Coming Home is one of life's best moments. I believe it will be one of the next life's best moments also. So this blog is dedicated to what I view as the best moments of life.
Everyone knows the best blogging/journal keeping/history recording takes place as soon after the event as possible. This encourages accuracy and proper perspective. Unfortunately, blogging about Christmas at the end of February is not soon after the event. But worse than delayed blogging is not blogging. So this report may or may not be completely true, but the pictures are proof that something happened in December probably much like the story I tell... only a lot better.
Christmas is a big deal around the Stoker house, not because we have amazing presents, or a sparkling house, or a beautiful tree (okay, we had a beautiful tree) but because we love the Savior, and family comes to visit! 2016 looked a little bleak because of the sparse attendance by family members. Thankfully, my college kids brought themselves and all the fun they had to offer. We filled in the spaces with friends and took a little road trip so Christmas was still very merry and bright.
Caroling. We put the cute ones in the front so people would be happy to see us.
That moment when one plays the guitar in their onesie.
games and jokes
Back at the Sultan's kitchen, just like old times.
Man down. A little break from the merry and bright.
Treat making day.
Our Christmas Eve eve party
We started with the "Whobilation" in 2013. 2014 brought the "Elf" party. Last year we had a "Snow Ball" and 2016 was the "Jingle Bell Rock." thanks to the Waldorf's for making it fun.
On Christmas Eve we headed to Augusta to be with our son, Nathan, and his wife and her family since Nathan had to work.
After a marvelous time in Augusta we headed back to Fayetteville to play our little hearts out until the college kids had to go back to work. I wasn't done playing yet so I decided to tag along to SLC. That proved to be profitable since Aaron and Jacob were both there with their families for different reasons. So, more party :)
We were picked up from the airport by these darling people. (and their parents) Theo welcomed us with this smile. When Isla woke up she helped us learn the "Honeybee" song. It's her favorite so we listened to it ...a lot.
Nothing says "holiday" like Indian food. It was delicious and I was in heaven surrounded by children and grandchildren.
Darling Cousins
Next stop was "Nickel City." I hadn't actually been there before but apparently it's a "must do" in Provo.
Bowling was the next activity. It was an exciting night. First we had to find a bowling alley that had room for us. Bowling at Christmas is big in Lehi, UT. Then we had to remember how to bowl, Well, I had to remember how to bowl. This, while keeping the brave and busy toddlers alive. And we had to talk. I loved it all.
Lucy came bowling in her apron :)
Is there anything cuter than bowling shoes for 2-yr. olds?
And then, after all this fabulousness I looked at the flights to Atlanta and they were booked. My best option was to fly home via Portland. Happy New Year to me!
For our dinner we had gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Koi fusion, and something with falafel.
Why is everything I've eaten in Portland delicious?
My lucky day. Lunch with spiderman.
Isaac
Annabelle and Josh
Our New Year's Eve party was off the chains. These two were in
charge of prizes for the game winners. Why yes, there is a dirty sock
prize option.
Sunday clothes and board games with Dad. A great day.
