Our Christmas morning started with a call from Derek wishing us a Merry Christmas, which in China they had already celebrated and were nearly on to the next day! It was good to hear his voice and know that he is doing well.
Christmas Day was clear and sunny. We started the day by going to Neal’s singles ward where I gave the Christmas message. As I was sitting out in the foyer waiting to go in the chapel, I looked up and there was Mindy, Jeff and their children. I said, “What are you doing here?” Mindy laughed and said, “We’ve come to hear you speak!” It was an emotional, happy moment. She then asked if anyone else was there and it was then that the reality of all the kids being told that I was speaking came to me. Lyndsy came in just as the meeting was starting and Maren came while I was speaking. Thank you all for coming.
After sacrament meeting (which only lasted 45 minutes) Neal and I stopped at Lyndsy and James home to see their Christmas. Lyndsy had fixed Café Rio food and it was delicious! James’ parents were visiting from Arizona.
Next stop was Jeff and Mindy’s home. We visited with them and got to see what the kids got for Christmas. Grayson was very excited that he got a guitar and his Uncle Rick was going to teach him how to play it. All the children seemed happy with their Christmas presents.
We decided that Maren and Greg’s home won for the most after Christmas looking front room. When we walked in we saw Jaden on the couch and Brock standing in the middle of the room looking a bit confused. We had a fun visit with them. Maren had worked Christmas Eve night and had to go back Christmas night. Quite a sacrifice for her to come in to hear me speak. Thank you Maren.
Our last stop was to Lynda Ann and Jeff’s. It is fun to visit and have the grandchildren show us what they got and see the excitement in their faces. Emmi got a BYU pillow pet from her friend Derek. Apparently, pillow pets are the rage!
Jeff and Lynda Ann decided rather than spend money on Santa gifts they would use that money to take the family on a three day vacation to downtown Salt Lake. A “staycation”. They have reservations for one of the downtown hotels where they will swim, play, eat out and hang out. They are also going to the zoo to see the zoo lights. Each child has a gift certificate to go shopping when they get back to buy something they want. A fun and creative idea.
We had a bite to eat, played a game and then headed home for a long winter’s nap!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!
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