Christmas Eve

     A few days before Christmas Steve's family came up and stayed with us. They are so great to have and a lot of fun. Christmas Eve morning, the boys, Phil, Steve, Nate, Grayson, Pop Pop, and I went up to Targhee to ski. Nate and Steve skied almost the whole day, but the rest of us came about noon. Pop Pop had a meeting, Phil and Grayson worked on the new truck, and I got everything packed to take down to Idaho Falls. Around 3:30 we all headed down to Idaho Falls for the Christmas Eve festivities at Grandma and Grandpa Monson's. Geri, Steffani, and Kenny's families were all there which made for lots of fun. After a yummy dinner, Grandma Monson gathered all her younger grandchildren and great grandchildren for a live nativity. I was thrilled that my kids wanted to participate--it took a little coaxing and bribing. Brewer got to be a cow and Boyd was excited to be a wiseman. We all sorta joked that he was the 4th wiseman--because of his broken leg, that was what delayed his trip to Bethlehem. And it was hilarious watching him army crawl into the room with his gift in hand and even more funny when he collapsed to the floor when Grandpa read the part about the wiseman falling down in worship. And Brewer was willing to sit quietly with Beth the whole time. Overall is was so sweet and very memorable. After the nativity, Grandma had asked different people to do a little musical number. It was quite the performance with everyone's talents. Very entertainment and even more impressive. 

     Quickly after the musical numbers it was time for bed. But before the kids got to open their Christmas Eve present, Grandma and Grandpa Monson got a very special gift from everyone. It was a beautiful map of the world, with pins and little notations marking where all of their posterity have served missions. It was very sweet and such a special keepsake. After that, Boyd and Brewer were waiting patiently to open their gift. Boyd knew what to expect but was excited to get some PJ's that were no longer the toddler style--real big boy jammies. Brewer was over the moon about the fire truck on his shirt and pants. They were both stinking cute (and far too big) in their new pajamas. Then we quickly left some cookies for santa and went to bed.

     After the kids went to bed, the adults were left to wait and prepare for Santa to come. Beth, Rachel and I went for a little walk in the fresh (magical) snow with Remy and Oakley. It's always a good time filled with lots of laughter when it's us girls!  We wrapped up the last of the presents, with the help of Nate and his new girlfriend, who we already love. It was a great evening, filled with lots of family, fun and lots of love!