Christmas Vacation

So I am extremely lame. I never took my camera out of our luggage, so I didn't get any pictures of Christmas! I need to get some from my sisters and sister-in-laws. I blame it on pregnancy. I never wanted to go back upstairs or downstairs (depending on whose house we were at) to get it. But I was able to get 2 weeks off of work which I was ecstatic about! Work can definitely be draining.

We started off at my parents (since we always borrow their car while we are there). After a nap, my sister Missy and her family came, which was really fun. We mostly just chatted and probably played games. We also did a project with Brinley (she loves projects) and made an English traditional "cracker." We stuffed toilet paper rolls with candy and toys, then wrapped them in wrapping paper. I got to see my little nephew Easton for the first time, which was really fun. He was still pretty new but was just absolutely darling!

On Friday, we went to the temple to see my little sister get her endowments! It really was such a great experience because almost our whole family was there. And it was great to see the change in Tiffany. She's back to her happy, sparkly, funny self. And to think, now she's about to be a mom within a week or two! My sister's all grown up!

On Christmas Eve, everyone else arrived (except Angie's family since they are now staying in Arizona because it is too hard to bring presents for 4 children). JJ and Kristy weren't sure if they would be able to make it because they had all been sick but they were finally well enough to come. We had the traditional candle lit dinner and each person had their "cracker" sitting on their plate as well for a fun little present. We also played our traditional $10 Gift Exchange (basically it's a like a white elephant, except we actually spend money and get things that we think people will actually like). After that, we had the Christmas Eve program. Musical numbers, skits, and stories were all performed. Then Tiffany and I were in charge of the Nativity story. We tried to get the kids organized and dressed, but some of them are just too young and it didn't turn out the best. Cambree and Justus did a great job as Mary and Joseph, Brinley was a great sheep (she really wanted to be a sheep) and then the adults filled in other parts (Sadie was supposed to be the Angel but it wasn't working out because she didn't like the dress) and Annie was supposed to be the Innkeeper but she just didn't get it. And baby Easton was supposed to be baby Jesus, but he wasn't in the mood. All-in-all, it went well. After that, Missy's family opened their presents from various members of the family since they would actually be doing Christmas at their house. Then it was bedtime.

Since Christmas was on Sunday, we first just looked at our stockings. Then we went to church. After church, we unwrapped all the presents. Sad to say, but most of the presents were for me this year since I was given some maternity clothing and decorations. But Nate got a really fun game called Mystery Express (like Clue on steroids) and we got a Belgian Waffle maker, which he was really excited about. My parents were really generous.

We then headed over to Nate's parents' house so we could celebrate Christmas with them as well. But this post is getting really long so I will talk about that part of the trip later!