Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning in Mapleton

We spent Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning with mom, dad and Mike. We had a great time. We had a yummy ham dinner, followed by games, then the kids opened their Christmas Eve presents of  pajamas. Melia was so excited to get her pj's. At one point, I had told Allie that they would really love them, to which she exclaimed "Cat pajamas!" Sadly, no, Disney pajamas. I guess I know what I can look for next year. All of us really do love our kitty, even though he's kinda a bad kitty and likes to jump on us and bite us.

We also watched a recording of this year's Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Music and the Spoken Word with their special guest. It's a guy who's in the broadway production of Les Miserables. It was really good. I really liked that they told the story of the candy bomber from WWII, then the actual candy bomber came out. He's in his 90's and walks straight as an arrow. Can still wear his uniform. That was great.

Sitting down to dinner

kids with pajamas and girls with rings that grandpa made them

Melia, Kamiko and Allie

mom and dad - aren't they cute?!

The pajamas. Winnie the Pooh for Mel and Minnie for Allie. Plaid WITH POCKETS for Kamiko

Years ago, Emily jokingly asked grandpa why he made swords for the boys, but never anything for the girls, like a headband or something. Well, he came through with rings!

After dinner Canasta game

We all slept well and the kids got up around 9:30. Allie woke the others. She was tired of waiting. We took turns opening presents and had a great time. We relaxed, ate a yummy breakfast of Swedish waffles (made with whipping cream, butter and flour), and relaxed more. We came back home later in the afternoon. It was a lot of fun.

After borrowing mom's and Melia's brush, Kamiko finally has his own.
It's a gold one from Santa!

Kitty with Mickey Mouse ears for Allie to put on the car

Collector's pin that Melia had been eyeing at Disneyland

Watch that Melia was dying to get

Looks like Kamiko is happy with the shirt Mel got him at JC Penney

For Grandpa, the kids re-enacted a photo that was taken when Kamiko was 5, Allie was 3 and Melia was 1.
It was hilarious!

Ah, the sweater Allie really wanted. Had to drive to Sandy to get the right size, only to find out Mel got it, too.
Had Mel return it and get her something else.

Powdered peanut butter for Mike's smoothies. One is chocolate peanut butter flavored.
I love them and am confident he will, too.

Again, the sweater!

Grandpa with his cool Justin Bieber present

Very nice sweatshirt Herb got

And Justin Bieber reveals a poster from Gripsholm Castle in Sweden.
Turns out that the ship dad rode to Sweden on his mission was called the Gripsholm.
We just thought this would be lovely artwork for his workshop.

Keen bought himself a present that he couldn't resist!

Ready to go!

As always, it was a great Christmas. I love spending time with family and especially my kids. I love seeing them surprise each other and other family members. Kamiko gave grandpa a gift of going to a Jazz concert together. All the kids gave mom a lovely scarf that she really likes. The girls really spoiled each other and the rest of us. It has been a good year!