Christmas Fun

Christmas really starts at Thanksgiving when you get together and attempt to take a good family picture. Our pictures definitely weren't perfect and these aren't even the best ones that were taken, but we had a lot of fun trying to get all 8 of us to smile and have our eyes open all at the same time.

Before I go any further with Christmas reminiscing, I have to stop and wish Richard a happy one year anniversary of being the Bishop. Don't you think he is holding up well? Congratulations, Richard, you are doing a great job. I can't wait to see what you look like in a few more years.

While on Christmas break we went to see this fun movie.

No, we don't have more children that you have never seen before. These are some of our friends that we invited over before Christmas to make gingerbread houses with us. We had a blast! Elmer's Glue may or may not have been used to make these houses stand upright.

Sad to say that Elmer's Glue played a big part in this house (mine) and it still caved in. What was I thinking making a flat roof?

Sarah's roof is caving in too, but at least she can still smile about it.

As you can see, we all had lots of fun and ate lots of candy.

We also made the time to go and see the Christmas scenery and lights at the Mesa Temple.

On Christmas eve we had a progressive dinner. For the Cluff family that means you make several stops at fast food restaurants and get one thing at each place. Our menu consisted of pizza, hot chocolate and lots of candy. Delicious! Then, we went to the drive-in movies. Not exactly a tradition yet, but it is definitely being considered. We saw The Frog Princess and A Christmas Carol. This is Richard sitting in the driver's seat and watching the movies by looking in the rear view mirror. Why does he do this? So, he won't have to get out of the car and be cold, of course. What a goofball!

This is Matt laughing and freezing at the same time. When we told him that we were ready to go to the drive-in he said that he didn't need lots of blankets or even socks to keep him warm, but he soon changed his mind.

Here is the back of the suburban gang giving a thumbs up to the drive-in movie idea. I don't know why Kaylee is frowning. Probably because she wishes she were sitting on top of the suburban enjoying the movie. Sorry, too cold!

Here I am laughing at all of them trying to stay warm and agreeing that the drive-in movies on Christmas eve was a fantastic idea. Were there lots of people there, of course not.

And now, to answer the question that you have all been asking. Who did Paige pick in the family Christmas gift exchange that she went to such great lengths for to wrap her present in pink paper and put lots of bows, ribbons and even a balloon on? Drum roll please.......................Matthew! Great job, Paige, he definitely loved your gift and your creative wrapping was a hit.

On Christmas morning we went to Richard's sister's house for breakfast with his side of the family and then in the afternoon we visited my Mom and Dad. This is a picture of my Mom and Dad and the water fountain and flowers that they have in their living room. Do you see where I get my creativity?

Even after all of this fun, we still had a coupon for free bowling that we took advantage of while we were all still together. Isn't bowling and especially bowling shoes the best? We hope you had lots of fun with your family during the holidays and made lots of memories. Happy 2010!