One of the most exciting parts of the day for the kids is meeting at the park for a big family game of flag football and then......the California snowball fight! Grandma fills panty hose balls with flour, we wear all black-- then bombs away! This really is so fun for everyone.... especially considering we rarely get to throw actual snowballs! We are always laughing hysterically by the end... and very ready for a dip in the pool to clean off! We began a wonderful new tradition this year that I hope to continue every Christmas. In lieu of sibling presents for the adults, we pooled our money together and put together baskets for a family in our area who would not have much of a Christmas. Grandma wrapped all of the gifts, snacks, and gift cards together... the kids wrote special cards and then we were able to deliver that on Monday for FHE the following week. Wow- was it ever a special night! We drove by the house at around 7pm to drop off, but it was clear that no one was home. It was a HUGE disappointment! We didn't want to leave it on the steps and we were worried that maybe the family had gone out of town! So we drove around looking at Christmas lights and then said a prayer together. We prayed that the family would be home so we could make our delivery and spread that Christmas cheer. When we arrived back 45 minutes later, we were ecstatic to see the Christmas lights on and bright lights inside the house. Our prayers had been answered and it was so wonderful to deliver our goodies. Such a special tradition.
After assembling our gifts together, we played fun Christmas games... our favorite was a new game this year where individuals make up sentences and then pass along to the next person who draws that sentence. They then pass to the next individual who writes a new sentence based on the drawing. So so funny! The kids put on a little Christmas program with songs and scriptures. Grandpa made a delicious roast and Grandma made cheesy potatoes and fruit. The kids' favorite meal by far! We opened wonderful gifts from Grandma and Grandpa. So excited that we get to go to Disneyland this Spring for 2 days!!! We were spoiled by so many thoughtful and wonderful gifts.
We enjoyed strolling through the Christmas lights and caroling to a few friends of the Marstons. We came home to chocolate fondue, hot cocoa and snuggling up to watch the movie "Elf" our very favorite Christmas movie. It was such a special day! Loved every minute. We sure appreciate all the work Herb and Nancy go to in order to make it so sweet. We are very blessed.
