Christmas 2008

Mesa Temple's Christmas lights - a beautiful detour on the way to the Phoenix airport to pick up Kenna.

Marah wasn't smiling later that evening and into the wee hours of the morning. Kenna' plane was delayed (as Marah's had been 3 days previously). Once again we were driving I-10 highway at 3 am... Adding to the long evening, Kenna's luggage was lost. Welcome home college daughters! Besides previously blogged flu shots, 2008's Christmas followed tradition.

Our annual Winterhaven walk followed by the the opening of one gift.

Then it was off to fold newspapers into the early morning hours while Santa went to work. Wasn't Santa surprised to awake at 5:30am and realize that a quick 'rest' on the couch had turned into a long, winter's nap!

Santa was very grateful that the children at this home weren't early risers!

Soon the stockings were filled and the gifts were under the tree. It was time to wake up the newspaper folders. I reached behind the tree to turn the lights back on... AND FELL! Of course, Russell in preparation for the annual 'Christmas morn' stairway photo, had camera in hand and enjoyed snapping pictures of me pinned behind the tree. (No gifts were harmed...)
I'll spare you the view from his favorite angle...
Coby declined to participate in this family photo tradition...

Another Christmas enjoyed together - though we missed our "Blood" part of the family who were in West Virginia. (Sometimes I really HATE sharing!)

Next Christmas, I hope Seth is the one in the tree!!!