Christmas in Kentucky

Christmas was much anticpated. Of course all the usual excitement and festivities contributed to the excitement but adding to it was the fact that Trent got time off! Knowing that he would be off from work and pager-FREE was enough of a gift for me. The weekend before Christmas started out with our neighborhood Christmas party. I wish I had pictures of it because it was a real highlight. Ever since we moved in this summer, our neighbors have been talking about the party they share together at Christmas time. One of our neighbors sets up her house with about 7 or 8 tables and adults and children alike enjoyed a couple hours of food and bunco playing. No wagers of money or prizes with this bunco night- just good fun for all. Anyone who won a round would have to wear a goofy elf hat around. We are so grateful to be included in this group of people. They have all been SO hospitable to our family and we are surrounded by families who are so down-to-earth and who share similar values. 

The next day was Sunday and our family was asked to travel to a rural branch in our stake to be the speakers for their Sunday services. It was a last minutes assignment and we didn't have as much time as we would have liked to prepare our messages, especially with it being Christmas Sunday. But it was one of those times when the Spirit filled in the gaps and our family left very blessed and uplifted by the spirit of service we felt. And I always enjoy driving through the Kentucky countryside so the drive there and back was so nice. 

Monday brought Christmas Eve! There is not many days that are more exciting in the life of a child!

It was even foggy which brought great delight because of the the Rudolph song..."Then one foggy Christmas Eve..."

This is our view out our back field. I really love it!

We have a tradition of opening new jammies on Christmas Eve.

 Heidi enjoyed modeling and Trent enjoyed playing with his camera.

 We frosted cookies for some friends and Santa!

And when night came we enjoyed a nice dinner together. 

We thought of joining with other families for the evening meal but when it came down to it, a special evening for our family was just what we wanted to do. After a few long, hard months of crazy work schedules some uninterrupted family time was pretty special

And eating by candlelight makes it super neat!

Dressed in jammies and ready for Santa.

Santa saw through the fog and paid our house a visit.

Nathan bought Heidi this Rapunzel doll. Can you tell she was thrilled?

Some other highlights were and EasyBake oven for Heidi.

A much-awaited train set for Nathan.

 And many treasure to be shared together.

The rest of the day was spent playing with toys and lounging around the house together. Along with naps and leftover eating. What a great holiday. I loved spending it with my favorite people!