"Everywhere in nature we are taught the lessons of patience and waiting. We want things a long time before we get them, and the fact that we want them a long time makes them all the more precious when they come." -Joseph Smith
On Christmas Eve the Davis side celebrates all day with Bowling, Pizza, Movie, Egg Nog Toast, gift exchange. This year we had Drew's brother Steve & wife Rachelle. Drew's brother Alex & wife Danielle had us. It was a lot of fun!
We saw Wreck It Ralph for the movie. This year we took the kids and we all really enjoyed it! I was impressed with how well they did. Movie theaters aren't really enjoyable for little ones and they are starting to get old enough! They hated the chairs. Their little bums aren't big enough! lol!
Drew was the champ for the guys last year, but lost it to his dad this year. Lindsey was the winner last year, and I won it from her! Ben & Aria shared a slot and did really well. It was fun!
My family does a gift exchange between couples, and a separate one for the kids. We had my sister Peggy and husband Lance. Ben drew Aria's name, and Aria drew Jake's name. Tim drew Ben's name. We had a yummy dinner, played games. opened presents and made gingerbread men! (We used this recipe) it was a super fun activity!
A while back we took a drive up the canyon to see the changing leaves. It's so beautiful and something we love doing every year.I made some yummy pumpkin cupcakes with Pumpkin cream frosting. They were a hit!
A beautiful lake just in front of us. A playground just to the right of us. A golf course behind us, and bathrooms and showers a bit to the left of us. How much nicer of a vacation/campout can there be?
Palisades is truly a beautiful place. It's where us Davis's go each year for our annual family camping trip. We missed our sister-in-law Rachelle and her kids though! Maybe next year. Granny and Grandad came this year though! That was a special treat. I love chatting with them!
First thing the morning we were to be leaving, Aria & Ben's reactions:
We always seem to find interesting bugs in Palisades. This year was no different.
We even got to go out on the boat this year! Drew spent most of the daytime golfing and with all the storms we had in the evenings, he didn't ever make it to the water with the kids and I. I was worried we wouldn't get a chance on the boat as I didn't dare go on it without him. We haven't been on the boat much the past few years.
Nap times while camping are pretty difficult. Just ask Ben. He did okay with them. Aria doesn't take naps much any more, but sometimes still needs them. I didn't get any photos of Ben sleeping because I didn't DARE disturb him when he was actually asleep (30 min maybe?)
Drew's awesome sister Lindsey is getting married soon! On the 18th a couple neighbors/friends threw a shower for her and had it in our backyard. It was so much fun! Lindsey is such a wonderful girl. Ben is a lucky guy to have her!
Anna, Ericka & Karla
Lindsey telling how they met & proposal story
Opening gifts! She got so many things! So sweet of everyone.
