Christmas Visitors

We had some fun visitors at Christmas this year (besides Santa). First, Matt and Gary came to Utah. This was Gary's first time at the Ockey Family Christmas Party, and we were hosting. We reserved the church and invited everyone to bring a soup. There was also salad and rolls. We always have big plans for singing and games, too, but those activities never materialized. Instead, we finished eating and hosted Santa. Then we cleared the gym and let the kids play basketball. They were especially excited because they had Matt to play with, and he is quite the basketball star.

We also played games and made ornaments with Laurie and her family the next night. It was fun to spend so much time with the Alders, Gary and Matt, and Grandpa Ockey, too!

Mom did not take a ton of pictures at the party. But she caught one of everybody with Santa.

Grandpa Ockey and Santa!

Cousins playing basketball.

Grandpa Ockey's ornament. He did a great job!

Playing Apples to Apples!

On the last Friday before Christmas, Dad had a workday at school, but the kids didn't attend. Since no one was really watching the clock (in fact, Dad was one of only 2 teachers in the building), we decided to take a long lunch at JCW's for burgers. We'd meet Grandma and Grandpa Daniels and spend the rest of the day with them. When we arrived, we were surprised to find Jonny and Audrey! They had flown up for the day to exchange presents (and get the last two flights Jonny needed for a companion past before the end of the year). Dad never did go back to work because after that long lunch, we all drove back to the house and spent time together before Jonny's flight back to Las Vegas. 

Grandma and Grandpa Daniels stayed the night, and we opened their gifts after the Poole's left. They were so good to us, and especially the boys, who got new white shirts and ties. We were really glad to have had so many Christmas visitors.

It was so fun to have people visit for Christmas.