Week 42 - More Christmas and New Years Eve

Week 42 - December 27th - January 3, 20201

Sunday the 27th was our day the Lavender crew for Christmas. We postponed a day so that everyone could be there. Christian is now a firefighter so we work around his schedule if possible. So the day after Christmas we just hung out and relaxed! Sunday we got up and had our own home church. So happy that this is possible now .and that we don't have to just skip the sacrament. Our Lavender Christmas started with a yummy lunch before we headed to the basement for presents. We decided to wear masks just be safe. Lucky Uncle Kyle and Cousin Nicole (CNA) just got their vaccinations about a week before but still need their second dose before they will be totally protected. The cousins all exchanged presents and Cousin Hunter was so cute! They Grandma Lavender had her usual scavenger hunt for the kids to go find their Christmas money. Then we were able to chat with Cousin Jason and Jill. He has started his lung cancer treatments and has started to see relief from the blood clots in his leg. After too many yummy desserts the others left and we played Phase Ten with Grandma. The kids just learned how to play.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday we hung out again. Tuesday we took Grandma Lavender with us to go see Cousin Tanner and Courtney's new house. We forgot to get a picture but did get one at the new restaurant where we had lunch. Can't remember the name but it was a fried chicken place and it was yummy.

Wednesday was another chill day. Thursday was New Year's Eve. We finally had some plans. We were able to spend an hour skating at the rec center. An hour is all they let you do but it was enough for my feet. Three families came with us. The Dahles, the Drommonds and the Olsens. Mia was very nervous. She had never wanted to try it but today was the day. We did rent her one of the skating walkers and it really helped her confidence. She like it and next time hopefully we won't have to rent one. We had so much fun that no one wanted to go home. So we all grabbed lunch and came back to our house to eat and visit for a couple of hours. 

 

Mia and Dad  & Mia and Lydia Olsen

 

 

Emma and Kate Drommond & Ben Dahle and James

The boys: Adam Drommond, Xander Drommond, James, Ben Dahle, Malaki Olsen and Coen Drommond

 

Mia and Mom & James and Xander Drommond

 

The whole crew 

(almost - missing Mark and Andy Dahle)

That afternoon we headed up to Ogden to the Van Bibbers for more fun. Carly and Jeff were there with all their kids too. I was very excited to hold the twins again and they are so cute and at the perfect age. They smile, sleep through the night and can't move yet. We had dinner, lots of snacks and played more games. We also did fireworks and made it to midnight.

 

 

Someone thought we were making too much noise around 10:30 when we did fireworks and blew horns and called the police. He drove by and asked us what we were doing then left. He didn't really care. It's New Year's Eve, come on people, expect some noise. We didn't want to go outside at midnight. It was freezing!

Saturday Jan. 2nd Daniel and Hannah came to town and we got together again. Daniel wanted to go for Sushi as a celebration of Grandpa Bibber's retirement!! Mckenna works at a sushi place in Ogden and is able to get a discount when she dines in. So it was an adults only (and twins) lunch date. Everyone came except for Quinn and Brock. I took the train up so that Quinn could come later and we would only have one car to drive home. I was excited to try some sushi. I had never tried it because I just didn't know what to order. Well we order a lot and it was all good! After we went back to the house and played more games and stayed way too late again. 

 

 

 

We are just soaking up all the baby love. 

The other kids wrote and performed a play for us. 

Here's the audience and then the performers.

 

Happy New Year and we are so ready to get back to real life and school on Monday.

We are also ready to put this year of 2020 behind us and get to more a normal way of life hopefully!

Merry Christmas!

 December 25, 2020 - Merry Christmas was wonderful. I think everyone was happy. Our only disappointment was that it was not a white Christmas. James and Emma were up early and waited till 8 (the appointed hour) by listening to a book on CD. I think we had to go in and wake Mia up after too many late nights. All the kids were excited by their large stuffed animals. Mia especially. Most of her Christmas list was full of panda this and panda that. Mia was also excited by her new scooter. Emma is very happy that she no longer has to share hers. The kids got books, Legos and remote control cars. But the favorite gift was probably the Nintendo Switch.

 

 

 

 

 

  

After Santa presents we took a break for breakfast and then Grandma Lavender came over for more present opening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family gifts

Quinn always spoils me.

Already playing on the switch!

After a Quinn got a nap and the kids built their Legos we headed up to the Van Bibbers but not before we stopped for nachos on the way. Gas Station Christmas nachos is some Facebook fun that Quinn takes part in. We also stopped to say hi to Great Grandma and Grandpa Zundel from the porch. Mia gave them a craft she made and we sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas. We are sad that they can't join us this year but vaccinations are coming!

 

 

We had a great time with more presents and playing a new trivia game based on what generation you fall into or connect with. Merry Christmas!