It's Another Sappington Family Christmas

The 2017 holiday season was lovely, bookended by visits from our son Michael and his family, followed by holiday fun with my brother Larry from Seattle and our daughter Kelly and her husband Gary.  We also welcomed a 4^th great-grandson, attended 8 Christmas parties, took part in a couple of service projects, saw more than a few movies and “Fairy Tale Christmas, a play at Tuacahn; and ate our weight in delicious goodies delivered to our front door almost daily by neighbors and friends.

Kelly and Gary had been with us at Thanksgiving but wanted to come back to spend time with her Uncle Larry.  They arrived on Thursday evening, Dec. 21 then Kelly and I drove to Las Vegas to pick Larry up at the airport on Friday morning.  Poor Larry … he comes to St. George annually for a “sun break” and a visit with family … neither of which happened for him this year.  It wasn’t particularly cold while he was here but it was gray – not unlike Seattle this time of year.  And, although he enjoyed a pleasant visit with Kelly and Gary, Stacy and her entire family were all “near death” with a vicious strain of winter flu.  We had a brief visit in Stacy’s driveway but didn’t get to see anyone else.  Sorry, Larry … maybe you should come in April or October – guaranteed to be beautiful, sunny and warm.

As it turns out, Christmas Day was quiet but pleasant.  Dinner was good and plentiful even though there were only three of us at the table. 

Michael, Jessica and the kids arrived on Friday, December 29 … just in time for Ed’s birthday on New Year’s Eve. On Saturday morning we all went for an easy one mile hike to Johnson's Arch (which I had never seen before) which is considered a "winter hike" because this trail is only open from Nov. 1 - March 15 annually.  It was beautiful.  We also took in a movie ... half of us saw "Wonder" while the other half saw "Star Wars."  It was a very pleasant weekend and we are so happy to have our son back, thanks to Jessica!

Highlights of Christmas 2017:

·      GG#4 Nash Michael Beaumont was born in the evening of Thursday, December 21, 2017 – the third baby boy of Allysa and Josh Beaumont and our daughter Stacy’s 3^rd grandson.  This little cutie weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz.  Big brothers Daxton and Bentley are just about as excited about their new little brother as they are about all the gifts Santa brought them. 

·      Having Michael, Jessica and their family for a visit before and after Christmas.

·      Volunteering with Kelly and my childhood friend Jan Christensen for “Fairy Tale Christmas” at Tuacahn.

·      Wrapping gifts for children in need in our community with some of my favorite Rotary club members at our 2^nd annual service party.

·      Having neighbors and friends dropping by with cookies, candy and other lovely gifts … and even a few Christmas carolers.

·      Introducing my brother to my nail lady Michelle Graham who actually is our cousin (haven’t found the common ancestor yet, but I know she’s on our family tree).

·      Seeing “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” (which is wonderful and worth seeing more than once) “Victoria and Abdul” (which my brother and I both loved) and “The Greatest Showman” (which I loved and my brother didn’t).

·      Spending Christmas Eve with Bishop and Lori Bair, Selwin and Brianna, Cara, Aspen, Dakota Bair and my brother Larry.

·       Inviting our neighbors and friends over to celebrate Ed's birthday on New Years Eve ... and to help us eat our mountain of leftovers.

  

      Christmas is such a lovely time of the year but a whole lot of work.  And, no question this extra level of activity - even when its fun - can make us crazy, but we sure love having family, friends and neighbors around and can't wait to see them again.