Christmas 2013

We had a great Christmas.  Here are some of the highlights:

First of all, I had made a goal at the beginning of the year to learn how to make strawberry jam.  Around Thanksgiving, I realized I had done nothing about that yet but was determined to accomplish the goal by the end of the year.  So I bought the supplies, relied on the Sure Jell recipe for my success and gave it a whirl.  It turned out pretty good.  I ended up making three batches and gave them as Christmas gifts to neighbors and ward members. It felt good to accomplish my goal!

Riley got an early Christmas present this year.  For the first time, she has her very own real bed.  She wasn't sure about it at first but she loves it now and goes right to it every night (and pretty much all day too).

We were so happy that we got to see all of the kids for Christmas this year.  Jared, Dan, Nicole and Camden came down from Utah and Ashley and Jason came down from Prescott.  Camden was in heaven having so many people around wanting to play with him!  It was so fun having all of them here.

On Christmas Eve, we all went to the Phoenix Zoo.  The best part, of course, was watching Camden's reactions to all of the animals.  He loved the monkeys the most.

I did take some pictures of the animals too.  I liked the giraffes!

We spent Christmas afternoon and evening with the Robinson's, friends from our ward. We had dinner and played Wackie 6.

The day after Christmas, Kevin, Becky and family came down for a visit.  The 26th was Becky's birthday so we were all ready with cake and ice cream when they arrived.

They had fun playing ping pong and other games....

But I think the best part for them was the warm weather!  Basketball in December was a big hit! 

Grandma Klundt bought us all tickets for a mini golf night.  So on Saturday, we all did a round at Golfland.  A great time was had by all, thanks Jo Ann!

Now, alas, the holidays are over, the new year has begun, and we are making our new list of goals for 2014.  Happy New Year everyone!  May it be full of good health, joy, and many more blog-worthy adventures!