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December 1 We attended our ward’s Christmas dinner but left early because Kevin had a big school assignment due.
December 3 It was Kayson's “lucky birthday”--three on the third of December, so we decided to plan a special birthday party. Since Kayson loves tractors, bulldozers, front loaders and other large construction vehicles, we decided to do a construction themed birthday party. Each child in attendance was given an orange apron to wear. They were then able to build their own "tool box" which contained spare tires (chocolate donuts), beams (pretzels rods), pebbles (skittles), pipes (licorice) and wrecking balls (malt balls), so that could earn their days wages (chocolate coins). The kids also dug through rice and were given a wooden sleigh project to build at home. We enjoyed a chocolate cake decorated like a construction site with rocky road ice cream.
December 8 Chrissy went to our niece's bridal shower. It was themed “firsts”. Each guest got a different “first” assignment, (first dinner, first vacation, first Sunday study, first fight, etc.) Chrissy was assigned first tradition. She turned the first tradition into “first Valentine’s Day tradition.” She gave the couple two mailboxes for them to start their own Valentine’s Day exchange as well as a fondue maker.
After the shower we drove to Brigham City where we spent the rest of the evening with Chrissy’s father and step-mother. We enjoyed a fun Christmas party and gift exchange.
December 15 Our adoption caseworker came to our home to complete our home study and interviews. We are hoping to be approved for adoption soon! In the evening, we went to see Ralph Breaks the Internet (sequel to Wreck-It-Ralph), which we enjoyed immensely!
December 16 We were sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner, discussing the Sunday school lesson Chrissy taught that day. Kayson was on Chrissy’s lap listening to the conversation. The lesson was about Daniel and his courage to obey the Lord even when doing so was a threat to his life. We were talking about what it means to have courage when Kayson put his hand on Chrissy’s face, looked into her eyes and said, “Mommy has courage.” Our hearts melted by this sweet boy’s kindness and wisdom. Then he proceeded to talk about Daddy God and Mommy God. Wow! Great things are taught and learned when the spirit is in the home.
December 19 Kevin finished his school semester and passed his classes with flying colors.
December 22 We drove to Salt Lake for a very crowded Temple Square experience. Kayson loved the lights! We snapped a really cool picture of the full moon in between the lighted temple and a tree covered in white lights. It reminded us of the Tree of Life.
December 23 We attended an hour Sacrament meeting then we had a short Christmas read-a-thon. We read the Christmas story in the bible and everyone got a new book. Kevin read his Calvin and Hobbes. Kayson enjoyed his fire truck pop up book and we love our 30th anniversary edition of The Princess Bride. In the late afternoon we went to Greg and Lynette’s home for Grandma’s Tasting Table. It was fun because everyone was able to attend including the Arizona Lyman’s (Kimball and Ashley) and the Ballantynes.
We put our wrapped Christmas presents high on a shelf so Kayson wouldn’t open them too soon. All December he was fighting the urge to open them. Then one day he asked very politely, “Can I open a gift?” Chrissy told him “Not until Christmas.” He thought about it for a minute then said, “Okay, how about one gift?” Chrissy said again, “Not until Christmas.” We could see the wheels turning in his mind then he finally said, “Okay, it’s Christmas now.” We laughed really hard, what a joy children are!
December 24 Christmas Eve We relaxed at home all day and got new PJs. In the evening we went upstairs to Lloydel and Kammi’s house and enjoyed a nice chicken and rice dinner. Greg and Lynette, Lloydel’s parents, Lloydel’s Italian friend, and Karalee and kids were also there. The kids participated in a nativity program. Kayson was a super cute shepherd, even though he didn’t like the costume.
December 25 Christmas Day! Kayson is starting to understand the concept of opening presents, it’s very fun to watch his excitement. This year he got some glow in the dark cars and tracks, Lego’s, an airplane, magnetic shapes, and a toy cash register. Kevin got “Ant Man and the Wasp” and season four of “The Flash.” He also got his favorite nut mix (shelled pistachios, cashews, and peanuts), and cash. Chrissy got a book, “It’s Just my Nature” by Carol Tuttle, the last season of “The Middle”, some makeup and brushes, and some cash. Lloydel and Kammi invited us to breakfast. We hung out with them for a couple of hours and Karalee and her kids came to visit too. It was a great Christmas! We are very grateful this year for the miracle of Christ.
December 26 We enjoyed the Lyman gift exchange, especially since everyone was home for Christmas! Kevin got some books (The Tenth Rangers Apprentice book, the fifth book of Heroes of Olympus and Dragon Watch), Chrissy got a gift card to Charming Charlie and Kayson got a Disney Cars book set.
December 29 We attended CJ and Tacie’s sealing, Tacie is our beautiful niece. It was a beautiful ceremony and reminded us of the wonderful blessings that can be ours if we are faithful to our covenants. We also attended the luncheon and reception. At the reception we thoroughly enjoyed the crepes and hot chocolate bar.
December 31 New Year’s Eve We took Kayson with us to the movies and saw “Mary Poppins Returns”. After Kayson was in bed we stayed up and watched “Mission Impossible Rogue Nation” and ate way too much junk food, as always.