Ohhhhh, this is just my favorite party of the year: The Hatch Family Christmas Party! The only damper on the party was that Brantly's kids ended up sick with colds, so they stayed home. We missed them like crazy. We ate Raclette, had a hysterical white elephant game, enjoyed homemade cookies, and just laughed the night away. So grateful for the strong relationships we enjoy with each other.
Some of my favorite things to do during the Christmas holiday is to attend my children's Christmas concerts. Jaxson has been in the 7th grade choir and has actually enjoyed it. Taylor's concerts at LPHS have been extraordinary so I knew her Christmas concert would be extra special. And it was!
Our Ward Christmas Party was an elegant event too. The Hunts do an incredible job making the party an experience. There were testimonies from our missionaries, "fake" candles glowing and dangling from trees, and yummy food!
After the party, we enjoyed listening to Taylor perform at her Vocal Recital in Lindon. I love hearing her sing!
Since Dave had worked every day since August 14, I wanted to give him a day to just relax, have fun, and SLEEP! Bobby and Nancy had invited us to go to the MOTAB Christmas Concert with them so I arranged for a night at the City Creek Marriott so we could just hang out, relax, and sleep in! And it was the perfect get-away. We shopped for a few hours and then met Bobby and Nancy at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, cheesecake, and great conversation. The concert was extraordinary. The music just sank into my veins and I couldn't stop smiling and tearing up. Nancy and Bobby loved their first concert too! After the concert, we just strolled back to our hotel without having to fight the traffic. Just awesome! The next morning, Dave was able to sleep until about 11:00am. We ate breakfast/lunch at Iggys on our way home to get the kids from Doug and Melissa's and Barbara's house. Later that evening, we attended the Manila Stake Christmas Fireside where Taylor, Austin, Alyssa, and I each participated. Our weekend was incredibly wonderful and the perfect way to bring in the Christmas season!
Thanksgiving stormed in so fast, we couldn't believe it had arrived! We hosted again this year since Dave had to work. Justin and Jeff's families came. We had the greatest time laughing, eating, playing games, watching football, and simply being together.
We seem to be constantly on the run these days. As long as we are together as a family, I don't mind so much. Between Alyssa's basketball games, BYU football, Lone Peak High School football, baptisms, and trying to support our friends and family, we have been stretched with our time but our hearts have been filled with memories and joy!
