Five Family Festive Days (1)

This year over Christmas break all of my siblings were able to get together at my parent’s house. Since everyone had different schedules my mom planned some activities during the “overlap” time, fondly known as our Five Family Festive Days.

Five Family Festive Days Day 1 (Thursday, Dec 24)

Today we had a treasure hunt around my parent’s property. Miriam, Scott and I got 1st place, since we were the only team to find the gum tree (gum taped on a tree). Go team!

After lunch we did a service project—making (cutting and tying the edges of) blankets for those in need.

Above: Hannah and mom tying the edges

Above: showing the finished blankets

And every year on Christmas Eve we act out the nativity.

Above: our shephard family

Above: Matthew sporting his shephard costume

Above: the cast

Five Family Festive Days (2)

Five Family Festive Days Day 2 (Friday, Dec 25)

Christmas!! Matthew and Cameron loved having a few new presents, but I would have to say, Daniel was the most fun to watch as he opened his Wii Nintendo. Although he has wanted one for a while, my parents have always been against owning a Nintendo, so we were all pretty surprised as well. I guess my dad got sucked in since it is “interactive” and he can use it to work out.

Above: Daniel excited/shocked about his new Wii

Above: Cameron, Emerson and Matthew

The three cousins

Above: Matthew holding his baby cousin Emerson

After lunch we played outside. Some activities included volleyball, badminton, and ping pong.

Above: Miriam, Hannah and Wendy

Above: Joseph and James

Above: Cameron with Grandpa & Grandma

 

Above: playing on grandma and grandpa's slide

Matthew loved going on a bike ride with Grandpa

Five Family Festive Days (3)

Five Family Festive Days Day 3 (Saturday, Dec 26)

We took family photos and decorated gingerbread houses in the morning. We enjoyed my parent’s fire pit by roasting hot dogs for lunch. And after lunch we gave my dad his Christmas present--working in the yard for a few hours

Family Photos...

And Gingerbread Houses...

Hot dogs for lunch...

And our family work project--fixing up the yard...

Five Family Festive Days (4)

Five Family Festive Days Day 4 (Sunday, Dec 27)

We went to church and enjoyed family time looking at old family photos, slides and videos.

Above: Melissa, Dallin, Rebecca, Scott and Mindy

Above: Joseph and Sarah

Five Family Festive Days (5)

Five Family Festive Days Day 5 (Monday, Dec 28)

In the morning we played games and relaxed. After lunch we went on a picture scavenger hunt around Granite Bay. We can now find our way around the town, including how to get to the bus stop.

Oakland Temple

We had a fun visit to the Oakland Temple to see all the lights. Matthew and Cameron loved it!