Every year since before I knew him Ben has been making a gingerbread house for his nieces and nephews and now his own children to decorate! We all look forward to this tradition and one more reason to get together during the holidays. This year we did it at our house. The new house accommodated it well.

ornaments from grandpa and grandma

Now that Ben’s parents live here in Utah we have a new tradition… they invite our family over for some Christmas time just with them. We get to exchange gifts. We eat some yummy snacks and just enjoy being together and enjoy the Christmas spirit. I really have the best in-laws. They are great. The kids all get a new ornament from them each year. I love that tradition. The kids love finding all of their ornaments and hanging them on the tree each year. This year we had red velvet cookies that i loved and Rick made his toffee and we had norwegian shortbread cookies that are a Netteshiem Christmas classic. The boys got a few new games that we had to try out right then and there. Actually all gifts were opened and played with before we left. And Millie slept the entire time.