This year for Christmas we were in Riverton with all of the Grubers! It was absolutely wonderful! Max and April graciously offered their home for Christmas this year to accommodate more space and to take some of the load off of George and Nancy. We knew not being at "Grandma and Grandpa's House" would make things feel a little different and we were curious to see how it would play out. It seriously was so much fun, and Max and April did a fabulous job making everyone feel right at home and comfortable. Everything felt just "as right" as it should be!
I didn't end up writing any notes down for myself from the week-long gathering we had because Max and April had displayed a comprehensive schedule of activities in their kitchen. It was pretty dang impressive! It also included the daily menu, as well as who was in charge of helping prepare it!
We arrived in Riverton on Sunday, the 23rd, where we were met with a delicious chicken pot pie! Excitement, of course, was at maximum capacity. Then we started the holiday off right with frosting sugar cookies!
All of the cousins slept in the basement play rooms. Charlie and Colson were stoked to be sleeping over with Duke and Oliver. They did great (or as good as one could hope a dozen of excited children could do sleeping right next to each other)!
And always my favorite, the games commenced once the kids were in bed!
For the Grubers, the Christmas Eve meal is the big/special meal of the holiday. Traditionally, we have had amazing prime rib! The tradition continued this year and required special care.
When we weren't prepping dinner, we were just enjoying each others company. Christmas Eve also included the Gruber Talent Show (this time no church stage needed). We just did it in their family room and it was great! We also did the nativity re-enactment later that evening.
watching a Christmas movie before bed
Christmas Day was purely wonderful! Santa came, we spent a lot of time opening gifts from each other, and we got to relax playing with new toys, games, and eating great food and treats! Our little family got to sneak a way for a bit to join a video call with my family when Elder Bryan Arbon made his Christmas phone call!
We had the Grubers this year for Christmas and gave each of them a personalized mug!
An exciting gift from Uncle Alan to all of the cousins
Not only did Charlie get awesome laser guns from Santa this year, but Uncle Alan surprised each family with their own set of laser guns! The laser battles that ensued were epic and so much fun!
The day after Christmas, George treated us to his amazing cinnamon rolls of perfection! We got to play in the snow (always so thankful when there is snow!). We also spent a good part of the afternoon at the church gym where we played lots of sports, rode around, and the highlight was laser tag!
The next day was December 27th, Jason and my anniversary! We got to just lounge around and spend more time with the fam!
The next day was kind of the designated day for those who had to get out and get things done. Karl and Jason did partial days of work, and the Tuttles left for a bit to visit other loved ones. Jason returned with some much appreciated goodies!
Crumbl Cookies!
Before we knew it, it was Saturday! This day we celebrated Clara and Capri's birthdays, did a tour of the Dunford Bakery, and went swimming at the Herriman Rec Pool. Such a fun day!
One of the gifts we gave Colson and Charlie this year was Shutterfly Photo Books complete with PicSkip Video Codes. Colson was excited to show it to others.
On Sunday, I had to return to Orem for my final Sharing Time (as mentioned in a previous post), while the others headed to Salt Lake for Music and the Spoken Word. Then we all met up in Alpine to spend some time there, play in the snow, and to visit Great Grandma Gruber.
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Next was New Years Eve! We were back in Riverton relaxing, playing, eating. It was great! We also hit up Scheels and enjoyed their ferris wheel and ice cream.
The late evening was complete with a dance party...and games...
until finally...
And then the next morning...
An absolutely fantastic week! So much fun!
I love Christmas!
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