Two Christmases 2013

Rick and I got away for a night to Salt Lake City and enjoyed as always Temple Square.

Me and my Olivia. She is full of love for her grandparents.

 

Olivia and grandpa making rolls.

We had two Christmases this year. One with two of our daughter's Cordie, and Kelsey, along with their spouses, Michael, and Martin, and our grandchildren Ian, Olivia, and William. We had a lovely get together for a nice dinner a few days before Christmas. The next day Rick and I headed to Northern Idaho to be with Lea, Jeff, Madi, and Gracie.

My table just before dinner. Rick made most of the dinner. He loves cooking prime rib, so I didn't stand in the way. Then we wound up having another one with Lea and Jeff. Man, forget losing weight.

Finally, time to open the presents.

My missionary daughter Hilary. We got to Skype with her on Christmas Eve while at Lea and Jeff's house. How amazing it is to have the technology to see and hear her all the way from South Korea. It was the best Christmas gift of all. She has been on her mission for over 15 months now. She looked so happy and healthy. She stated that we are going to have a difficult time getting her on the plane back to the US in March. She loves it there. Her mission has been the hardest thing she's ever done, but the best thing she's ever done. Nothing of value is given, it must be earned through work, sacrifice, time, and diligence. She certainly qualifies.

Sitting in the basement while talking to Hilary. She's on the computer and the big screen. Everyone got to talk to her at the same time. The girls loved seeing their Aunt Hilary.

Enjoying visiting at Lea and Jeff's. I loved their tree. They cut it themselves.

I think Madi and Gracie made out well. They must of been good girls...lol. Their other grandma and grandpa spoil them way too much.

Lea and her beautiful girls. We loved being there. It was so good to spend Christmas with them.

I loved helping the girls with their homework. They are very smart. They're in kindergarten and are good little readers. I'm sure proud of them.

New Christmas dresses from us.

The saddest part, leaving. Can you see them looking out the window? Don't you love the six foot snowman? Jeff and the girls built it the day before we got there. They had just had a good snow storm. By the time we left it had rained on it and it shrunk and was tilting a bit.