Catch up part 2: Christmas came fast this year or it just seems like that. As per tradition December 23 Aaron and I ordered a pizza and had a wrap-a-thon where we wrapped all the presents while watching a funny movie. We locked the door so the kids couldn't peak. We do this every year and it is awesome. I HATE wrapping and am terrible at it so I appreciate the help from Aaron. It is a fun thing to look forward to every year. Christmas Eve we had G&G T and my sister Johanna and her family over for linner--an early dinner/late lunch. Aaron smoked some tri tip roast and everyone brought some sides. It was yummy. We visited for a bit and the cousins played together then everyone went home to be with their families. My brother Bryan and his family wasn't there because they were flying home from a vacation in Paris. Anyway, that evening we looked at lights. We even went up to the Ogden Christmas Village and walked around. It was so pretty:
Mark, set, go!!
Checking out the loot:
After all the excitement was over, G&G T left to go and visit the other grandkids to see what they got. When it was time for lunch Aaron and I didn't want to cook so we decided to try something new--we ordered some Chinese take out. The kids picked everything they wanted and we ordered it. It was fun and tasty. The kids even attempted eating with chopsticks. Most of them gave up and used a fork, but Daniel and I ate ours with the chopsticks. Here's our Chinese lunch:
Poor Josh had to work so he rang in the New Year at work which he was too happy about, but what can you do?! Poor us because we had to stay up until 2 am waiting for him to get home from work to make sure he got home okay. We tried to sleep in on New Years, but my kids really don't know how to sleep in EVER. It was a fun way to bring in the New Year except the getting up early part--haha!
The next day I took the kids ice skating. A few weeks before I had gone ice skating with the young women in our ward, came home and told the kids about it. They had informed me they had never been ice skating before. I was surprised because I was sure I had taken them before. Well I had to fix that travesty so I found an awesome Groupon and we all got to go ice skating for $10 total for all of us. That was pretty amazing! Aaron had no desire to go ice skating so we went on a day he had to work anyway. I had previously gone rollerblading with Aaron and it wasn't a good experience for him so I was not surprised when he said he didn't want to go ice skating. Here we are before we headed out to the ice:
Poor Noah--I got a video of him right as he was falling down--poor guy!
Josh had an extra advantage--he was tall enough to hold on to the top of the shields as he went around the rink. He persisted and was doing decent by the time we left the rink:
During the break Josh got a chance to go do some Baptisms for the Dead at the temple with a group of friends.
Over the break the city Youth Council had a few activities. They were able to help with shopping with some disadvantaged youth. They also were able to do another activity where they provided food for some families around the city that were in need. They did that by assembling the food and then doorbell ditching so it remained anonymous. Another activity they did was a white elephant party. They did a gift exchange and then played some games and hung out. Here's Daniel getting ready to play ping pong:
Josh and Daniel had a lot of fun. I am glad they are able to participate in this program and I hope it inspires and love of service for them. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Also over the break my nephew, Jason, got married (Aaron's sister Susan's son). We were set up to go down to the ceremony in Payson, but Matthew had a really hard morning. His behavior was not improving as the day went on so to play it safe Aaron and I decided to stay back with Matthew to try and keep the peace. I was sad because I really love going to sealings/weddings. Anyway, they had an open house a week later down in Circleville. I stayed back with Matthew and Aaron took the rest of the kids down to attend the open house. They got there Saturday afternoon. The kids had fun hanging out with their cousins and attending the openhouse. Aaron ended up leaving early the next morning to come back home so it was a pretty quick visit. Aaron didn't take any pictures, but Grandma M did. She took a picture of Daniel and Noah playing on the X-Box:
During the break Matthew had some of his cute girlfriends come over and pick him up. They took him over to Fiiz and then to someone's house to hang out. He was so excited. He does miss being in high school so this was a fun visit for him. Again I am so grateful for all the people who love Matthew and show him compassion!!
Starting school back up on Monday, January 6 was a bit rough, but we made it. It is nice to be back in a routine I must say.
Sarah had her dance recital last night. I love getting her ready and she likes the makeup so it is a win-win situation. Here's my pretty girl before we left to get her to the program:
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