Christmas Round Two

Photo: Gayle

 We celebrated Christmas in Modesto on Friday. Gayle and I had fun putting together a festive cheese platter for lunch.

Photo: Gayle

 After a delicious dinner, we read the Christmas story and opened gifts, then enjoyed hot beverages and dessert.

Saturday was pretty low-key. Bethany and Laura spent Friday night, so we had breakfast together before they headed off. We got up early Sunday morning to head home ourselves. The drive was long, but went well.

Christmas Festivities

Photo: Heather

 We arrived in Visalia Saturday and kicked things off with a delicious lunch at the Nickell's house.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

 Michelle and I helped Heather get the camera set up for a family photo.

 On Sunday, we took the kids out for our traditional holiday hot chocolate.

They also got their new pajamas from Grandma.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

That evening we decorated gingerbread houses and made a little gingerbread village.

Photo: Heather

We met up with the Nickells for a Christmas Eve service at the Fox Theater, then kicked off Christmas day with the morning service at VCCC. It had been a number of years since I'd been to the Christmas morning service, and it's a nice way to start the day. 

Photo: Heather

 

We headed back to Mom and Dad's to have cinnamon rolls for breakfast followed by nap time. Everyone else arrived around lunch time. We had the traditional picture of the kids in front of the tree before opening gifts.

Mary got a personalized book from the person who drew her name; she really likes it.

Photo: Heather

She and Elias also had fun playing with his new coffee maker while the rest of us opened gifts.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

 Part of Joshua's gift included a whiskey tasting, which the guys enjoyed while Mom, Heather, Michelle, Mary, and I went on a walk.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

 The next day we had lunch at the Nickell's house again, followed by a walk to Walmart, before heading back to Modesto.

Photo: Heather

Aunt Michelle managed to squeeze in enough time to crochet a beanie for Mary so she could match the cousins who got beanies before their trip to Zion this fall.

Family Time

Photo: Gayle

We headed down to California for the holidays on December 17. Amari came over the next day, and he and Mary had fun playing together.

Photo: Gayle

 

Mary also had fun helping Grandpa make dinner.

On Thursday, Joshua and I left Mary with the grandparents and went on a lunch date. It was lovely.

 That evening Mary helped make the traditional Kerr family shortbread cookies.

Friday morning, Dave and Uncle Jimmy took the grandkids to the trampoline park. Mary was a little hesitant at first, but was soon exploring everything.

 These foam blocks were huge and it was difficult for her to move around in them, but she seemed to like the challenge because she kept going back.

The stairs were also a big hit.

After a nap and lunch, Gayle, Mary, and I took a walk by the river at a park in Ripon. It was a beautiful day and lovely to be outside.

Later that afternoon, Solace and Mary helped Grandma paint the window with a festive winter scene. We finished the day off with dinner together with the Kerr-Owens.

Tree Decorating

Mary loved helping put ornaments on the tree.

O Christmas Tree

Friday after Thanksgiving we got our Christmas tree. Mary and I enjoyed smelling and touching the trees, but it was quite cold so we were glad we found a good one quickly.

Mary was excited about the pretty tree with lights and a star.

Thanksgiving

We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving at home this year. We agreed to not do any work and just enjoy the day, and it was lovely. 

Mary wore her festive attire. There's a turkey above one of the pockets, but it's hard to see in the picture.

We all enjoyed dessert and the long-awaited first cup of Tea of Good Tidings. Mary just got to smell the tea, but she loves smelling tea and coffee so she was happy.