Christmas Eve 2022
We gathered in Kerry's shop for our annual Christmas Eve gathering. We moved it to 10 a.m. this year so it would be easier for Grandpa to find a caregiver for a few hours. We had it earlier last year as well, and I love it in the morning. It just frees up our evening for other fun family activities. It is also helpful for Tanner and Erin to be able to meet up with her family as well.
We bring finger foods and visit for a bit before we begin with our talent portion. I was lame at taking pictures this year apparently....but here is what I have.
Hud, Lincoln, Lauron, Stevie, Aub, Brinley, Christian & CJ King (1st cousin once removed.)
The Vores took this before they headed over, but I wanted to post because I made those shirts! Back row, lft-rt: Maddie, Benja, Jeff, Erin Christ, Kate with Christian, Joseph, Adam, Megan, Charity and Jake Front row: Lauron w/ Lincoln, Rayne, and Angelique (Noah must have been napping.)
Uncle Chris snapped this cute picture of both Tanner and Erin lovingly gazing at Kaide.
I invited Alma and Anna Merriman to join. They are friends from church. Alma just moved here about three weeks ago, and she is already stepping in as a part time caregiver for my mom. She has been a blessing to our family. Right now we have three caregivers: Julie Proctor, Heidy Olivas and Alma. They are all from church (different wards) and each have unique attributes they bring in working with my mom. We love and are grateful for all three.
Everybody loves Grandpa! Here he is with three of his granddaughters: Stevie, Aubrey & Brinley
After we eat and mingle, we share talents. It is very loosely based on the word talent. It's mostly about sharing and having fun together as a family. We had a good mix of impressive and lighthearted.
Grandpa, our MC, and a glance at most of our group. There are a probably 10-15 people on either side of the rug as well.
La sang "O Holy Night" for her talent, and it was beautiful. She has a gorgeous voice.
The Chris Vores did a fun "Mad Glib" type of activity using an AI generator to write it. (Artificial Intelligence) Then as Chris read it, they had to act out whatever crazy thing was said about them. It was silly and original.
Erin Meisje, Jeff and Rayne (foster daughter) did a really cute choreographed rap about their past year. (All three of them studying Chinese, Erin starting a masters program etc..) It was obvious they took the time to prepare and practice. Rayne knew all the words and the dance. She is in kindergarten.
The best was at the end when they announced her pregnancy!!! Everyone was SHOCKED. Only Angelique knew, and the tears and chaos that ensued as everyone rushed them was awesome. Chris, her dad, was in total shock. He kept saying, "REALLY?" and then looking at Ang and saying, "Did YOU know?" Her sisters and sisters in law rushed her with a big group hug. This has been a long time coming and a big blessing for their little family. (And Rayne kept the secret for months!)
We asked Parker to share a brief testimony about his mission, and why he is grateful for the opportunity to serve. It was sweet.
The Birds did a group number by playing a Christmas carol on their floor piano with their feet. We are just a multitalented family, what can we say?! (In reality, Brit and Adam both sing. Char and Hud play the piano. Hud plays the cello and Braddock plays the euphonium. So they could have gone in a very different direction!)
Adam and Megan said their talent this year was her expecting a little girl after having three boys in a row. Here are two of their boys on the swing in the backyard. (Lincoln, Rayne, Cristian and Charlotte standing)
Danielle represented the Kings and shared a poem she wrote. She begins her service mission in a couple of weeks! They were not planning on coming because Laurel's dad, Kent Linde, was in town. I think Chris begged/guilted them into it, and we are so glad they came.
We had the traditional handstand contest. I think it was Benja, Joseph and Danielle with the face off for the older group. And then maybe Hudson was victorious in the younger group....no pictures, so did it really happen?
Then on to the reading of Luke 2 and acting out the nativity.
Front row: Holden, Aubrey, Christian, Lauron, Lincoln and Ella
I love this family tradition of gathering with extended family and a few friends each Christmas Eve. Being all together gives me a little glimpse of how heaven just might be.
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