Christmas Repeat!

The Perrys had sickness in their family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so we just waited to celebrate with them on the 26th and prolong the fun!

The boys brought a favorite toy Joshua received: Whack-A-Mole.  What a perfect game for boys: Pounding things!

 Hannah brought a favorite gift too--her own dry erase board!

Everyone performed as if we had a program again.  Brian and MaryAnn played a duet on the chimes.  It was amazing!

 Joshua showed off his tools and tool belt to the tune of "I Am A Builder."

Hannah did hand motions for some favorite Christmas songs.

 David showed us his favorite Christmas decoration: Musical Rudolph!

 Later we went outside to see David's favorite gift:

 And Joshua showed us how fast he could go on the bike he got for his birthday.

We loved the time we spent with them!

Great Grandkids!

We spent a fun morning at Hagan Park and the American River!

Grandpa Ricks was a great sport.  He was one of the swingers!

Then we headed down to the river.

Everyone had fun exploring, digging for and throwing rocks, walking out to islands, watching interesting birds, and finding treasures (i.e. fish bones).

Later my Dad read a story to Amelia.  It was so fun having him with us!

Christmas Morning!

First the stockings and Santa gifts!

Then opening the presents under the tree!

Kathryn loved this calendar that she will get to color!

It was so fun having the Melanchuks spend the night and be with us for Christmas morning!

Here is part of my haul:  Lots of gift cards to my favorite places!

Nativity House!

A new couple moved into our ward.  They collect Nativity sets.  This year they had an Open House with all of their more than 280 Nativity sets on display.  It was fun and amazing to see.  Hannah and Joshua especially enjoyed seeing them.

Here is a case with all the smaller sets.

This was one that Hannah really liked.  But then again she really liked them all!

I snapped a few that I liked.  I am a fan of bears.

From corn husks.

From Mexico and made of leather!

Made by Eskimos.

Last Christmas I was looking for a small Nativity set at a local major retailer.  When I asked where they were, they said they didn't stock any this year.   What!?  A lot of people don't even think about the real reason we celebrate Christmas anymore.  It was great to see all of these!

Christmas Eve!

Dinner is ready!

 Dan is busy!

 The treats are ready!

 The program is ready!

Grandpa Ricks gave a great message about smiling!

The kids loved it!!

Amelia lead us in a Christmas parade holding this flag she made!

 After the parade she explained the drawings on the flag!

 Daniel lead us in "Jingle Bells." 

Darryl and Amanda on the violin and the viola!

(Kathryn was going to play with them on her violin but she wasn't feeling well enough)

 Amanda read a darling story: "Mortimer's Christmas Manger!"

 Dan helped us play some songs on the chimes!

 We re-enacted the Nativity!

Afterwards we sang Christmas carols with Amanda accompanying on the viola. 

It made us sound angelic!

The kids are snug in bed, but Mom and Dad are busy!

Christmas Eve is always special!!

Merry Christmas!

So nice to spend Christmas with my Dad!!!

A Festive Occasion!

My beautiful dancing granddaughters!