Christmathanks 2012

Our annual Christmathanks on Thanksgiving was a day to remember as usual. We loved having all those that could make it be there. We missed those who weren't there. A day full of family, presents, food and fun along with Papa J teaching Gabe and Nathan some crazy stuff.

The day dawns bright and early after just a few hours of sleep for me. 

I have a couple of times previously read a Christmas book to the kids on Christmathanks Eve. I'm still debating whether to make it a tradition.

The tree after putting the stockings under. It was getting so late and Jovie was too excited to fall asleep so I had her help me put the presents under the tree and then I had to wait until she fell asleep before I could fill the stockings. The grandchildren know that the goodies in the stocking are from Papa J and me so it really isn't any big secret but it's so fun to be surprised.

This year we did things a bit different. As usual whenever you get up you can get into your stockings but this year we waited awhile to open presents. Rachel and Sean went on a run, Papa J and David picked up the missionaries and went golfing. Michael and Emma were staying at April's house so we waited for that household to get here. So it was basically a slow lazy morning. We had a late morning buffet breakfast of  scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, muffins and juice.

After breakfast we opened up gifts.

Hyrum is loving Yo Gaba Gaba.

Rachel set up a mini salon and started painting fingernails. The little ones were really pampered.

Ainsley so pretty!

Aria's turn.

Mae

Clara

Jovie

A game of scrabble needs to be played when the family is together at some point with who ever. The some point is while the girls were getting their fingernails painted the some with is the Elders, April and Larry.

Oh! Can't forget Asher.

Gabe was getting a little bored and so when the scrabble game was over Papa J started trying to think of something to do with the boys. I mentioned going on a walk but OOOOOHHHHHH no he decided to  teach the boys how to start fires in the house. Misty (his mom) is looking on not even minding. Of course it's not her house that will be burnt down.

Why not learn how to make a fire starter to help start the fire faster. I don't think Gabe is bored any more.

Fire starting in the house is starting to draw a crowd. David (dad) and Nathan want in on the action.

Dinner time! Kids table.

Adult table.

Dig in!

Our first annual talent show was held that evening after dinner was cleaned up and we rested a bit. I loved seeing the performances that were given from singing to dancing.

Owen played the piano for us.

Mae showed us some ballet moves that she has learned.

Gabe played for us very well.

April, Jovie and Ainsley sang baby it's cold outside. Beautiful!

Aria is also taking lessons from Misty to learn to play. Lovely.

Clara showed us some ballet and tap dancing. It was so cute to see these little ones share their gifts, talents and the things they enjoy doing.

Nathan played some music on his french horn.

    He played really well. 

Time to just get some boogie on. Everyone (except the missionaries) joined in on the impromptu dance.

Owen has got some moves.

Owen and Ainsley are not only cousins but good friends and are snuggled up on the couch to watch a movie.

I love the smile on Ethan's face all wrapped up in his quillow I made him.

A wonderful Christmathanks again this year. Until next Christmathanks.

Merry Christmathanks to you!...