Celebrating the Christmas Season

I have to admit this year I was dragging my feet a bit to put up the Christmas tree and to decorate the house.  It seemed that there was always an excuse.  The boys, Tom included, wanted to get the season going and to make the house feel Christmasy.  But I was secretly not wanting the holiday to come, I was afraid it would be sad without Weston to celebrate with us.  There I said it.  But I also knew that I needed to celebrate the Reason for Season; after all that is why Weston was not with us.  He was serving other families and bringing them unto Christ.
My friend from work visited temple square and shared this photo ~ she titled it PERFECTION.  I believe she is right.

We celebrated with the Heil side of the family first ~ we gathered at Heil Hill on December 20th.  This was also Grandma Heil's 90th birthday so we of course celebrated with her.  Doesn't she look amazing?

Joanne bought this jacket and added 90 and Fabulous ~ Happy Birthday Grandma, We love YOU!
Of course the Heil party is filled with laughs, food and traditions.
Let's eat:

Next up ~ a friendly game of Family Feud ~ this was the game of choice to decide the order us kids would select our prizes.  It was a lot of fun and of couse Tom and I were not winners but truly with the gifts that Dad and Jo give there are NO losers ~ we are simply playing for bragging rights.

The kids are for the most part so patient as us adults play and make fools of ourselves

Next we head upstairs to exchange gifts and enjoy eachothers company

A new tradition?  this year….A few manly men getting their nails painted; glitter and all

 I believe these two win UNCLE of the YEAR

My dad, Grandpa Kevin was giving Garett a hard time about his hat.  He says that kids who wear beanies have attitude…I love the attitude that I caught on my dad's face and Garett's laugh is priceless.   I truly believe this is a picture that will be cherished.  Garett says it is his favorite.

I asked one of the boys to snap a few photos when us adults exchanged gifts and they literally took 10 pictures of me!  ARE you kidding me?  I guess they think I need to be seen so enjoy the many sides of Shar

 Yep, we all got gifts…finally some photos of someone else….

 Breeze..say what?

and you have to love Uncle Nate's expressions

Finally gifts for my wonderful parents

Grandpa Kevin asked Matt and Garett to open the bucket. we watched the twist for several minutes before we finally let them in on the secret …you pull it open.
Great night had by all…I missed Weston and Kaelton but it was a great party and the love that our family has for one another is undeniable.  Feeling blessed.