December Festivities

We had our traditional birthday dinner at my sister Karleen's house for my mom's 92nd birthday.  Karleen always makes everything so lovely.  She had found this tumbleweed and she wrapped it in lights and flocked it as a centerpiece in the middle of all the tables. 

Tanner was asked to play Santa Clause for our ward Christmas party by Sid Brown.  He could never say no to Sid.  But when it came right down to it, he didn't want to do it.  He called everyone he could think of to try to get them to take his place.  But no one would agree.  So he couldn't let the kids down.  It turns out he did a great job.  He could call most of the kids by name, and I think that made them feel pretty special.  

He even had a few "big" kids take a turn on his lap. 

One of the girls figured him out though.  She said that she knew those eyes, and that voice.  So the word spread, but everyone kept trying to keep the secret alive.

Bishop Williams had a very special request for Santa...

Aunt Leisa, must not have gotten the word about who was playing Santa Clause.  Even after sitting on his lap, she didn't find out until the next day that it was Tanner.  She was pretty embarrassed that he got one by her.

Another one of Tanner's childhood friends, Shad Williams, stopped by before leaving for his mission.  He will be serving in Taiwan, the same mission where his dad served.  Shad also lived there for a few years as a child and went back for a visit a few years ago.  So he is already familiar with the language.  He will be a great asset to the mission and will do great things!

Zak & Karlee couldn't resist trying on the Santa suit.  The hair and beard sure could use a make over...

I couldn't resist showing what my dad has to go through each day.  His neck is curved forward which tightens the muscles in his neck.  And this leads to terrible daily head aches.  He sees a physical therapist that is trying to elongate the muscles and give him back some range of motion to help reduce the headaches.   One of his exercises is to lay flay on the bed, so that gravity will help he straighten out.  He literally has to push his head back to make it lay flat.  

After having her hair in braids, Karlee likes the curls they produce!  

We have started a new Terry Christmas tradition.  We meet the Saturday before Christmas, instead of Christmas Eve.  This is the second year we have gone to the bowling alley in St. Anthony.  Everyone seems to have a lot of fun.  This year Daren spoiled us all by paying the whole bill!  What a great guy.  It is something his dad would have done if he were still alive.  Daren is doing a great job of continuing his legacy of sacrifice and generosity.

Vonell loves to harass Zak.  In order to get him to quit covering his face for the picture she got a little personal and grabbed a little closer to his crotch than he was comfortable.  Nice reaction!

More, food, fun and games...

Grandma Terry gave each family an amazing treasure that she has been working on for a long time.  Each family got a framed shadow box with rocks and pictures of jewelry that Grandpa Terry made.  She also put together binders containing genealogy and family histories.  Each grandchild also got a letter from her containing her testimony of the gospel.

This was a true labor of love that will be treasured for generations to come.