Snowbirds for a Week

At the beginning of our winter break, we had a family Christmas party at our house.  Everyone had a wonderful time eating good food, telling stories, and watching movies of parties of the past.  Our favorite movie was one where Daniel and Lorum dressed up like girls so they could hang out with the girl cousins.  Fun times.

Grandma, grandpa, Bruce, Bev, Carrie, Suzanne, Wes, and I then packed up and headed south for a week.  We visited a Spanish mission that is between Tucson and Sabrina's home.  It was quite amazing.

 The chapel was decorated for Christmas Eve and was very ornate.

 While we were taking in the mission, Sabrina, Brett, and Parker were home fixing a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.  There was more food than we could eat, but it was so good that we tried.

Sabrina finally even got to sit down and eat a plate of food.

 The girls decorated cakes for Jesus's birthday.

 We all walked around the neighborhood that night and looked at the Christmas decorations.  Parker had a good time even though his eyes look a little red.  He was fighting a cold.  He slept through opening present the next morning.

 Chase was excited about everything he opened.  His biggest challenge was that he wanted to play, and we were trying to get him to open more gifts.

 Santa made sure that everyone got a stocking and presents.

 Adie was equally as thrilled about her presents and danced all through the house with excitement.

 Grandma and I loved the hot pad holders that Adie weaved for us.

 Here are the cousins who went to Daniel's luncheon.  They all loved hanging out in the warmth.

 We all got together and took a picture, but it is hard to see everyone.   It was a beautiful setting, and a wonderful ceremony.

My dad's cousin, Tom Alec Chappell, and his wife Alice joined us for the festivities.  Tom was Lisa's hometeacher.  Although he was almost like my dad's brother growing up, our family hadn't seen him in about 40 years.  His brother, son, and daughter-in-law also came to the reception.  It was great to see them all.

Daniel and Lisa are married and happy.  We are glad we were able to spend this important day with them.

We enjoyed our trip and look forward to more family time.  This is living, living, living.