{ 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.