Christmas with the Butlers

This year, we went to Kennewick before Christmas because who really wants to wait til the 25th to start all the fun?!

My kids love getting together with their cousins. Watching them reminds me of all the fun times I had as a kid growing up with cousins who were also my best friends!

Anthony pretty much entertains all the grand kids. Sometimes all on his own, all at once.
My favorite part of our get-together was the family talent show. I didn't get pictures of everything, but everyone participated.

Linsey played the piano...

and the violin.

Zachary played his drum.

Hunter played the piano.

Grandpa did some magic tricks.

Anthony and I did a musical number.

Chris did a science trick.... Anthony reluctantly agreed to be his victim while his stomach got sucked up into a cup.

Tally showed off some of her photography. She's really amazing.

Braydon showed off some of his art work.

His artistic talent also carries over to his lego building.

I don't know anyone who has a collection of legos quite like this.

Emma danced.

And then Austin danced.

Savannah played her ukelele.

Gavin shared his basketball trophy.

Then he demonstrated how he can dribble and bounce pass. So cute!

It was really fun to let each of the kids take a few minutes to share something about them and I truly enjoyed each of their talents. I even appreciated Jared's talent where he demonstrated how loud he can yell. He really can yell louder than anyone I've ever heard. All of the kids tried their hardest to match his yell, but they couldn't even come close.

And then they all went nuts...


Thanks Jared.

Really, it had nothing to do with Jared. All we have to do is put music on and they dance and boogie their little hearts out. It's a great way to get all that energy out before bedtime.

After a little service project the next morning, we went to the church gym for lunch and some play time. We played a fun version of tag and then the kids found a jack pot of balls in a closet that entertained them for hours.

Savannah brought Emma a dress home from her Hawaii trip. She wore it all weekend in the freezing temperatures. She really loves it!

I could hardly convince her she should not wear it home because we were planning to stop and play in the snow as we drove over the pass. Reluctantly, she agreed and I think she was grateful.

It doesn't feel quite like Christmas for me until I see the snow. We thought we'd stop for a half hour but it ended up being much longer.


We had a great time with the Butlers and enjoyed celebrating Christmas with them. The fun has only begun....