Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve 2010

Our family had great plans for Christmas Eve. We were going sledding at the cabin. Too bad the weather didn't get that memo. There was about a foot of slush at the cabin - not fun for sledding. I spent a bunch of time calling my parents and sisters yesterday to discuss alternative plans. We came up with a great idea. A Christmas trip to the zoo!
Who knew it would be so fun - really fun. The weather was warm for December (we were still in coats and hats, but it was quite pleasant). There were a few other families that had the same idea we did, but for the most part, the zoo was quite empty. We could look at the animals as long as we wanted without crowds pushing us out of the way. Some animals were inside but some animals were very active. The apes and tigers were extremely active. Enoch was also extremely active. Not surprising, I was always looking for him. I finally told him, in no uncertain terms, that if got lost he would have the live at the zoo and Gavin would be able to open his presents the next morning. He was a bit better after that.
We spent a couple hours there and had a great time.

There was a baby monkey that was only a few weeks old. Everyone thought he was so cute.

I told you Fowlers have monkey arms!


This ape was very busy. The kids would stand at the window and make faces at the ape. He paced to the back of his cage and then back to the window. The kids were taunting him and he lurched at the window. The kids jerked way back quickly!




The tiger kept pacing in front of the fence and growling at Gavin.

After the zoo, everyone met back at our house for a pizza lunch and visiting. We had a relaxing afternoon after a full morning.
After dinner of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, we started our Christmas Eve traditions. We read the Nativity story in Luke, dressed in our scripture costumes and acted out the story. Grandpa was Joesph, Grandma was Mary, Lily was baby Jesus, Greg and Gavin were shepherds, Jarom and Enoch were wise men, Kate was the angel and Tresa was the narrator.

After the nativity, we opened our Christmas Eve presents. I've been busy sewing and getting these presents ready since about October. Everyone got matching pajama pants and Gavin, Enoch and Kate also had pajama shirts. Gavin, Enoch, Kate, Tresa and Grandma also opened bed warmers. Grandpa got a new pair of slippers. The kids also got three new books. I hope everyone enjoyed their gifts.


Soon it was time for bed and everyone fell asleep quite easily.

3 comments:

Gayle J. Randall said...

It was a fun family day! Who knew that the zoo could be a fun place on Christmas Eve? Thanks for working together with Michelle and Valerie to decide on a fun place to go. Dad and I had such a wonderful time with your family for the whole holiday! Thank you to all, especially Greg, for putting up with us for so many days! P.S. The BYU game on Thursday was really fun, too!

Angela said...

Merry Christmas! Now did you see our zoo pictures from last week?

Michelle Kelly said...

You are so creative! Looks like a fun night. It was a lot of fun at the zoo.