Christmas 2013

In many ways it's been nice to be back in the states for Christmas.  It's a little easier to feel the Christmas spirit with a chill in the air and it seems easier to fulfil our own Christmas traditions here.  Craig has been home for the whole month which has been a major bonus.  Our build-up for the holiday included attending MS orchestra concert, HS choir concert, school play, community concert, and temple lights.  Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Larsen, one of our Christmas traditions is the set up of our Lego Christmas Village.  Each year they add a new set to our festive display.  This year we had to remake the whole thing due to breakage during the move.  Many hours were spent by all on the living room floor finding pieces and working together.

The kids had the chance to sit on Santa's lap at the ward Christmas breakfast and let him know what they desired.  For Bryant: Bobo Fett costume and rainbow loom.  Alexa: American Girl horse and rainbow loom.  Dallin's answer (yes, he sat on his lap too) - a Lamborghini Aventador, matte black (Santa made sure another color would be ok if matte black wasn't available :).  

 Bryant was priviledged to be a wiseman at the ward Christmas celebration (the one in the red vest with gold crown).

 Our traditional Mary and Joseph hike on Christmas Eve is something we have done without fail, in multiple states and countries, for as many years as can be remembered.  We have fun reminiscing every year, remembering all the places we have hiked over the years.  This year we stayed close to home and hiked in the hills right around us.  A beautiful day and incredible 360 degree views.

The joys of Christmas morning!  

At this time of year we are forever grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Christ and spend precious time together as a family.

December Birthdays

December is an unusually busy celebration month at the Bruschke's - 3 birthdays and Christmas.  We start the month celebrating Ashlyn and Dallin.  They were both born December 1st but we usually give them their own day and celebrate one the day after (it's hard to eat that much cake).  December 1st fell on a Sunday this year so a bit uneventful (and we returned the night before from Thanksgiving in Southern Cal).  We celebrated Ashlyn on Sunday by inviting some friends over for cake (her choice: lemon).  Gifts for a 17 year old - new basketball shoes and much wanted Northface jacket.

 Dallin took a Monday night celebration, the next day.  His cake choice - carrot.  Gifts for a 15 year old - bus ticket to Idaho to spend a week with Singapore friends and money.

Bryant's birthday is three days after Christmas - a week of gifts for this poor kid.  We actually celebrated the 26th cause dad, Breann and Dallin were all leaving.  His cake choice - chocolate.  Gifts for a 7 year old - Lego Wii game, Lego book, and a 'hoody'.