Christmas Eve with the Blacks'

We had to forego our usual tradition of going to the Hogle Zoo because it was freezing! The temperature was in the teens and a huge storm hit the valley mid-day. Instead we opted for the Hollywood Connection in West Valley. I think that Dad was secretly grateful as I'm pretty sure he inwardly dreads the inevitably cold afternoon that accompanies the zoo trips. Almost the whole family was there we missed Ben and Sarah and Dan and Michelle. It was all a bit too much for Anna. There were lots of new people and the place itself is a bit overstimulating. We had fun anyway. I especially enjoyed watching Nate and Kelly's boys. They were so excited to do everything. I love their enthusiasm for life and all things fun and "cool." Other highlights from the night were:

• watching Ian (2 1/2) roller-skate for the first time



• doing bumper cars with about 12 or 13 other members of the family



• playing Dance Dance Revolution with Liz



• seeing Amanda in her roller element (I'm so jealous of her skills!)



• watching Ian hacking at a golf ball with his golf club



• watching Jeff skate with rollerblades and catching a bit of the "old school Jeff."



• seeing Dad passing out tokens to everyone. It reminded me of Christmas' past at Showbiz

After the craziness at Hollywood Connection we said goodbye to Matt & Amanda, Liz & Matt, and Nate and family and met up with Dan and family at Godfather's Pizza. It was nice to be able to sit down and enjoy everyone's company in a little quieter setting. The best part for me was playing with Taylor (5 1/2 months). He has to be the happiest baby I have ever seen! I felt like that aunt who just wants to keep pinching cheeks, much to the chargrin of the child. SO ADORABLE! Anna had a much better time at the pizza joint. She especially loved running around and playing with Grandpa. He was so sweet with her.

We headed back to Mom's house after to act out the nativity and open some gifts. Anna was the angel. She was so adorable in her costume. She, of course, could care less about the whole charade and was annoyed that I kept fussing over her. Jeff and I played shepards, Josh, Julie, and Caleb were wise men and Dan, Michelle, and Jacob were Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus. By the time we actually started the main event, Caleb and Anna were done so there was a little improvising as the acting progress. We sang the traditional hymns (my favorite part) and all in all it was very nice. It was then to bed with Anna and Caleb and we all opened a few gifts.

My parents were very generous and we had a wonderful time with everyone.