Christmas

Christmas was awesome! Now that our children are getting older, it seems simpler in some ways and way more expensive and complicated in other ways. We had a great few days around the Christmas holiday.

First, we had a wonderful Ward Christmas Party. Our ward was the last ward for the party, so we all got together on December 22. Dad was relieved that we could walk in on time and leave when we wanted. It was a lot more relaxing. All of the boys wanted to sit on Santa's lap so that they could get a candy cane. Candy is still very enticing for them. Luckily, we had a great Santa who was good to everyone!

Seth with Sam-ta Claus!!

Dax laughed the entire time.

Mark sat on the arm of the chair so he wouldn't break Santa's lap.

We spent December 23 with Grandma and Grandpa. They came down, and we had a nice candlelight dinner. Seth really wanted to burn his candle from Candlelight Christmas this year, so Mom set up a little paper towel candle holder and let him eat by candlelight. Dax used his candle for roasting marshmallows. Grandma and Grandpa Daniels spoiled us like always. Mom and Dad got new National Park sweatshirts that they love. Dax and Mark got $50 to spend how they wanted (Mark already ordered the same Air Jordans that Dad wanted in high school), and Seth got a new suit and Legos. Grandma made everyone book pillows which is such a fun idea, but the biggest news was they are taking all of us on an Alaskan Cruise in September. The kids can't wait!

Seth loved his candlelight dinner.

We burned most of the marshmallows.

Grandma and Grandpa always help make Christmas perfect.

Mom is lucky to have such great parents.

On Christmas Eve we attempted to build gingerbread houses. I say attempted because the boys' houses all caved in, so they gave up. Only Mom and Dad completed their houses, and Dad's is very creative. We loved his candy Nativity scene. I guess we should stick with Emily's prefab houses next year. We also made sugar cookies and had a relaxing afternoon. We spent the evening reading scriptures and talking about Jesus Christ.

The kids really wanted to make gingerbread houses, but they weren't doing well.

Dad's Nativity turned out so good!

Seth's house!

Mark's house. I think it became a planetarium.

Dax's chair for Santa.

Mom made a nice little cottage. Patience pays off.

Mom got new pajamas like the boys this year.

Christmas this year was on Sunday. It was the perfect way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We woke up early and opened presents. The boys were super excited for the new arcade game AND the weight set. They have used both things many, many times. Then Mom and Dad went and picked up Grandpa Ockey. We spent an hour or so opening gifts and visiting with him. He is starting to lose his memory a little bit, but the boys were very kind and we tried to let him share memories from his past. We went to church where the entire meeting was musical performances. Mom played for the choir, and Mark helped on one piece. Dad just sat sleepily on the pew. The rest of the day was spent playing with new presents and having another candlelight dinner! It was a lovely Christmas!

Christmas morning!

Super excited for a little arcade in our basement.

We have had a lot of fun with the new NFL game.

We are so glad we got a little time with Grandpa Ockey.

Dad got some new binoculars.

Dax got some new headphones and a music player, so he walked around dancing all day!

Christmas dinner was perfect.