Family Christmas Parties (AKA- the parties with the best food!)

^^The best food AND.....the best family!

The first event that took place once we got to Utah was our family Christmas parties.

But wait...rewind...we arrived in Utah (via my dad flying to California and driving home with me and the kids. Seriously, he's the greatest! Rob and I were so thankful. Rob couldn't come for as long as I wanted to, and I definitely couldn't make the drive by myself with the kids. Dad was the solution to our problem and we love him for it).....anyways.....we arrived in Utah on Friday night (Dec. 13th) and were greeted with lots of family loving on us, crying b/c they missed us so much, and playing galore. Gramma had "welcome jammies" for the little kiddos and a new book for Drake. It was the Elf on the Shelf which came the next day! My sister Hannah arranged for all of that and took care of it. It made it pretty fun for Drake!

So, the next day was our family parties.

Oh, how I adore our family Christmas parties! I love seeing all my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma & grandpa, etc, etc...it was so much fun this year! (we missed Rob though)
Drake & that smile. ha oh dear.

I always cherish pictures of my Grandma Rose with me and the kids as her health is failing and she doesn't always remember us. Dementia has now affected the lives of both of my grandmas and I'm just not a fan of it whatsoever.

Celebrating Grandma Rose's birthday...all the siblings (plus cute Kami)

 

Photo booth fun-

Some of us liked it. :)

Hugs for Elder Payne (just 5 1/2 more months to go!)

 These two were twinners pretty much everyday while we were there- it just had to be done. :) 

 "Oh...hello...no, I'm not stuffing my face with candy."

 Loving on sweet Sara- 

 There's always a little program for the family to perform their talents and I was SO proud of Drake for being brave enough this year to stand up in front of lots of people and do it. He played a scale on the piano-

Then sang "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (Yes, and I beamed with pride for my cutie)

 Then, the kids acted out the nativity.

This year was a special one because Drake got to be Joseph and Sara was baby Jesus. Aubrey was the sweetest Mary and took great care of Sara. Hannah was the donkey. 

I just have to show this cute video of the kids after the nativity. It's just not easy for the little babies to have to stand there singing songs away from their mommies. So funny and cute!

After the Rose party, we headed across town to the Payne party which was so much fun too!

We played games, ate food, talked and remembered Grandma, played basketball, visited, and played bingo.

Oh, and of course, the best part of all! Santa came!

The look on Drake's face when he heard Santa's bells as he came running down the hall and into the room was unforgettable. He looked like he was going to cry because he was so excited. Santa & Drake had a good little chat that night. 

 It was such a great day to start off in Utah, surrounded by family!