Christmas 2008

We were fortunate enough to be able to spend Christmas break (including Christmas day and New Year's eve) up north with family. It was such a nice break. And silly me, I really didn't take much pictures. Kono and Nahoa helped their Grandma Sarah make this gingerbread house. Last year, when we made one as a family, it was a disaster with the big mess Kono made and with all the candy he ate not to mention the ridiculous icing that wouldn't harden (it was a kit), so the house kept falling over. I decided not to do it again until Kono was old enough. But Grandma was strict with the boys and reminded them just about every minute that the candy was for the house only. The boys enjoyed it very much. Kono is doing a fake smile on the first picture, he can never smile normal when you tell him to (but what kid does?).
On Christmas day, we only took the pictures you see on the bottom. How lame of us!!! That's because we did more recording on the camcorder and tried to keep Kono busy as we did the opening of presents which took a decent amount of time. I mostly love how we drag it out when it comes to opening gifts with the Tano's. It makes it last longer. Their tradition is to have numerous riddles prepared (the same amount of presents) on small strips of paper (with our names on them) that are placed sparatically amongst the tree. We takes turns choosing, and you have to read the riddle out loud and try to figure it out. The answer is always some place or thing inside or outside the house. That is where the gift is hidden and if you want your gift, you have to get it even if it's some place outside. But this year, Granite's Dad came up with something new. He asked questions that have to do with the gospel. It really was fun. It was a mixture of easier ones and harder ones which was nice cause we all learned new things. And this time the presents stayed under the tree. If you got the answer right, you got to open one of your gifts, if not, another person gets a chance to answer the question.
Orem was dumped with snow. At least two feet of it (I think so, anyone know?)! It was so pretty and yet so cold and scary on the roads especially with all the crazy last minute Christmas shoppers (hahaha- us!! We always do last minute shopping and vow to do it early the next year.)
I am mad at myself for not taking any pictures in the pretty snow. Especially when Kono and Granite made a snowman while I was out shopping. Kono wanted to make a snowman for weeks and finally did. All in all, we had a great Christmas with Granite's family and with mine. I am thankful for this beautiful season to remember others and most of all to reflect upon Our Savior's birth.