feel sad not having Grandma Bradshaw there with us. I'm sure she was watching over all of us. We had a great dinner and and then we had to leave. It was nice spending time with everyone.

We went back to St. George, but instead of going home, Mike and I went to the Presbyterian Church. We had been asked by a good friend to play in a brass quintet for the Christmas Eve Service and we are happy to do so. The kids played in the nursery and we played some very nice pieces with some very talented friends. At one point in the service, a woman got up and sang a BEAUTIFUL arrangement of "O, Holy Night". I love that song and I felt great peace as she sang it. We had a lovely time and the kids did too!

When we came home we had to prepare for SANTA to come! The elves came to visit and left us some new pj's! After baths, we made some reindeer food, spread it on the ground for the reindeer to eat, and then had some hot chocolate before going to bed. We forgot the milk and cookies this year but I think Santa will be glad for the fewer calories :) The BEST part of the night was when we called my parents. Anna called them. My dad thought it was me so instead of answering with just a "hello", he answered pretending he was Santa thinking I would just laugh. Instead, a sweet little Anna TOTALLY bought it and thought it was really Santa! Luckily my Dad kept playing along. She was so thrilled that the boys caught on and each one had to talk to Santa. They were all holding hands and jumping up and down. I had to finish off the call upstairs because I was laughing so hard! It couldn't have been more PERFECT! The story was that Santa got to my parents house, found everyone asleep, and when the phone rang he had to answer. Totally awesome.

Christmas Morning was fun and there are pictures below. I will let the pics tell the story. Reindeer food made of oats, chocolate chips, and sprinkles (so the reindeer can see the sparkle in the night). It's very effective.

The annual hot chocolate picture. They are all wearing the pj's the elves gave them.

DIG IN!

A favorite- first bike from Grandma Winslow

Second favorite- Toy Story tent. It has become a hideout for all of the kids since Christmas.

My favorite Christmas picture of the year. Brayden with his new Thomas from Grandma Winslow wearing socks from one of my students. Priceless.

Anna fell asleep on the couch. She was very tired but also came down with a fever. Poor girl was sick for two days, but still managed to enjoy all of her new treasures.