For Christmas this year, we were able to have everyone here except for Kyle's family. We missed them, but understood that they couldn't be here and they were able to have their own little Christmas for the first time in their own new home.
One reason they couldn't be here for Christmas is because Emily was involved in a holiday musical show called "Traditions of Christmas" in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Kyle & Milo attended opening night.
I wasn't able to see the show, but I heard that she did an amazing job.
We were unable to hold our own Christmas until Cheryl & Parker arrived about 2 pm. By then, everyone was anxious to get started - especially Ethan, Ella, and Olivia. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.
Group photo taken after opening gifts.
Since we had just purchased a new car a couple of months ago and I needed a new computer in early December, Alan and I decided not to give each other much. However, I did get a ukulele from some of my kids that I can't wait to learn how to play. It should be a lot of fun. Getting used to the tiny frets after playing the guitar for so long will really take some getting used to.
For Christmas dinner I made something I have never prepared on Christmas day before. I made BBQ pork strips. They turned out perfect and were a hit. I also prepared twice baked potatoes, fruit salad, crescent rolls, mixed veggies, and slush, with pumpkin squares for dessert. All in all, it turned out to be a great meal and I appreciated all the help I received from family members in the preparation and the clean-up afterwards.
The day after Christmas we went to the shooting range just past Mojave to practice shooting our guns and try out new ones. Parker got a semi-automatic monster of a gun, but I was too afraid to use it. You can feel the concussion from it when you are standing close when it is fired. Eric got a teeny handgun, but we couldn't shoot it because he forgot the bring the ammo for it. Oops!
Rulon Beesley (Nicole's father) and McKay Allred (Nicole's brother-in-law) joined us. It was extremely cold and windy, but we managed to have some fun.
Ella tried her hand at a couple of guns, but I don't think she enjoyed shooting that much.
Ryan shooting a handgun
Alan shooting at clay pigeons with our shotgun.
Ethan trying out Grandpa's 22 pistol
Kyle's family got to do something unique the day after Christmas. They got to go on a two-horse open sleigh ride. This is certainly something we cannot do around here because, obviously, we have no snow. It certainly looks like a lot of fun!
The tail end of a horse isn't so beautiful, but that snowy landscape sure is.
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