Casey and Pete joined part of Brett's crew going up to Boise for the Bowl game that USU was playing in. I had the other five kids here with me (Kendal, Becca, Alice, James, and Naomi). After a quick derm appointment that morning I was home with the kids for the day. They played a bit while I de-cluttered than I took them all out to article circle for lunch and play time. We made and decorated gingerbread cookies that afternoon and the kids played some more before the others came home. Pete had to shoot off to practice that night, but had a great day up with Casey and the others (despite USU loosing their game).
Tuesday Casey had practice in the morning and Pete had practice that evening. In between we got some cleaning done around the house. Pete also got some time over at Austin's that afternoon.
Wednesday we took the kids to see the movie David in theaters. It was so well done and we all gave it a thumbs up. Afterwards we ran a couple of errands in town then headed home. We had our annual Christmas Eve dinner at Brett and Vanessa's house. The kids ate and played / talked with the adults for a while before we went home for the night. We got ready for Santa with a clean kitchen, cookies out, and 'twas the night. . . ' before the kids wrapped up the stairway for the night.
Thursday the kids were up early and burst through the paper at 7 am (scaring me to death, even though I was anticipating it). We did our tradition of listening to the Nativity Story before going out and opening presents. The kids were happy to see what they got from Santa and dig into presents from each other / Mom and Dad. This year on the presents Kendal was "Snowshoe" (since she has a habit of leaving shoes everywhere). Pete was "snow angel" (because he can often be an angel underneath it all, truly has a great heart, and we hoped to throw off the girls on who it was). Alice was "snowstorm" (we chose this because she leaves a creative mess wherever she crafts away). Kendal and Pete shared a big gift this year -which was a 3d printer. Once it was set up it's been running for a good part of the day. Kendal got a Lego mural galaxy art piece for her wall, clothes, skincare products, and a few other little things. Pete got a Lego mural set (star Wars theme) for his wall, clothes, a gaming headset, and other little things. Alice got a jeep for her doll from Santa, a doll outfit and desk set, and a Barbie with a dog / puppies as her presents. All three kids got slippers from Santa, fluffy towels as their needs this year, and fidget toys in their stockings they've been playing with all day. The kids have been playing and building away most of the day. We played a round of our new family card game, and then Pete dragged Casey out to build a stand for the 3d printer. Pete and Kendal finished their prints late Christmas evening.
Friday we headed down to Logan for the weekend. All of my siblings and the Grand kids made it into town for the afternoon / evening. The kids got to open presents from my parents and Aunt Katherine. They played around and we had a nice dinner together. Pete spent the night in Smithfield with David's kids. Saturday we had the whole family together again and went over to the fun park for the afternoon. The kids got to play around in the arcade for a bit before we did bowling. That evening we were able to go out to Kelly's for dinner and some time with the extended Loosle clan. Sunday everyone went to church while I nursed a migraine. We spent the afternoon playing games and the kids played downstairs / with us a bit as well. Monday we all met up at Chili's for lunch. Afterwards Billie and her girls, and Alice and I went out to Linda's to let the kids pick some teddy's / Christmas items from Nana's collection. Pete and Kendal got to go to the Lego store with David, Anica, and their boys. We all met up to go ice skating late that afternoon. The kids had so much fun skating and I managed to stay upright the whole time! We headed out after dinner that night since Casey had basketball practice scheduled the rest of the week. Alice loved all of the time she got with Maggie and they were sad to part from each other. It's always great to see family and have the kids spend quality time with their cousins!
We've had a very easy going time to finish out our Christmas break. Kendal went skiing New Years Eve with Hope and we went to a party at the Bergs for the night. Kendal left part way through to spend New Years at Violets house with friends. We had a great evening with friends. The kids were all around playing sardines and other games while the adults chatted and then played a few games together as well. We've had a lot of game time as a family this week as well as 3d prints happening almost daily. Casey had practices almost every day and Pete had to join practices a couple of nights. Casey, Kendal, and Pete are on a stranger things kick lately as well which has been fun for them. Casey and I also were able to go to the Temple yesterday before we get back into busy days this next week.
