What a Christmas full of joy! Steve and I had a really different Christmas this year. Christmas Eve we were all alone...yep, that IS what I said. This was an "off" year as we will have our semi-annual Gatten reunion next year at Christmas time. Dusty and Angie left 2 days before and then we saved our christmas celebration until after Tom's family arrived. They traveled Friday and we had our celebration Saturday. We did go to the families here in town Christmas morning though and saw all the wonderful things they were blessed with. And, of course, a mother's treasure, to visit with the children who are not with you. We were able to visit with Cassie's family from Whiteman AFB, Mo., AJ from Liberty, Utah, and Spike "Elder Gatten" in Manaus, Brazil. He got to talk to all of his siblings this year because of living with a member family who allowed us to use their phone system for the call. We all loved his call and he could hardly speak english. We are so happy for his great success in the language and also the success of the work he is able to do with, and for, the Lord. We think the people in Brazil are really lucky to have him. He has just 10 1/2 mo. to go before he returns, so he has so much to accomplish in that time. If you get a chance drop him a line...
Noah,Kiah, Papa Steve &Ella Morton
Brynne, Jon & Cade Erickson
Papa & Nana
Jackson, Kate, Brady
(Sally didn't want her picture taken)
KateLynn came over for the phone call from Spike
We had a nice dinner and opened the gifts from G-pa and Helen
and the kids exchange gifts.
Everyone...can you find River?
Sally?
Asa? come on now...
Tom thinks Christmas is serious stuff.
Tyler and Brett solves the worlds problems
Brynne wishes she could have this baby early
Steve plays santa
River loves his new electronic games
Brooke and Mikin.. hey where's the kids?
Tim and Sally take a time out
Brett, Tim, and Tom ummm good pie
Steve carves the turkey
KateLynn and Kiah give big hugs
More games for Mylee Ryder and Alyssa
Are we having fun yet????
4 comments:
Looks like way too much fun! We missed you all terribly, although it wasn't horrible to get to stay in our pajamas all day, and not try and fit all of our Christmas in suitcases! :) Can't wait until next year! The picture of Tom, Tim & Brett makes me hope my 3 boys can be friends like that. It was AWESOME to talk to Spike! He did sounds great. Can't wait to see Brynne's cute baby! Please call me when it's happening, since I'm sure I won't be on the top of her mind. :) Love you ALL!
PS... Also, thanks "Santa" and "Mrs. Claus". You outdid yourselves once again, and we feel way too spoiled!
Nice job capturing everything with all the candid shots. Cute stuff. It was fun making lots more memories! But who is the big, fat lady in the gray sweater? ;)Not too flattering! :)
I loved seeing the pictures of your Christmas. I can relate to the total choas of all the grandkids yelling and having a good time, while the parents of all those adult children just hang out with each other and are deaf to all the noise and confusion. I loved reading about all the fun activities they all get to do while visiting your family, you are such a fun family! It is so fun to share my kids with you! We are so grateful for Tom in our family! What a great dad/husband he is! You guys really know how to make great memories!
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