Family Memories: December 2014

Monday, December 29, 2014

Gallivan Ice Rink Gathering

This is our Lake Powell Crew! We've had some great years down at Powell with these people (2 boys currently on missions). We decided we needed a winter tradition as well, so we planned ice skating and dinner at Buca di Beppo for the holidays. Everyone was able to make it tonight. It was so much fun to be downtown with all the holiday lights surrounding the ice rink. So glad we dressed warm though because the temperature was down in the twenties! Brrr! Love spending time with these wonderful friends!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Christmas Morning - Christmas Day

The kids all gathered on the stairs to take our traditional Christmas morning picture. Can you tell we have all been awake a little longer than in years past? Talking to Jake for an hour brightened our faces!

Gifts waiting to be opened...the girls start with seeing what Santa left in their stockings!

It's so fun to have Kayli and Chris with us again this year.

Kayli and Chris gave me a kit to learn how to make macaroons. Kayli perfected these while she worked at the Pencourt Cafe. I am excited to try, but I know I will want Kayli right beside me.

New dance bags for our two talented dancers! Purple is still Sara's favorite color.

Alli received a cozy soft blanket to take up to Utah State!

Sara was thrilled with her new ipod. She has been wishing for this for a long time.

I think there's enough art supplies in this box to last for a very long time.

A cool camera for Madi to do photo shoots with her friends.

Derek couldn't wait to try out his new Hamboard stick. A surprise purchased for him by all of his children. He looked really good rolling down the hallway.

And a Red Ryder BB-Gun to add to his gun collection...any little boys dream.

One of my favorite presents was a cute gift card from my Sara. Various personalized services that I will for sure take advantage of over the next month. I am especially looking forward to the hand and foot massage! I already feel completely spoiled!

New games and puzzles are always a must for family Christmas gifts!

In the afternoon, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a lovely Christmas dinner and to spend time with the other Butters' Families.

The girls enjoyed talking together and admiring gifts from Grandma and Grandpa!

These three laughed and joked about all kinds of things! It is so awesome to have brothers and sisters around for the holidays now.

Girl time in the studio hanging out on the famous green couch!
Happy Christmas Day!

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Elder Butters Brightens our Christmas Morning!

We all were up extra early this year anticipating our skype call from our missionary. You could just feel the excitement in the room.

Derek set up the big screen TV so his face would fill our family room. I set up a video recording to watch again later on. Any minute he would be live on our TV.

And there he is!!!!!

We cheered and clapped when Jake came into view! He looked awesome!

He told stories, he asked questions and he spoke Russian. He is so much more comfortable with the language. He showed us his Russian sign language notebook and read an excerpt from his journal. He sounded great!

Truly the best part of our Christmas right there. The presents upstairs pale in comparison to this boy on live in our family room.
We LOVE you, Elder Butters!!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Christmas Eve 2014

On our way to Christmas Eve dinner we had a few hours to stop by Temple Square and see the Christmas displays. The weather was so nice!

Seeing the nativity in daylight is completely different than during the night.

Pondering the view - He is the reason for the season!

We saw the Christus and watched the video "He is the Gift" in the visitor center. The best gift of all!

As we were heading to the car, I remembered the Macey (former ZCMI) candy windows. I have such fun childhood memories of seeing these with my mom.

Jess, Makell and Alli sitting by the tree waiting for Christmas Eve festivities to begin.

Tina was so sweet to host our family party this year.

Good food... hot and ready... time to serve up dinner!

After, dinner each family opens up the new Christmas book for the year. Jess, Makell and Alli take turns reading "The Crippled Lamb".

Sara leads everyone in singing 'Away in a Manger'.

Our wonderful parents and grandparents

Grandpa passes out the Christmas presents.

Grandma is thrilled over her new calendar for 2015!

Face timing Kim, Matt and kids as Mom and Dad opened their group gift from the whole family.

Grandma was so surprised when she opened an ipad air from us all. She already had given one to Grandpa, but didn't know she was getting one of her very own.

Later on we met back up with Chris and Kayli at our house. They were jumping back and forth between families. It's a balancing act for the holidays when you have so many families to juggle.

Sibling gifts were passed around and everyone was very happy giving and receiving.

Madi is thrilled with her present from Kayli - a new Roxy Wallet.

After opening Christmas jammies, Chris serenades Kayli and Sara dances in the background. It's a good night!

Merry Christmas Eve from our house to yours!

Butters Bowling - Bring IT!

This tradition has been going on since Derek was just a young tike. Now, years later all the cousins are enjoying being together. These teenagers got a lane all to themselves!