home for the holidays

It was 'home (my home this year) for the holidays' and I loved every minute of it. Even though a 12-hour flu swept through the house, infecting all children and some unlucky adults in its wake, we managed to have a great time. All the local families, plus Jayne and Jeremiah, gathered for our Christmas Eve dinner and program. My assignment was to make some side dishes for the feast. My mom asked that I do something different than the standard green bean casserole, so I made Brussels sprouts and a new yam dish. I had never cooked Brussels sprouts, but my mother-in-law gave me her recipe and they turned out great. (You just never know what will happen with those sprouts. Tricky.) I also made enough yams to feed the family for weeks. I had no idea that ten yams would yield so many servings when sliced. Oh, and I attempted the Sommer mustard sauce, but it turned out looking more like runny scrambled eggs. I need to work on that one because Kent LOVES it. It tasted fine, but the appearance wasn't terribly appetizing.

Dad and Mom West, Stephen and Robert, enjoying the Christmas Eve program which always includes the Nativity scene on a felt board. We've been doing that for years and I love it.

Kent singing his little heart out.

My brother-in-law, Milt, also singing his little heart out.

Christmas day was relaxing and amazingly, started late. My nephews, 10 and 13, didn't wake up until 10am. No joke. We had to wake them up. Something is wrong with that. Kent and I got a globe and See's chocolates from Santa Senior. Good stuff. I got some other things from Santa Junior (Kent) including jeans, shoes, a book, movies and most importantly, a robe. I honestly love my robe. I've never used one before, but our house tends to get cold so I use it all of time. White, warm and wonderful. The quadruplets were also there for Christmas and they were so cute. Of course they liked the wrapping paper and bags the best.

Lining up on the stairs before seeing the presents Santa delivered. (By the way, we don't have a baby yet. This photo is deceiving. I'm holding Brynlee, one of the quadruplets.)

Two of the quads, Addison and Weston, checking out their new toys. They are so adorable!

We put Addison in the gift bag because he seemed interested, but he started to fuss when he realized he couldn't get out.

9 out of my 10 siblings and their families either flew or drove to Redlands after Christmas, so I stayed at my parents' home for a week and a half to participate in all of the fun activities: the annual cousins' party (games, crafts, hide and seek present hunt, etc.), bowling, New Year's Day games in the cultural hall at the church, rollerskating, more games (Outburst Remix was a big hit this year), movie-watching, going out to lunch with my mom and sisters, soccer and ultimate frisbee at Moore Middle School and spending time with everyone in general.

The bowling escapade. I barely broke 100.

My dad. He was pretty good. Beat me in strikes, that's for sure.

Spencer and the bowling balls. Our family took over 4 lanes and had a great time.

He may not look like it, but Kent is glad to be skating and he is good. Really.

Nieces, Kristin and Nicole. Cute, cute girls.

I have to admit, I love rollerskating. I know it's kind of a 70s thing and strange people hang out at the rink, but I think it's great. Maybe we can spend my next birthday there. Every girl's dream.

I'm a little sad the holidays are over, but I'm excited for next year. We'll probably be at Kent's home for Christmas because his little brother returns from his mission in the fall, but I'm sure we'll stop by the West household for a taste of the chaotic fun. Looking forward to 2009!