We made it through Christmas! It always amuses me that I look forward to this crazy time of year so much but, I love it !

We had everyone home for a least a week which made this mom very happy. Alanna and Ricky drove up from L.A. for a week. Ariane flew home for a week then spent a week in Alabama with the Stoker family. Brian came home with the last of his stuff for storage and is with us for a month, and Garrett was here for two weeks (though as usual we did not see him that much).
We had our traditional Gingerbread House get together the first day everyone (except Alanna & Ricky) where home. After the usual collapses, some from awkward hands and some from abundant goodies on top, everyone went home with quite the creation. The missionaries and older kids (Ariane, Brian, Garrett, Becky M. & Sam C.) came up with some pretty fancy abodes.

The week before Christmas was filled with the typical last minute shopping (for dad) and the usual dr. & dentist appointments for college kids home on break. Christmas Eve found us enjoying a nice dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Black, the traditional pj opening that is always a hit and the Christmas story reading that helps us to remember where our gratitude should be directed.

Christmas morning has become quiet funny in the past few years. The two little (actually not really so little anymore.....they just get stuck with the title) boys are up and ready to go fairly early in the morning. However, the older kids (not all of them as old as they think they are!) want to sleep in, shower and take their time getting to the "good stuff". So, there is a battle each Christmas morning, little boys against big kids. The real problem is usually getting Brian up. We will be thinking of him next Christmas as he gets up at 6am to do his morning study!

After a fun morning that included some fun homemade gifts (a family tradition) like long swords to practice Tae Kwon Do, a soccer goal and Zed the pinata with a soul patch. We spent the afternoon with Grandma, Grandpa and the "other" Black family - Dave, Christie, Peyton and Ethan. The kids got way too many presents and we all ate way too much excellent food.

The day after Christmas we took Brian to the Temple. It was a beautiful day and memorable experience for all of us. It was fun to see and visit with President and sister Hunter after our session. Brian is just about ready to head off to the MTC and then on to Mexico. We will start his mission blog in a couple of weeks.

Our Christmas celebrations came to an end after Grandpa Bob and Penny came to visit. Everyone was thrilled with the traditional Sees candies and Penny found out she was made for speed. After trying Rock band and deciding that wasn't her gig, she gave racing a shot (on the new wii) and took right to it. Grandpa says he has PTSD from years of working in the electronics industry with gamers and would not try out his skills......next time Grandpa!

Well, its been a week and a half since the big day. Garrett went home yesterday and Brian is all packed and pacing around waiting to head to the MTC in a couple of weeks. The little boys started school work today and I start a new quarter next week. So, in this rare moment of quiet and contemplation, I thought I would take a brief look back at this our last Christmas all together for the next several years and recelebrate the joy of family and the fun times that celebration and tradition bring to our family.