We got an extra special Christmas treat this year! We got to fly to St. George on December 17th where we joined my parents and both of my sisters and their families for a family reunion. It was SO wonderful to be together, especially at such a meaningful time of year. Here are just a few of the wonderful memories:
Our adventure actually started in Las Vegas. Jared was called into the bishopric a few days before we left for our trip. While the member of the stake presidency was extending the call and giving him instruction, Jared really struggled focusing on what was being said because his mind immediately jumped to wondering who would ordain him to the office of a high priest. He really cared about that. Little did we know that we would be blessed to have both our fathers there for the occasion. Jared's dad rearranged some business and personal travel plans in order to fly into Vegas a couple of hours before us. He booked a hotel room for the night where we met him and my father (who drove down to Vegas on little sleep after a very busy week) for the ordination to take place. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with how blessed we are to have such wonderful fathers who would make so many sacrifices in order to do this for Jared. Just seeing these pictures brings tears to my eyes again. What wonderful men I have in my life!
Grandpas and grand kids (who happen to be a bit squirrel y and tired after a long day of travel)!
Jared and his father at Olive Garden where we enjoyed dinner together after the ordination.
We went to the St. George temple to see the nativity, the Christmas lights and to touch the temple. Little Caleb led the way in climbing the stairs so he could touch the place that he loves so much. The rest of the cousins followed:
Grandpa Ken, Brielle and Baby Lily - Bre loved having a couple of baby cousins to dote on and "help" with.
All the cousins! Not to bad of a picture huh?!?
Grandpa is helping Nathan get his shoes on.
Feeding the ducks was a favorite spontaneous activity
Possibly my favorite Christmas tradition is the Hinton Family Nativity Play.
Here is the camera crew:
Our Mexican-style wise man
Our shepherd, Mary and Joseph
The sheep visits the newborn child
Mary and Joseph sing him to sleep
Brielle discovered a pioneer "Laura" dress in Grandma's dress-up...and wore it more than one day in a row.
Aunt Kristen and Gabbi make a Christmas ornament together...after some wonderful child beauticians had worked their magic on Kristen's hair.
Aunt Shonna helps Nathan and Brielle
The grandkids love playing the piano with grandma Kay
Pajama time!
This is probably my favorite picture from the whole reunion. I love seeing our wonderful men chatting and cleaning together in the kitchen. We are blessed to have these wonderful priesthood holders leading our families.
Ready for "Christmas morning"
The boys are exploring their new pj's together. They found fire engines, police cars...the whole works!
Jakie helping Grandpa out..."that's me and Caleb and..."
BUBBLE MACHINE! Grandma and Grandpa have the funnest bubble machine. We all loved it.
Jakie and Grandpa
Get it Gabbi!
We had a game night for the parents one evening after all the kids were in bed. It was fun to laugh and enjoy each others company...as well as a little friendly competition.
The marshmallow relay
The "performer" cousins have a blast dancing together. These two both love to sing and dance.
All ready for our family Christmas hike.
Off on the walk on that beautiful autumn-like day.
Gabbi, Bre and Caleb. Aren't they cute?!?
As a ploy to get Brielle out of the Laura dress, we let her try on my wedding dress. Honestly, it was a little too real for me. I hope that day stays far, far away. I loved this picture of Bre and Grandma though!
The bride and her future groom...if they get it their way. Someday we will need to explain that it doesn't work that way, but for now I am okay with their plans for a brother/sister wedding.
Our last evening there we went to Tuacahn to see their Christmas lights and Nativity play. The wind was absolutely frigid and we hadn't come prepared with warm enough clothes so only a few of us went to the play. It was wonderful though. The kids also got to see Santa! Brrrr!
Nathan's turn
Not quite sure what to think of this jolly guy with hair on his face.
Thank you to Grandma Kay and Grandpa Ken for hosting this wonderful event and to Brian and Michelle for organizing all of the delightful, festive activities. We. loved. it.
2 comments:
Ah, so fun to relive it all again. There are some really good pictures (I love Jakie's expression on Santa's lap, the one of the kids and Jared walking down the trail, Gabbi and Brielle dancing, the one of nathan looking up at his crown, the ones of you and Shonna helping the kids with their projects (love your fancy hair), all of the nativities ones, and the one of Grandpa helping Nathan on with his shoes) and you've done such a greeat job telling about it. Great post!
Fun stuff. Gorgeous pictures!
Post a Comment