Christmas Eve 2021!!!!!!

 

It's CHRISTMAS EVE!!!  The most anticipated night of the year!!  Filled with every good thing and so many people we love!!!!

During the day, Abe took the kiddos (and Clark) to the Museum of Natural History at Thanksgiving Point-- lest their little brains explode with building anticipation-- or lest they pick at and tease each other all day.

Playing some music to pass the time till the family arrives.

My wonderfu sister-in-law (sort of), Misty.  

Jules and Greta

Christmas Eve is our family gingerbread build-- and I must say-- this one is the most fun and the most impressive! 

The theme for this competition was "Deck the Halls"

Our creation was a boxing match between Santa and Frosty.  We won "Most Disturbing".  For the record, we were totally robbed in the final judging!

They won the "Structurally Sound" award

Their staircase was impressive!  They won "Christmas Spirit" award.

Chip led the youngest team and they build a community center for those who had nowhere to go at Christmas.  Way to pull at the judges heartstrings!  They won, "Best Use of Theme".

This team went with the same boxing concept as the first team.

They were victorious!  The "Overall Winner" award.

Frankly,  I think it was Cannon's boxing announcer presentation to the judges that won it.  Alyson Johansen (orange jacket) and Jon (who arrived later because he wasn't feeling well) were our esteemed judges.  

Then we clean it all up and get set up for the big Christmas Eve feast.

This picture of Cannon and his many girl cousins.  They sang "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"

I love that these cousins get along so well.

Bethany did a marvelous job directing this year's Nativity pageant.  Honesty, it was the best it's ever been.  

The cast backstage.

So sweet.

Grandpa sang "Away in a Manger"

I love all these smiling faces.

Opening Christmas pajamas.  Okay, now look carefully at Greta, holding her pajamas, but looking up at Jules, showing her cute panda pajamas.  More on on this dynamic later.

Greta was more than thrilled with her Christmas present from Grandma and Grandpa.

Abe reading Christmas Bell for Anya.

Grandpa reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

We all enjoy Bethany's reading of Cajun Night Before Christmas.  What will we do when she is one her mission next year?

I adore Brigham and George's faces in this picture.

Clark picked up a Hillbilly Night Before Christmas on his mission in Oklahoma.  He and Bethany were very amused:)

It was such an enjoyable, happy evening filled with so much goodness and so many blessings.  No familly is perfect, and ours is no different, but we do enjoy each other, and love each other and try to be there for each other.  And I think that makes a pretty great family.