After Christmas activities

With the excitement of Christmas soon over, there was more fun around the corner. Dallin's family left in the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 28th (that wasn't fun!). Julia & Austin also left that day, too. It's always hard to say goodbye! Ondalynn brought her children over about noon for us to watch them for a couple of days. It was there 14th Wedding Anniversary and they had a chance to get away for just a day and a half. We were happy to have the cute Vance children in our home. We went to the "Peanuts Movie" at the Mt. Hood Theater and then saw the beautiful decorated tree in the center of Gresham. The children loved running along the sidewalk and open areas. The weather was amazingly warm. I appreciated the children doing some little projects for me around the house, like organizing my huge supply of colored pencils. Sydney was not feeling well, so it was a difficult time for her as she was flat out on the couch most of the time. We played games, did puzzles, and had a great time having them here. Of course, when their parents arrived, the boys nearly knocked their Mom down by running and hugging her.

Dad Crismon turned 67 on December 30th. He loves receiving a box of delicious canned peaches from Alice-Anne every year. I think that will be considered his all time favorite gift. I gave him a photo book of our year highlights, and Vivi gave him a computer pad with a picture of all the grandchildren on it. He doesn't want to use it as it is too nice.

While Dallin & Janelle were here for the holidays, they helped me clean out more stuff from our house, mostly the basement. We hauled out tons of books, bookshelves, got rid of bedding, etc., and many other things we don't use anymore. Some of our camping supplies went to Dallin's family. It feels wonderful to have things cleaned out. I want to keep moving through the house and do more! For Dad's birthday, he meet me at the temple after my shift and we did a session together and then went out for Mexican food to celebrate. I'm so grateful for my good husband! He is a joy to me. He enjoyed hearing from the children throughout the day. We are at the end of another great year. Life is wonderful!