Christmas 2014 what a BLAST!

Some Christmas prep--somehow I was motivated to make these stockings for everyone who was coming home...which was EVERYONE!   They kinda sorta match, all made out of wool thrift store sweaters with silk lettering initials embroidered on.   It was a fun little project for me.   

TEMPLE SQUARE VISIT

In early December we took Hannah and Preston for a weekend trip to Utah, we were able to stay with Christian and Katie which was a blast in their apartment with big screen TV and a pool table, and see the lights on Temple square AND see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert!   What a treat to see Emily in action as well as the Muppets from Sesame Street.  Wonderful Show!  Next December it will be broadcast on PBS television!

 

OPEN HOUSE

I don't have a picture of the actual event!   but on Saturday December 20 we had an Open house for these newlyweds who were married in August.   Lots of great friends and family came, we had a full house with yummy desserts, meatballs and holiday drinks.  Katie and Christopher took charge in the kitchen with Ben, Mont and Loren in charge of parking.  Mike and I were able to just visit with friends and enjoy the festivities.    It was a fun fun holiday party!  

 An hour after the last guest left the open house, we headed to Seattle for The Coats Christmas Concert at Benroya Hall.  Ben and Rachel came with Mom and we loved taking the two newlywed couples and also had Loren Franz and Michael Sarten join us.    Always a favorite thing to do at Christmas time. 

    

 Little baby Claire with Grandma...the whole week we just took turns holding this adorable baby.  She is such a little doll, just loves being held and pretty much sleeps and eats.  She is one month old!

 Our little family Christmas Music evening was so fun with some great music numbers.   Our family sang "Cookies with You" by the Coats and it was pretty hilarious and embarrassing. 

 This is how I spent a lot of the holiday! Couldn't get enough of baby Claire.

 Emily and Hannah took a little time to sing Christmas cheer at the Hospice house on Christmas eve, 

beautiful spirit there. 

CHRISTMAS EVE

Fun fun fun with everyone!  at the beautiful McNaughton home...

 CHRISTMAS 2014

So fun to have everyone home for the holiday!!!

 

LEAVENWORTH

On Christmas Day after the morning brunch and gifts we drive to Leavenworth--fun times together! 

 Baby Claire was blessed in the Highland Hills ward, so special to have everyone  together to witness this. 

 Ryan came to join us for a couple days!   

Getting ready for the last wedding of the Bateman Wedding Season! 

 We took Mom, Chris and Katie to Olympic Game Farm after everyone else had headed home. 

Mom just about had a stroke with all the animals putting their heads in the car for a little piece of bread.  

We all laughed so hard!  

Check out these videos from the Game Farm:

VID_20141230_105353998.mp4

VID_20141230_105250822.mp4

A Tribute to Grandpa

Thanksgiving weekend 2014:   I have never been to such a beautiful funeral.   Grandpa Bateman lived a beautiful life, full of romance and dreams and hard work.   He left a beautiful legacy and many handmade momentos that will be treasured by his grandchildren.   He was the most patient and giving man and we will miss him dearly. 

Thomas Hess Bateman  August 2, 1932-October 23, 2014. 

 

 The service was held on a boat in the Santa Barbara harbor area of the Pacific Ocean.  Mike, Paul, Byron and Eric all shared some sweet memories of their father as well as all the Daughter in laws, myself, Julie, Amy and Allyson.    We sang his favorite hymns and songs.   The weather was so perfect, about 70, no wind.   We let go about 30 doves in his honor.   It was a beautiful sight.   We ate Danish pastries, laughed and cried.  

 Hannah, Kennedy and Meeka had a great time together.   They are all about to turn 16!  

 After the funeral services we enjoyed some wonderful family time on the Santa Barbara beach and also together at the hotel. 

 Emily and Ryan drove down from Utah and we met Ryan for the first time!   It was great!   We had Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hometown Buffet in Oxnard and it was very delicious!   Ryan had some fun times getting to know Eric and the rest of us.