Monday, December 28, 2020

COVID Christmas

 Even though we stay home every other year for Christmas, there was something extra hard about not being with extended family this year. Maybe it was because we haven't been able to get together much at all this past year. We joined my family for virtual caroling on Christmas Eve. ... it was the best! Later, we played some games through Zoom with Jenn, Olivia, Cooper, Ashlee, and Ashley.

The girls opened their PJ's and sat in front of the tree for me.
It was not an early morning at all. We all slept in. One of the weird things about the girls getting older. Mark and I slept in too (7:30/8:00), but we still waited for them to wake up. 
Finally, I met them on the stairs.
They all got Paddleboards. They were super excited about this and can't wait to take them out!
Mark got a new sweatshirt from Kars.
I got a beautiful necklace 
Emm gave me the sweetest note and new snow gloves and Mark a backpack clip for his camera. 
Bailee gave us all these amazing shirts.

Of course my favorite is their exchanges with each other.
We opened generous gifts from grandparents. 
Shirley got very creative with this one:)
It was a beautiful relaxing morning. 
We all went in on an iPad for Mark's parents so they could facetime with them. He was able to try it out with them on Christmas. 
Mark, Kars and I went for a little walk.
Lots of lounging ...
... and enjoying the smell of homemade potpourri from Bay's friend.
We ended the day with a nice Christmas Dinner.
Trying out Mark's Keurig. I think Kars is more excited than Mark.
And lots of Orange Ice!!
Oh .. and THIS little show;)
All smiles in her new sleeping bag.  Until she feels too restricted in it.

Merry Christmas 2020!

Thursday, December 24, 2020

12 Days of Christmas

 This Christmas was unlike any other. We were still living through a Pandemic and most of us weren't comfortable with gathering. I was having a lot of heartache over this and the thought of my parents being alone on the holiday. So I suggested a few ideas to my siblings and we decided to to the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Starting on December 13th, each of us took or sent something to my parents. I was blown away with the creativity that flowed from everyone. 
We had the 10th day. I enlisted some help from Shana to drop off our "Lords a Leaping". From what I heard, my parents loved it and looked forward to the surprise each day leading up to Christmas. 
The 12th day was Christmas Eve and so it was 12+ Carolers Caroling along with our updated family photo for their wall. 
We were able to join via Facetime with Jami. Sean and Kristy joined as well.
                                   
I loved being able to see my parents and family through the phone. Even if there was a delay and we may have been of key;)
My favorite part of Christmas this year for sure!

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

 Our pre-Christmas prep included ... gifts for students.

The staff at BGC were given these fancy cookies from a business in FoCo (Kars is working there while she is home).They looked delicious, but were sadly nothing spectacular... still a very nice gift.
Calendars for mi familia ...
Our tenth day of Christmas ...
Forgotten Patient gifts ready and mailed. Leslie got us set up with the Utah State Hospital for this Christmas project. 
Holiday sweater day for Spirit Week
Hat day ...

Fancy Friday. I had to break out my fancy brooch that my sweet bug gave me for a gift when she was little.
Delivery drivers make frequent stops at our house during these months.
Oh yes! Puck came for a visit. Not for as long and he wasn't up for his charades as in previous years, but he hung out with us for a week or so.
We had our Winter Solstice night by the fire. Kars played guitar and we sang carols.
Everyone helped make our holiday treats .... which we were reluctant to share with anyone (COVID) so we basically ate them.
Gingerbread House making ..
Our little village
Christmas card appropriately designed for 2020