Merry Christmas

Christmas has come and gone. It was a great holiday for us. Christmas Eve and Christmas day were really fun because we spent it with those that we love and enjoy being with. Christmas Eve we went to Jeri and Lee's and had dinner there and then played some wii. Since all of the kids went in on it we needed some practice time and we had a good time with it. However, we did find that Gary can't keep that hula hoop up for very long. He started and then it was over--that hoop just kept getting lower and lower until it was on the ground. It was pretty funny to watch. On Christmas morning we went to Scott and Lorrie's, watched them open up their gifts and then had a breakfast that Scott made for us all. After breakfast we played games. It was getting us in the mood for our annual New Year's Eve party where we all play games, games and more games and eat way too much. We went home and found that Santa had left a surprise package for us. It was a new computer! Boy, was I shocked. Gary and I have been talking about it, but I didn't think we were going to get it yet. What a nice surprise. It came loaded with Windows 7 and Eric came and put Word 2007 on it. Boy are we in for a learning session. It will be fun to learn how to use those programs though. Later in the afternoon we went to Jamie and Eric's for dinner and more games. It was a great couple of days. We are glad that Ginger was able to go home to Idaho for Christmas but we sure missed seeing them. And of course the "Other Lancasters" and deLimas we always miss. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. Love to you all!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow ???

Actually, I am not sure if I am ready to "let it snow, let it snow." This is actually posted for our Hawaii kids so they can enjoy the snow along with us. Now don't you wish you were here.
De Limas remember last year when you were here and enjoyed the snow so much. I know you are so jealous. "The Other Lancaster's" just think in a couple more months and you will be able to enjoy it with us. Yahoo. Better start working on thickening up your blood. Take lots of cold baths so you can really enjoy Utah. Shane and I shoveled 8" of snow off of our driveway and sidewalks this morning. Lucky Spanish Fork gets the lake effect and so we do more shoveling than does Provo. But I am sure this is nothing compared to what the Dibbles got up on the bench and I know people from Payson and further south said they got more than us. I'll take my 8" and be grateful it wasn't more at this time.

This is the back yard

And the Fun Begins

We had our annual "gingerbread" decorating afternoon again on Sat. (Actually, it isn't gingerbread it is graham crackers glued together and they work really well). Everyone met at our house and the decorating began. The kids use their own creativity and talents and do some pretty cute creations. After the houses were completed, we left the kids in the good hands of Kaci and Alex (thanks girls) and the adults headed out to dinner at the Olive Garden. We had a fun time, but of course the food was very good and I think we all ate too much. This year instead of doing the regular gift exchange, we decided to go shopping after dinner and get something for those who are really in need. So we all went to Wal-mart and each of us bought a gift for a child. (Natures Sunshine is doing a collection for cancer patients this year and so the donations will go towards that). It was a really fun evening, but of course, anytime we all get together it is fun. We certainly missed our two Hawaii families and wished they were here. Thank you family for being the best. I love you all!!

Colton and Matt beginning their creations

Zach testing the frosting
Holly

Jeri enjoying a pretzel

Lorrie
Mark
Colton and Matt
Evan
The young clan working away
Maddy and Ginger
Matt made a whole in the back of his house to put candy.
Zach putting his stash of candy away in the roof
Kaci and Alex just arriving ready to decorate

Lorrie with her finished house
Colton has finished his houseThe back of Colton's house and his stash

Maddy helping her Daddy
Colton tossing a cinnamon bear
Evan and his cute little house

Mark worked so hard to get his just perfect
Kaci
Alex
Alex and her finished house
Kaci with finished masterpiece
These pictures were taken at the Olive Garden
Jeri and Lee
Jamie and Eric
Scott and Lorrie
Jonathon and Ginger
Shane
Gary and JoanneWhat a fun day we had. It is soooo great to be able to get together with the family and do fun things. I know I have said it before and I will for sure say it again, but I have a great family and I love them all so much. I am greatful for who they are and the good things they are doing with their children.

Merry Christmas to everyone!