We had a FABULOUS holiday this year. I went home on the Wednesday before with Carlie and Devin came Friday morning. We were able to stay clear through Tuesday, which is like a record for us. Usually we are there 1-2 days and then have to get back for work. So it was especially nice to be able to relax and just do whatever we want without feeling too rushed to see everyone and do everything.
DAY ONE: The 23rd is my grandma's birthday (dad's mom) as well as my cousin Carlie's birthday (mom's side). Each year we have an annual celebration called "Carlie Stew" that my Uncle Charlie used to head up before he died. Now we just order from a local restaurant, Chiz's, and enjoy the food someone else makes. This year, we went to lunch for the big birthday for Carlie and then spent the afternoon sledding behind the snowmobiles at my aunt and uncle's house. I went to dinner with my dad, sister, aunt, and uncle for Grandma's birthday and then headed back to the other Grandma's house for the rest of Carlie's bash. (Can you tell it gets confusing for Hallie when we talk about "grandmas"? She has a billion. She mentions a grandma, then clarifies, "the other grandma" and we still have no idea who she means...)
Avery is just a few years older than Hals, but ya know, Hallie sure is drowning her here, huh?
I didn't ride on the sled because I was afraid it would send me into labor, but I did ride on the snowmobile. I thought it was safe as it was Uncle Charlie's and is at least 15 years old, tops out at 25 mph, and we were on a flat surface. It was great.
Hallie loved both riding on the sled and riding on the machine. She is an animal. She laughed the whole time while going on rides. For Christmas Eve, we have an annual Strobel Family Party at my Grandma's house. Since my grandpa passed away this year, my dad was in charge of the "State of the Family Address." It was about 10 times shorter than my Grandpa's version, but he did a nice job of covering the important topics.
We of course have to have the Nativity as well, which wouldn't be complete without a few kids picking their noses (not pictured- you can thank me later), a few fights over who gets to be who, and a few tantrums from those children who refuse to participate (such as Hallie. She was supposed to be an angel, but refused to wear the crown. She kept saying "YOU wear it Mommy." Now that would have looked silly). Needless to say, this tradition is one of my favorites.
Another favorite part is catching up with cousins that I don't get to see as often as I would like. Anneka and I grew up together and went to high school together and have been great friends for years, but we only get to see each other a few times a year due to her living in Washington and my living in Utah. At least we are family so we happen to bump into each other at family parties and get togethers. Yay for that.
After the Strobel party, we head to my dad's house to open presents with him. On the way there, Hallie busted out the laptop. It took Devin and I a minute to notice that she was being particularly quiet, so we looked back to see this. She announced that she was doing homework. Then I turned the camera to video to see if she would repeat it, but she then said she was "doing mom's work." Wouldn't that be nice? I am sure she would write a fabulous home study. Anyway, the movie turned out really dark, otherwise I would post it.
The highlight of the night for Hallie was the bike that Grandma and Grandpa gave her! Her own wheels-she is so excited. She had everyone push her around the house at least a few times. We will work on her learning to do the pedals herself, but right now she is just a bit short. Should be perfect this summer, though! Isn't it crazy that our baby is big enough to ride a bike????
Hallie also loved walking around with the bags on her head, as pictured here. What a goof.
DAY THREE: Merry Christmas! The big day finally arrived. I love Christmas and everything about it. I always wish the day would go in slow motion because it always seems to end too quickly. Before the festivities began, Hallie wanted to pose for a picture for me. What a cutie.
Opening her stocking. She was spoiled by both sets of grandparents. So much so that Devin and I decided we never need to buy her a gift again and she won't know the difference.
My mom made these cute aprons for all the girls. I am excited to have one that is actually decent looking, instead of the one I sewed when I was like 14 during lessons with my grandma (who told me as kindly as possible that I should probably stick to zig zag stitch while my sister and other two cousins were free to use the straight stitch. See why I haven't sewn a thing since?)
Hallie loved opening presents. She barely got through one before she was on to the next one. She even insisted upon opening other people's presents. When she and Sadie had the same gift from Grandma, she would want to trade multiple times to have her hands on both in the opening process.
Grandma Lisa got the girls these cute outfits, which they both insisted upon putting on immediately. Everyone laughed at how Sadie's bum sagged in hers, but Hals' was quite tight. :) Poor girl.
Later that afternoon, we headed to my Grandma Daniels' house for her annual party. When I think of Christmas, it is not complete without being at my Grandma's house. There is just so much going on and I love being with everyone.
Hallie and Jack got a ride from Houston in this bucket for quite some time. What entertainment!
Hallie is such a cheeseball. Please explain to me why she refuses to keep her hair done? Oh well, its like a trademark for her now. Crazy hair-Crazy Hallie.
My grandma just loves Devin. She tells me every opportunity that she has what a "Prince Charming" he is. She kept her hand on his knee during the entire gift opening process. I think its cute that she loves him so much and agree that he is a great egg.
Of course no party is complete without games galore and in the Clark family nonstop food. No matter that we just ate a huge meal. We continue to each large pickles, candy, nuts, desserts, relish tray, and shrimp. If you are not eating, you are not a Clark.
DAY FOUR:
Sunday we spent the morning at Church and then headed to my dad's house for lunch. We spent the afternoon there and then went to my aunt and uncle's house for a large round of games. If you have never played Clue Charades, you should. It is HILARIOUS. I am sorry to say that I did not take any pictures of this event. Maybe next time.
DAY FIVE:
Monday we decided to head back up to Sue and Judd's house for more snowmobiling/sledding action. My grandma insisted that we should go for Devin since he wasn't there when we went before. This time turned out to be a HUGE party on the hill as extended families from various family members showed up. It was great, despite the harsh and freezing wind.
I am not even going to post the full body shot of my awesome suit, but let's just say that it is awesome. This is my grandma's suit and she kindly brought it for me...knowing my pregnant state, she brought me the Men's XL. Super awesome. Its a one piece extravaganza from 1980 or prior and even comes complete with a belt. Good thing I'm not ashamed.
Devin and Hallie went down the hill a few times and then we decided that it was too cold for her so we went in. I rode on the sled behind the machine this time and had a great time. No worries, no labor for me.
Once inside, we all ate (again), had hot chocolate, and colored some pictures. This is a Clark trait through and through. Almost everyone loves to color and so each family party, people can be found at one time or another sitting around coloring a picture. Sue has these awesome HUGE coloring books which make coloring all the better.
DAY SIX:We packed up early so that we could get on the road back home. Though the time in Idaho was lovely, it is always nice to get home too. I should have taken pictures of the car. We had so much junk, it was all packed in everywhere. The trunk, the seats in the back, my feet, everywhere. Good thing Devin has the "packing disease" and can shove things and make them fit.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Truly we are blessed and we are grateful for the birth of the Savior, which is the true reason we celebrate the season.
call me "trouble"
