Christmas in Mesa

Our entire family, in Mesa for Sydney and Jake's wedding, 
got to spend two or three days together 
and have our own Christmas celebration 
before they returned to their homes for Christmas.

We were really pleased that, because Peter's confirmation 
to become a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood came on the Sunday 
after Sydney's wedding on Saturday, 
all of the Priesthood holders in our family could be there for it. 

Bishop Eb Rose, with our Priesthood holders, minus Josh

Emily and Ryan had a lovely turkey dinner in their home Sunday night.

What's a large family gathering without some drama, right?

Uncle Ryan and Uncle Tom fixed little Charlie right up.

Next day, all of the kids had fun at the Train Park.

Grandma and Grandpa even took a ride!

That night we all had tasty fast food together, then went to a performance of  

Michael McLean's, The Forgotten Carols in Mesa.

Tuesday night was our last night together and so we held our talent show, 

and we exchanged gifts and "Santa" and "Mrs. Claus" came with gifts 

for each child from Grandma Pam and Grandpa Roger.

We had Jalapeño Buck's burritos, quesadillas and Aunt Stacy made Italian ices. . . 

. . . we unwrapped cousin and brother/sister gifts,





. . . had a magnificent talent show,

then, one by one, Grandma and Grandpa loved and gifted each grandkid -

well, 23 of them. 

Josh was in Hong Kong on his mission and Sydney was off on her honeymoon!

Fiona

Claire

Charlie

Adelaide

Anderson

Sarah Kate

Blake

Max

Luke

Jack

Becca

Ellie

Maddy

Abby

Ben

Sam

Anna

Londyn

Jared

Katie

Pete

Jake

Sadie

While we were just hangin' out together,

Roger shot these cute pics of little Claire 

showing to the older kids, stuff on the iPhone.

It's a new world!

Rick's family was there an extra day and he hadn't seen his brother's new office.

We all took a tour. What an amazing job he did designing it and now, 

he has a fine facility to see and take care of his patients.

Downtown Mesa has an ice rink this winter.

The cousins couldn't wait to get their skates on!

After they skated, we walked through the gorgeous Mesa Temple grounds,

all lit up for Christmas, then we hurried to see Creed, a continuation of the Rocky story.

On Christmas Eve, the Youngs have the tradition of going to Benihana, 
 or Benny Ho Ho's, as they call it.

I love to watch their cute little faces when the show starts with the chef, 

his knives and the fire.

The food tasted extra delicious!

We next headed to Ryan and Emily's for the reenactment of the Nativity. 

Their tradition is to make empanadas, because both Ryan and Emily went to South America on their missions.

Ryan played Christmas carols for us to sing along, then he played Pachelbel's Canon in D.

I guess you can tell how I feel about that beautiful piece.

Christmas morning, they all lined up at the Young house, from the smallest to the tallest,

ready to go see what Santa brought for them!

We didn't snap any pics, but we had such a happy morning being with this cute family, 

enjoying their delight.

Luke following in the footsteps of his grandpa, dad and uncle

Stacy set a beautiful table for Christmas dinner.

Ryan and Emily and family came over for bone-in ham, ham sauce, candied yams, 

mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, salad and rolls.

And we each had our very own Ben and Jerry's or Haagen Daz individual ice cream containers 

for dessert!

Roger and I left for St. George the next day and the Young's flew to Hawaii on Sunday morning.

Roger and I spent 13 days in Mesa in the Young home,

and we were treated with so much kindness and love.

Nothing makes us happier than being with our kids,

and this trip offered up that joy in spades!