Slugs and Snails....: Christmas '08

We spent Christmas this year visiting Grandma Janny, Grandpa Dan and most importantly, aunt Ella in Colorado. Because of some complications at Haws Woodworks, we almost didn't get to go but luckily things worked out at the last minute and we had a great family vacation! It was fun to hang out at my mom and dad's house with all my siblings and we went and did lots of fun things, too.

One night we went to the zoo lights which was really "cool". There were neat animals, fancy lights and temperatures in the teens. It was esspecially "cool" for Russell since he spilled pop all over himself in the car on the way there. Luckily uncle Marky had stuck a quilt in the back of our van the day before for some reason. We rented a wagon and had Russ and Ella ride bundled up in the quilt.

We all met at the Downtown Aquarium for lunch one day. The Dan party of 17. They have a delicious seafood restraunt with walls made out of giant fish tanks. It was yummy and fun for everyone. The kids esspecially loved their desert which was a fish shaped rice crispie treat with a tray of runny frosting, paint brushes and all kinds of candy to decorate with. I'm storing that idea in my mind for a rainy day.

One morning we drove down to the church to play volleyball. The kids ran around and had a good time while we had a little friendly competition. Grandma Janny and aunt Kate did not want to play so they watched from the overflow while protecting the babies from the volleyball and older kids.

My mom, sisters and I wanted to make sure the guys in the family got to have fun on this vacation because often when we get together the girls go off shopping and leave the men to babysit. So we sent the guys off skiing one day while we played with the kids. Some of them played basketball another morning and for Christmas we each gave our husbands, and Mark tickets to the Avalanche/ Red Wings game. They took the lightrail (sp?) to the arena from Mary Lynn's house and had seats in the 11th row! They all had a blast. They game was fun, the seats were awesome and the people watching was fantastic!

My Mom and Dad had their usual Christmas Eve party with half their ward and neighborhood at their house. Tons of yummy food, a visit from Santa, a fun talent show and Grandpa Dan read the Christmas story from the scriptures. Russ did some cartwheels for his talent, Taylor recited "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", Ella and Grandma Janny did a piano duet. Ben didn't feel too well, so he mostly just cried. : (

Christmas morning was all it is cracked up to be. Lots of presents for lots of people. The only downside was that there were some of our family members missing. Aunt Becky and her family were not there BUT they flew in later that day so we got to have another mini Christmas on Christmas night. We also missed being with Jeremy's family for the holiday BUT we were lucky to be able to see most of them at Elise's baptism right before we left out of town. Elise is the first of our kids cousins to be baptized so it was pretty exciting! All in all, we had a super fun Christmas this year!

Taylor showing off his cool new basketball shoes. What a tuff guy!

Dad and Ella Mom and Taylor

Jeremy with Taylor and Russell
Immediately after wrapping this gift, Russ ran downstairs and showed the package to Jeremy. "We got you a present in here and it is soap!" squealed the excited little boy. Taylor quickly whispered something in Russell's ear and then said, "Dad, he was just kidding. He's trying to trick you."