Christmas Day

Christmas in Singapore is so different from the Christmas' we are used to in Utah,

surrounded by family, snow, temple square, Festival of trees etc, etc... 

But there are some things I really enjoy about it.

We love getting together with friends who've become our family here,

and I think because there are hard things about being away from home,

that I really put in more effort praying and planning to help Christmas be special and memorable. 

Christmas Day was so enjoyable this year.

Other than going to church,

we were home together all day with just our family

for the first time ever!

groggy from late nights + anxious to see what Santa brought
=
Christmas morning!

notice our fireplace app?
no real fireplaces in this steaming place, just cranked AC!

Lis got a new tennis raquet

and we have a serious horse obsession going on at our house,
so Santa obliged

Brit and her twin...all smiles

.

Ava got this doll from Santa and kept it tucked in her arm while she opened the rest of her presents.
  She would not put it down...it took forever!

the girls helping make our Pomegranate Salad

beach toys, snorkels and swim suits for Christmas???
all for our beach trip to Thailand
Stel and Ava spent pretty much the whole day in their swim suits,
we thought it was pretty funny

Here's our little Christmas dinner spread

it was so nice to be home together, enjoying the gifts Santa brought

Spen got a 1000 piece puzzle, and wouldn't quit til it was done!
He takes after his dad.  We all helped a little, but Anslie and Spen were the finishers
way to go!

I am so grateful for the Singapore Christmas memories we have been able to make the past 2 years.

I love Christmas and all the festivities and traditions that go along with it, but I also like when it's done so that I can de-clutter the house and get everything put away.  It's such a good feeling!