Christmas #2 with Larsens

We continued with some Larsen family traditions for our Christmas celebrations this year.  On Christmas Eve we went up to Bountiful and enjoyed soup for dinner followed by the Christmas Pageant and a small talent show.  Grandma Larsen keeps adding to the Christmas Pageant costumes and script.  There was even a star this year!

 Jason, Leila, and I spent the night over at my parents.  We had the entire family there and it was a full house! We let Leila determine when we got up and going which wasn't until after 8, much to Annie's displeasure.  Santa was good to everyone this year and it took quite a while to get through everyone's piles.  Leila so didn't get the gift idea but enjoyed being in a room she usually isn't allowed in.  She pulled ornaments of trees, played with the nativity, built a small nest out of wrapping paper, clothes, and gifts from everyone's piles.

After a day of resting and play we went back up to Bountiful for Christmas dinner.  I know these get togethers are a lot of work for Grandma Larsen, but I am sure glad she makes the effort to bring us all together so often!

Christmas #1 with Ziebarths

Jason's parents were lucky enough to get 4 tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert this year, so they made arrangements to come up for a visit for a few days.  Since we weren't able to go there for Christmas this year, we tried to celebrate Christmas a little early this year for them.

Thursday night Jason and I joined them at the concert.  It was incredible.  The special guests this year were Alfie Boe and Tom Brokaw.  Boe sang some amazing solos including "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables.  Brokaw narrated a segment that told the story of the Candy Bomber from WWII.  As he told the story, simulated snow started falling from the ceiling followed by candy pieces attached to handkerchief parachutes.  The story ended with an appearance by Gail Halvorsen, the Candy Bomber himself, at age 92.  After the concert we enjoyed some of the lights in Temple Square before calling it a night.

Then on Saturday morning we opened some presents.  Leila wasn't as interested in the wrapping paper as I thought she'd be but she made out with quite a haul of clothes and toys nevertheless.  Ziebarths were kind enough to give us 2 well-stocked 72 hour kits which we've been meaning to get around to putting together for quite a while.

After presents we loaded up and went to the mall so Leila could visit Santa.  When it was her turn, she was more interested in the lights and trees around Santa and it was all we could do to get her attention towards the camera.  No tears though!

We really enjoyed spending some time with them during the holiday season and are already looking forward to when we get to join them in Hawaii in just a few weeks!

Partying 40s Style

This year, Ancestry worked hard to produce the 1940 US Census.  So, when it came time to choose a theme for the annual holiday party, 40s seemed a natural choice.  They had swing dancing, photo ops, a jazz band, yummy food, and great entertainment.  I got all dolled up for the occasion and thoroughly enjoyed myself!