December 21, 2019
I barely got to know the directions to the grocery store and post office here in Gautier, MS before we left for Utah to celebrate our Christmas with the kids and grandchildren out west.
Due to the pouring rain, Darryl didn't need to go into work this morning, so we left just after 8:00 a.m. to spend Christmas in Utah! We made a padded bed on the back seat and drove straight through to Wichita Falls, Texas where we stopped at 7:30 and had a delicious and delightful supper with my sister and her husband, Sandy and David Shawver.
It took us just over 30 hours to get to Hillary and Jake's house and I am thankful that after we drove out of the rain in Mississippi and Louisiana we had clear weather the entire way. We even had time to change our clothes and go to church with Hillary, Jake and the boys and got to see Gabriel and J.J. sing with the Primary and Choir for their ward Christmas party.
In the evening we drove out and looked at lights, and they took us to a marvelous light and music show up in Sandy. We had such a nice time. It helped that it wasn't really cold outside.
On Monday the 23rd we went to Cody and Alisa's to celebrate the holiday and my birthday with them, Hillary and Jake and boys, and Jesse and Kelly, Tyree and Clancy.
We visited and made gingerbread/graham cracker houses as a family activity.
Let's just say it was "Sweet Chaos".
Really, really sweet chaos.
🍬🍭🍬
"Look Grandma", says Ross "I have a smarshmallow".
Helping Miss Rachel construct her sweet house!
Tyree's house was not only sweet but huge!
Our confectionery neighborhood!
Monday evening we went to Temple Square to see the Nativity and the lights.
I wish they had wrapped more trees, it doesn't see that as many were decorated as in years past, but it was still beautiful and I enjoyed in immensley.
The only real problem we had was trying to get through the crowd as we left Temple Square.
Back at Cody and Hillary's it was time for dinner and to celebrate my birthday!
Oh I have missed my sweet grandchildren, and I think miss Tyree missed me!
Hello Gabriel and Tyree!
Uncle Cody knew how to get their attention when he started the fire.
Hillary made me the most fantastic and artistic birthday cake.
It was very abstract and very, very delicious!
HAPPY 63rd BIRTHDAY TO ME!
Cody also made a a delicious sweet treat. An Oreo Cookie house.
I received many wonderful gifts for my birthday but I think my favorite was this beautiful emerald and diamond ring from Darryl.
December 24, 2019
Christmas eve was spent with the Platts and the Utah Cunninghams and went Christmas Caroling in the evening to several of their neighbors. We played games in the evening and had a very relaxing evening.
Hey... look who Santa brought to Gabriel. His name is Rock Ruff, or Rocky for short.
Mom with her boy on her birthday!
Wesley sent us some Christmas Joy from North Carolina!
And Cami did her part to get everyone in the Christmas Spirit back in North Carolina.
Christmas morning I found many fun surprises in my stocking, including a bottle Cheerwine and a Bob Ross bobble head.
When Cody and Alisa arrived with their family it was time to open up the presents under the tree.
With the kids and the puppy running around controlled chaos reigned supreme.
Ezra sharing his art kit with Rachel.
My fabulous artists apron.
Jesse and Kelly sent us a few photos from their Christmas in Idaho. I love her "Mamasaurus" T-shirt.
And Kelly's T-shirt from Tyree.
All in all we have had a wonderful and blessed Christmas Holiday.
How blessed we have been to be with family as we celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and how grateful we are for his redeeming sacrifice for us.
God Bless you - Merry Christmas.
