Manwaring Moments

Home for the Holidays II

January 22, 2016

Christmas in Utah

Elk Ridge, Utah

 We spent Christmas Eve at Melanie's new house in Elk Ridge, Utah.

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It was great to see more members of the family,
It was great to see more members of the family,
It was great to see more members of the family,

especially since it's been so long since we've seen everyone.

It was so good to visit and catch up with Sasha, Melanie, and Matt's families.

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Sasha, Chris, Rachelle, and Darek.
Sasha, Chris, Rachelle, and Darek.
Sasha, Chris, Rachelle, and Darek.

 and Mom, Sasha, and Brei made the yummiest soups.

Good food, and good conversation.

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Ariana, Aspen, Dante (and the dog) also enjoyed one another's company.
Ariana, Aspen, Dante (and the dog) also enjoyed one another's company.
Ariana, Aspen, Dante (and the dog) also enjoyed one another's company.
Ariana, Aspen, Dante (and the dog) also enjoyed one another's company.

Mom (Grandma) then had a great Christmas program planned. 

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Young and old alike enjoyed listening to Mom read her story.
Young and old alike enjoyed listening to Mom read her story.
Young and old alike enjoyed listening to Mom read her story.
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It was then time for the exchanging of white elephant gifts.
It was then time for the exchanging of white elephant gifts.
It was then time for the exchanging of white elephant gifts.
It was then time for the exchanging of white elephant gifts.
It was then time for the exchanging of white elephant gifts.
It was then time for the exchanging of white elephant gifts.
It was then time for the exchanging of white elephant gifts.
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Everyone enjoyed choosing and unwrapping their gifts.
Everyone enjoyed choosing and unwrapping their gifts.
Everyone enjoyed choosing and unwrapping their gifts.

 Brad helping Tyson unwrap the gift he picked,

and Ty helping Brad unwrap his. 

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Aspen looking for her perfect gift,
Aspen looking for her perfect gift,
Aspen looking for her perfect gift,

 she finally found it!

 Little Brock was not quite as excited about choosing a gift,

or unwrapping it, 

but he soon came around (with the right gift!) 

Dante was also happy with his gift...eventually.

Mom then reached a place in her story that required some assistance,

and thanks to Brei, everyone looked and played the part.

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Brad then read the real Christmas Story.
Brad then read the real Christmas Story.
Brad then read the real Christmas Story.

It was so sweet watching the kids,

and definitely the highlight of the night.

It's as if the kids truly sensed the importance of their characters. 

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Watching Ty and Aspen cherish "baby Jesus", put a whole new light on the Christmas Story.
Watching Ty and Aspen cherish "baby Jesus", put a whole new light on the Christmas Story.
Watching Ty and Aspen cherish "baby Jesus", put a whole new light on the Christmas Story.

 Singing "Silent Night" was the perfect end to a perfect night. Thank you Mom, Melanie, and everyone else for making it such a memorable night!