{ Christmas Eve . . . Rifes}

We got to Orem around 3pm and were able to help with the set up for Christmas eve dinner with the Parsons family. Once the guests arrived we sat down for a delicious ham and potato dinner. (our second for the day but we aren't complaining!)

{ Andrew, Sophie, Kylie and McKinley }

{ Connor and Ayden }

{ Papa and Nana }

{ Myla Jae }

{ Laura and Hannah }

{ Kiersten and Todd }

{ Jenny and Trevor }

{Brent and Tasha }

After dinner Papa Rich had a game planned. He had purchased 30 gifts and wrapped them all. He passed them out and then read "Twas the Night Before Christmas". Every time he said the word "the" we had to pass to the right and every time he said the word "and" we had to pass to the left. Everyone got a kick out of it! It was so cute that he found this game and prepared it for the group.

After that, the Parson family played a video they had prepared. It was awesome! Each year we see A Christmas Carol at the Hale Center Theater and there are certain lines that we all remember and quote throughout the year. They made a video of clips of them acting out he most memorable parts of the play. It was hilarious!

Next up, Connor and Ayden sang Jingle Bells. They looked at each other with silly looks on their faces through the whole song. It was great.

{ Then Sophie read "I believe in Santa Claus" one of our family's favorite books. }

The Buchanan family got up and sang a song Abby had taught them about Santa. I love that they are all doing the actions in this picture.

{ Since Logan was all warmed up from earlier in the day, he played Silent Night on the trumpet. It was beautiful. }

{ The girls have a tradition of singing Kurt Bestors "A Mother's Lullaby" each year. }

We finished off the program with the Nativity as usual. Papa read as the kids (and Brian and I) played the parts.

{Lined up and ready to go }

{ McKinley as "Mary, Ayden as "Joseph" and Greyson as "Baby Jesus" }

{ Andrew, Sophie, and Uncle Brian as the 3 wise guys, Connor as a shepherd }

It was a very reverent Nativity, better than prior years. The kids have a sweet spirit about them. After the Nativity NanaJan gave the kids their "to be opened on Christmas eve" gift and they all got in their new zip-up team pjs!

We sent the kids downstairs to play while we waited to talk to Elder Rife. We have been so lucky because we got to talk to him last Sunday for his "set up" call. And his Mission President was allowing him to contact us through skype since my mom can no longer speak.

While we were waiting his girlfriend Hilary came over to give us a gift. And what a great gift it was. She told Michael months ago to start recording himself doing missionary work. He also made a video of himself talking to us through the camera. Hilary edited it together and added beautiful music in the background. We all sat and bawled as we listened to him talk about his experience as a missionary and got to see him knocking doors and teaching people. It seems like just yesterday I was there in Korea and that missionary was Elder Hammer. I can't believe my baby brother is that big. He is working so hard, I'm so proud of him.

Once we got the call set up and working, it was so fun to see him and hear his voice. I wish I could've talked to him more but it was so late and we had to get the kids home. He looks so good though and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to speak to him. What a gift that Christmas call is!

By the time we got home the kids were so out of it we couldn't even get them to wake up to put out the cookies for Santa. But we knew they were exhausted from a long day and needed their rest for the exciting day ahead.

{ Christmas Eve . . . Hammers}

Our Christmas Eve is so jam packed with fun, it's unbelievable! I'm sure I break it down in my post each year so this year I will let the pictures do the talking. First up . . .

Pinata~

(First up . . . the girls)

{Clara and Sophie waiting their turn }

It was so cold in the church this year it was almost unbearable. Myla was a grump and not really interested in hitting the pinata.

{Daddy got her to take at least one swing at it}

{ Everybody cracked up when Sophie tried to kick it }

( On to the boys . . . )

{ Ayden is a little timid, but he always gets in a good hit or two }

I tried to get a picture of the kids together but I had to settle for individual head shots.

Logan and Colter started a Kazoo band and Whitney wanted in on the action.

{ Denied! }

Once we were done at the church (and officially had frost bite) we went back to the house for some delicious snacks and got ready for lunch. After lunch it was time for . . .

Santa~

(and of course . . . Logan had to entertain us in the meantime by making fun of his Mother's earrings )

{waiting for Santa }

{ Sophie was first. She sure loves Santa. Especially this particular Santa }

{ Myla was next. And she gave us the classic 2 yr old performance. She did enjoy opening her present though. }

{Ayden was last and had been very patient! }

Nativity~

(The kids go crazy for the Nativity costumes. Sophie was able to be Mary this year and we was really excited about it.)

{ Hadlee and Ayden as shepherds }

{ Sophie and Braden as "Mary" and "Joseph". Precious. }

{ Sophie took her role as "Mary" very seriously }

There was a special musical number performed by Logan, Zack and Colter. Zack has been learning the trumpet at school and he was really excited to perform some Christmas songs. Logan and Colter had so much fun they played a few more songs later and ended up practicing downstairs for a bit as well.

This ended the Hammer festivities . . . but we loaded up and headed down to Orem where the party was just getting started!

{ Hammer Cousin Gift Exchange }

Each year the kids get really excited for the Hammer cousin party. Brammy started this tradition a few years ago and it has been a huge hit! Each child draws a name and is given $3 to spend on that person. We split up and each Mom loads up her car and takes the kids to a different store to choose a gift for their person. Then we come home and sit in a circle to exchange gifts. The kids love it! They get all excited trying to guess who has them and what they are going to get.

{Clara and Sophie }

{ Hadlee, Ayden and Emma }

{Clara, Sophie and Elsie }

Once all the gifts have been exchanged, we sing some reverent Christmas songs and do the candle pass. They kids go around the room in a circle saying what they are thankful for this year. Ayden said he is thankful for Brammy. Sophie said she is thankful for her uncle who is serving a mission in Korea. After their turn they get to turn on their candle and we sing Silent Night. I'm so thankful that Brammy has the patience to do this each year. It is a great memory fore the kids and something they always look forward to.