Christmas in the Desert

Being so far away from home I was really worried about Christmas and what we would experience on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Every Christmas since I can remember has ALWAYS been spent at my maternal grandparents.  This was my first year to not be there and I was worried how my emotions would be.  Well, I can say we did get to Skype with them and we had a wonderful time celebrating with some other friends and church friends.  Chris was able to be here with us which was nice. 

We were invited to a friends home for appetizers and then to go to the sand dunes just a ways away from our home for potluck food, fellowship, and singing.  The kids all enjoyed going up the dune and running or sliding down. The adults sat back and visited.  Many of the people that were here were invited by someone.  From what I understand it started small and over the last couple of years this person invited someone and that person invited someone so now it's an event that you invite friends to. Next year we will invite friends and maybe I'll host a pre appetizer get together before we go.  

After dinner we sang Christmas carols and then the children put on a play.  I have some pics but they aren't great but they will be posted below.  

Somewhere one of those spots is H

Silly boy

C face planted in sand

Playing

The spot to the left is H

These next few pictures are where the fire and guitar player was for our carols. Could not get camera setting right

There is H as King Herod

Christmas Eve the boys get to open ONE gift (always pajamas) My mom and sister joined us on Skype to watch them open.

Matching pajamas

Goodnight tomorrow is Christmas Morning!!!