Christmas Eve

At Gma and Gpa Wardwell's house for Christmas Eve, there was a wonderful dinner and fun games.  Here is Ammon representing our family in this age group.  

We also tried the Nativity at their house.  The Wardwell's don't usually do this, but had us head it up.  It was fun.  This is something we will do every year.  Reenacting the birth of Christ is hands on learning for kids and such a testimony of how important this event and His life, in the history of humanity is pinnacle to our Salvation.  The Wardwell's didn't do a traditional Secret Santa, but a family giving to another.  This has gone on a few years, but this year was special...in my eyes.  With allowance (now changing to commissions in January) each month, I decided that they need the opportunity to give.  Sure they pay their tithing, but a jar was set aside each pay day and they had the opportunity to give whatever their heart desired or not to give...they weren't badgered if they didn't give, it was a choice.  We told them, whatever they totaled in donations by the end of the year, we as parents would match it.  They donated up to $70+ so as a whole family, we donated I think $140-150 (can't remember the total) to the big Wardwell family donation.  This year it went to a family Trent's parents picked out in their ward.  Gma had the older grand kids ding dong ditch the gift on night.  This was a great lesson that lasted all year long.  I hope to continue it this next year.

On the Palmer side, we had Tony for secret Santa, and this is him sporting our gift saying Thank you.  Big Devils fan...

Back home, we opened PJs and our own family secret Santa gifts.  It's a lot of fun to see our kids so excited to give.  Their hearts are so big.  Merry Christmas

Sadly, I didn't take any pictures on Christmas day!!  Weird I know!  I have video...something I've been bad at, so that took priority :o)  It was a fun day.  Kids slept great altogether downstairs...we had to wake them at 7am!  Weird again!  It was a great morning.  Then we spent the day at the Wardwells again eating and spending time with cousins.