Christmas Day 2009

As the years go by and our family size grows, our traditions have to change to accommodate the needs of the masses. So this year, Christmas morning Den and I made the rounds to everyone house to see what Santa brought to all our kids and grandchildren! This Christmas was a first for Den and I, we woke up with only each other. No kids, grandkids or other family members to share in the excitement. It was a little wierd and will take some getting use to. So, we ran down the stairs together to see what Santa brought--socks, levi's and a watch!

Peters Family Sports Day!

Super fun day!!! Last year, the day after Christmas we started a new tradition of sports and silliness with whole fam damily!! I don't like to brag, but this year I scored a goal in the hockey game and made a basket in the basketball game!! That's a world record for me!!

Vegas Bowl Game- 2009

Yep! This year I did it, I went to a Bowl Game three days before Christmas! Dennis has always invited me but I was never organized enough to go, (plus, I hate football!) But this year, four of our kids and one granddaughter( Tiffany, Tara, Treavor, Telisa and Trinity) went, so my goals were to have everything ready for Christmas before I left and not get sick this year!! Oh, by the way, BYU won!! As you can see Treavor, in his vintage cougar sweatshirt, gambled one dollar and made two dollars--doubling his money. We hope he doesn't become addicted to gambling now!!? Den and I had a riot with the family members that came! Trinity had a riot in our dryer!?

New Christmas Tradition

We tried something new this year with our adult kids! We had them all meet us at SouthTowne Mall where we presented them with a letter and their Christmas money. We gave them an hour and half to shop for their own Christmas gift and then we all met up at Mimi's Cafe for Dinner. With a variety of stores in a two mile radius, everyone found something on their wish list!

Dennis and Daughters Christmas Shopping!

Lots of fun to be had when Dennis takes his six girls shopping for Christmas!! It's become an annual Christmas event for the girls and Dennis-- I think he started about six or seven years ago!! I think the girls look forward to it every year!! Who wouldn't?

Why I'm Wierder Than Usual at Christmas Time!

As for those of you who know me well, know that I am a little...what's the word....emotional, moved to tears easily, just plain crazy at times. Particularly at this time of year, I find myself weeping uncontrolable for the most benign reasons. Examples:

A few days ago, I tried to call Tiffany, I dialed the wrong number and the lady on the other end said..."You're just fine. Have a great day!"

Every moment I am home, I have to listen to one of those cheesy Christmas movies from the Hallmark Channel. I don't have time to sit and watch them, but I have to have them as background music to this crazy life of mine.

In my car, starting the day after Halloween, only Christmas music is played. I cry everytime I hear "Ava Maria" or "O Holy Night"

A genuine smile from a stranger or my father!

A grandchild running into my arms the moment we see each other.

Christmas lights on my house when there are no bulbs burned out!

Driving away from the Post Office after I have mailed my Christmas cards!!!!

The smell of Christmas trees when I walk into the Grocery Store!

Unexpected company from dear friends or our children!

Unplanned activites! ex: Dickens Christmas Festival with my granddaughters in St. George

Planned activities that were better than you could of imagined! ex: "The Forgotten Carols Christmas Concert" with Tiffany, Jessica and Kourtney

The FOOD!! What a treat to come home and find a plate of some yummy goodness for me to devour!

Participating in the Ward Choir at Christmas time. Even though I have no real musical talent to speak of....I just love being surrounded by people who do, and singing those beautiful words. Sometimes, I can't get through them.

Watching my children watching their children performing at their recitals.

Witnessing pure excitement and joy over a gift given from my family.

Jess, Sabrina, Kourtney and Whitley do St. George!!

So, we have been promising our oldest five grandkids a special trip to St. George with their G Dawg and Grandma Kat. It's been postponed twice due to circumstances beyond our control. So the first weekend in December, we finally made the trip. Gunnar had to back out at the last minute due to school commitments and his friend canceled on him. We'll make it up to you Gunn! So Grandpa got some good football watching in while the girls and I took in the sights and shops of St. George. We especially had fun at the Christmas Dicken's Festival. I was able to finally start my Christmas shopping and the girls decided we need to make this a yearly tradition! Pictured above is the girls watching the magic of the new washing machine in action!! Everything we did was pure fun--they made it fun!! I will always cherish the time we had laughing, eating, shopping, swimming, baking, sightseeing and sing Christmas songs!!

Seeing St. George through the eyes of my granddaughers...

St. George Temple

Brigham Young's Winter Home

Granddaughters in St. George!