Christmas 2007

I know I am still way behind, but slowly and surely I will get caught up!!! Christmas was absolutely amazing! My entire family got together for Christmas for the first time in 6 years! We all met up in St. George, Utah. Tregg and Yessi were so wonderful to let us all crash at their house Christmas Eve. We started out the weekend on Saturday, the 22nd getting family picutres taken. Okay, there are now 34 of us...20 grandchildren...10 being 3 or younger. This could have been CRAZY! But surprisingly the pictures went really well! Everyone of the kids cooperated. I am so excited to get them back because we have not had a picture with all of us for forever! In fact, Kyson is not in any of the "big" family pictures and he is now 6. That evening after the pictures we were able to go out to dinner just as adults! Talk about amazing! Angie Poulton, Heidi's sister-in-law offered to watch all of the grandkids for us. We had such a great time actually having adult conversation! Sunday we all went to church with Tregg and Yessi. The poor nursery leader was taken 6 visitors! They were great sports, and some of the mom's stayed to help! Monday, Christmas Eve, we all went bowling. We had so much fun! The kids thoroughly enjoyed being with each other! Later that evening we all went to Tregg and Yessi's. Yessi and her mom made us the most amazing meal ever!!! We had an authentic Mexican meal. They made tamales, enchiladas, beans, rice, and tacos for the kids. I can honestly say that I have never had a more delicious meal, even in a restaurant! It was so awesome! It was fun to have something different than the traditional Christmas Eve dinner! After dinner the kids played downstairs in the basement and we all got the best surprise! Santa came knocking on the door. All of the kids just lit up! There was so much excitement! I loved it! All of the kids got pajamas from Santa and hurried and changed into them. They all got ready for the "cousin" gift exchange. It was great to see the kids giving to each other taking their eyes off of themselves! Christmas morning was absolutely perfect! The kids actually slept in pretty well. Keesha and I were up all night however, but I will cherish the time we had together. I love Keesha so much, and just wish we had more time together! Anyway, the gift opening started around 7:30 and it was so fun. Kyson was so excited to get more games for his DS and Heeley's. I think his favorite gift however was his tennis raquet and balls because his dad got one as well. They are both excited for the weather to get nicer so they can go play tennis together! Tylee's highlight was her "baby alive". She was so excited!!! And Taya didn't seem to care either way. But mom's favorite gift Taya got was her leap train and of course her first baby doll. We then of course had to have the "famous" Holbrook Christmas breakfast! It was so delicious and rejuvinated so many memories. I really will always cherish the memories that we made this year. My family is so very important to me and I love the closeness that we share. It is such a blessing to be able to have all of us together and have everyone get along the entire time. I am so grateful to have 3 new sisters and 2 new brothers that I love so very much! Everyone of the children got along so well and formed even stronger bonds. Thank you to all of my family members for being the BEST ever!!! I will never forget this Christmas and hope that we will not wait 6 years for another one! I love you all!!!