The Christmas Cabin 2008

Our family just spent the most wonderful holiday season in Bear Lake, at Garden City, Utah. We found this amazing place online at VRBO and booked it last summer. It was everything we had hoped for. Nine thousand square feet of FUN! There were bedrooms and bathrooms for each family, a state-of-the-art kitchen with double dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, washers and dryers, etc. as well as the highlight for everyone...a 1,500 square foot, two story playroom, equipped with half court basketball court, putting green, in-ground trampoline and great playhouse and swings. The kids loved it so much, and the Dad's had some pretty good b-ball games as well. We did so many fun activities together and just mostly enjoyed coming around the corner to see one of our kids or grandkids with smiley faces! Here are some pictures of our week together at Bear Lake. Thanks to everyone for making the effort to be there. SO many great memories were made.







There were 26 of us there--12 adults and 14 kids. Our oldest grandchild is 8, so there were LOTS of little people. They got along so well. There were two fun spiral slides built into the walls...one originating in the kitchen going to the next floor down, and then one from there to the bottom. There was even a miniature rock-climbing wall! Something for everyone.



We had fun in the snow and lots of hot chocolate from Lindsay's CocoMotion and food, food, and more food. The adults played games each night when the little ones were tucked into bed. "Ticket to Ride" is a new favorite, and Lindsay even taught us to play Bunko! Good fun.




One day we made little nativity scenes in teams: Team Aaron, Team Jared, Team Joey, Team Austin, and Team Dave. The kids really had fun making the little characters and it was fun to see how different they all turned out given the same directions!












My favorite activity was our Live Nativity on Christmas Eve. All the children were assigned roles, brought costumes and learned their parts. It was precious. Little 6 month old Jane was a very well-behaved Baby Jesus. Natalie did a great job as the Director and we all felt closer to the true meaning of Christmas.

Every nativity needs a horse, a Christmas chicken and a couple of good-looking shepherds.

An innkeeper, a Christmas horse, and a wiseman


Little Grace holds the star...and says "Hark!"

Lovely "Mary" is led by "Joseph" on their obedient donkey.


These 14 little faces just make me smile.


Everyone loved their Gramy jammies and stuffed animals and dolls.


Christmas morning was fantasic, as Santa had found us, and there was fun for all!
After playing with our new toys, we played in the snow. What a fun day!

















I cannot, in my wildest imagination, think of a more perfect Christmas with our family. There was a lot of tolerance and patience and love and memory-making. I love each and every one of you---all 25, with all of my heart..Happy New Year.