christmas 2014

Our 2014 Christmas season was full of gratitude for and reflection on the birth of the Savior, as well as lots of time spent together as a family. What could be better?!

Here are some of the highlights ... 

Church nativity event!

Many beautiful and unique nativity displays as well as walls lined with pictures/paintings of Jesus Christ. This picture was just one of the fun little bonuses of the event (glad Heidi could be with us). 

An attempt at Holiday with Lights at our local amusement park. 

Pretty much a total fail as it was pouring rain and within about 30 minutes we were soaked through and ready to go home for hot chocolate! Still made for a fun (if a bit crazy, cold, and wet) activity with the fam--not one we're likely to repeat however. 

Gingerbread house decorating. 

I think most participants lost interest fairly quickly, and shifted focus to eating the candy;). 

Visit to the annual Gingerbread display at the Sheraton Hotel in Seattle. 

It was really amazing to see the creations that people (architectural firms and such I believe) came up with--turtle/tropical theme, Seattle skyline, Santa village, etc. We actually took the light rail up just for fun and definitely enjoyed our time together. That said, it would probably be most enjoyed as a date for mom and dad or maybe just with an older kid or two. The wait in line to actually get up close to the displays is quite long, and time spent really viewing the displays is brief, so perhaps not the absolute best outing with younger kids. 

And what do you know, Christmas came around before we knew it!

We were hanging out and eating a delicious dinner as a family ... 

Playing some traditional Minute to Win it games

Jingle bell hop!

Kevin was busy timing, so didn't do any hopping himself (I'm sure he was very sad). Grandma Loo was up for the challenge, though, and the missionaries were over for the festivities so got to try out their hopping skills as well!

Jill may have been my favorite hopper of the evening (apologies to all the other contestants)!

Kevin did put down the timer long enough to try his hand at the snowball toss. Those styrofoam balls aren't the easiest to throw/aim, though, so I'm not certain he was thrilled with the result (see picture at lower right for proof). 

The final game of the night was the infamous Cookie Face. Nothing like the accomplishment of eating a cookie once it has slithered down your face (dropped on the floor a time or two) and then made it's way into your eager mouth! 

After games, the missionaries (aka, elders) shared a beautiful Christmas message/video with us and then said their goodbyes. Following which, the kiddos got to open their presents from each other and Grandma. 

In case it's not obvious, Grandma really kinda likes the Seahawks.

What a fun way to end the night! I think there was actually a nativity scene in here somewhere too, but can't seem to find the pictures for that part. 

And now, for Christmas morning ...

Once everyone was finally awake (and Kevin went downstairs to turn on the lights and Christmas music and confirm that Santa had in fact come) we all went hustling down to join him and see what prizes we might spend the day (and hopefully weeks and months ahead) enjoying and giving thanks for. Many of the surprises were shared family gifts this year (chrome books, wii u, etc.).

What a great season of the year and time to be together as a family enjoying the sweetest moments of life and remembering in whom we put our faith, hope, and trust.

Merry Christmas!