Picture A Christmas

Truly Christmas was the most wonderful time of the year as we gathered with family and created new memories through time honored traditions. Once again, the events surrounding this year's holiday made it the happiest season of all.

The Park Family Christmas Party

Two days before Christmas, we got together with all of Jason's family at his parents' home for food, gift exchanges, and a musical program. It was a great way to kick off the celebrations (not to mention, all of the over-eating). Brevin and Spencer had performed the song Picture a Christmas with the rest of the primary in sacrament meeting and so they shared it with the family that night.

Christmas Eve Dinner

I prepared a special turkey dinner with all of the trimmings on Christmas Eve. (By the way, Garrett loves turkey.) We even brought out the china and silverware for the occasion. Certainly we felt to be grateful for all that we have as we looked upon our expansive spread of delightful foods.

Christmas Eve Traditions

The boys were anxious to help clean up after dinner so they could open their new pajamas. We all sang Happy Birthday to Jesus before we forced cupcakes upon our already full bellies. One of the cupcakes was left for Santa with a cup of hot chocolate and some carrots for the reindeer. After singing a few carols of Silent Night and Away in a Manger to the boys, they were fast asleep by 8:30 p.m. (I credit the turkey).

Christmas Morning

Everyone slept in until 7:30 a.m. (a Christmas gift of sorts to Mom) before we were all drawn into the room to see what gifts were received. We enjoyed breakfast burritos before opening the gifts under the tree. Jason got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas, so I'm sure there's no doubt about how the majority of our day was spent.

The Funk, Gilliland, & Page Family Christmas Party

The day after Christmas, we traveled to St. George for more family festivities where an abundance of food was consumed, gifts were exchanged, and we had an awesome "Grab Bag."

Family Dodgeball

Clark started a bit of a tradition last year at Thanksgiving with a family dodgeball game. With concern for life and limb, Jason and I opted to be spectators rather than participants. I mean, look at how fierce Clark competes in this game (he's even wearing a t-shirt with the definition of dodgeball on it, for heaven's sake)! Besides, we were so sore from playing boxing on the Wii that I don't think I could grab a dodgeball, let alone throw it. It was hilarious to watch the rounds which were played by all the young children. Even when they tried to sneak forward to gain an advantage in the start of the games, the boys lost several times to the girls. Man, we had a great time!
This post authored by Amber