Tamara, Tom, and Kids: December 2016

After two years of Kohler serving in Argentina, it was SO nice to have the entire family together again for Christmas! We were so happy to have both Kohler and Kelsey up at Utah Valley University this past semester. I'm so glad they had each other, even though I think Kohler is wanting to move back home for the next semester. He is such an Arizona boy! He loves the heat! Kelsey, on the other hand, is really liking Utah. She loves snow boarding and the change of seasons. I'm glad they had the chance to be together at least for one semester. I would have liked them to have more time together in college, but life doesn't always go how you plan.

This is one of my most favorite desserts. Apricot Kucken. My mother used to make it and it's one of my most favorite Christmas treats!

On Christmas Eve, the LaDukes came over and performed an amazing RAP rendition of some Christmas carols. It was hilarious! They always come up with something fun to lip-sync to!

Tom, Kohler and Spencer sang a really funny song called, "The Restroom Door Said Gentlemen" sung to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." It was a spoof and so funny!

It was super fun having my parents over for Christmas as well. They drove from California so they could have their car and I just love it when they are here! I would love for them to move here someday. They are staying at MaryKay's house since she has that nice basement for them with two big king-sized beds then they will try and come over as much as they can.

I love them the young children want to dress up and act out the first Christmas Story. Now that our kids are a little older, we are super glad when the LaDukes come because their younger kids make it so much fun!

Matching Pajamas for Christmas Eve! Yeah!!

Here is what everyone got from Santa :) Each year it gets harder and harder for Santa to know what all the kids want. When they were younger and they all liked toys, it was easier. Now they have more expensive toys they like and they are all about the clothes. Thank goodness Hailey is around to keep us young ha ha!

OK - so this is what our Christmas usually looks like . . . It's crazy, isn't it?!!! Tom and I love to wrap as much as we can and we stack it to make it look like Santa just dumped his sleigh in our living room! It really is so fun and it looks so magical when you are looking down from the upstairs balcony! We truly feel so blessed and are so grateful for all that we have.

Yep, this is the time Tom and I went to bed after wrapping everything!

This is probably one of my favorite photos from Christmas this year! Every year, on Christmas morning, the kids all wait in Kohler's room. They usually all sleep there together but then because Hailey and Kelsey can't sleep if they hear people breathing (ha ha!) they eventually move to their own beds. But early in the morning, they come back to his room, without looking over the balcony to see what Santa brought. When Tom and I are ready, we call them out and they get to PEEK over the balcony! Hailey has the best peeking blanket! It's her old baby blanket that is now just a wad of shreds with large holes in it . . . perfect for Christmas peeking. She won't let me throw it away. It's really sweet. This photo is actually after we have watched the Nativity video (a short 3 min. presentation) and had a family prayer. Then the kids walk over and stare over the balcony. It really is a magical sight!

It's GREAT to have Kohler back with us!!

Christmas morning breakfast always includes Monkey Bread, compliments of the Lake Family. It's our absolute favorite thing!

This year I also made an egg/ham quiche which was a big hit too!

On the back wall of this photo, I just love the array of Christmas cards. We are fortunate to have so many dear friends and I just love looking at all of their beautiful faces throughout the month of December. This night, we had a lot of fun with my parents, playing games and snacking on yummy holiday treats!