Christmas at the Nielsen's -- 2009

The entire family gathered at our home early evening on Christmas Day. We were all thrilled to be together for this holiday before Mom and Dad leave for Australia in March. We were all excited, but also a little teary over our gifts, which often centered around Australia -- like Australian money, web cams, Australian movies, etc.


This entire group picture was taken for the cover page of our 2010 family calendar. "Aren't we a handsome group!"

It seems impossible that our five kids have grown and matured SO MUCH and are each priceless to us.

J.D. and Melissa, Kyle, Brittney, and Matt. We got to steal Brittney and Kyle for a longer visit and had a super time. Matt had to be back to work at WalMart since he is earning money for his upcoming mission.

Brea, Derek, Brooke and DaKoda. Christmas is SO special when enjoyed with little ones! We loved their excitement over even the smallest thing. We will always remember DaKoda running up to others and in a low voice, saying "I'm Santa, Ho,Ho,Ho!" But the dress-up trunk was also a highlight, with Brooke dressing up in her wedding dress and inviting each of us individually to her wedding!

Grandma and Grandpa with all the grandkids. WOW -- we hope they don't forget us while we are gone!

Deck the Halls

Brooke and DaKoda had fun decorating Grandma and Grandpa's new Christmas tree. And most of the decorations would not fit on the smaller tree! But Brooke got to put the angel on the top of the tree with Grandpa's help.

Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert

On Friday, December 11th, the Front Runner hustled us down to SLC. We had four tickets to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert -- but wait -- JoLyn, Krista, Mom, Dad and Andy add up to five people! We were going to take our chances on getting an extra ticket.

Following dinner at Jason's Deli at the Gateway, we took Trax over to Temple Square. The lights were gorgeous, and Andy even captured a picture of the temple with its special spotlights.


Then over to the Conference Center early. The four with tickets proceeded in to find seats, leaving Andy to find out where to go for standbye tickets. But WHAT LUCK! Just after we separated, Andy was offered a ticket and entered the Conference Center just minutes after us. He sat just below us on the terrace, with us in the balcony. What a fabulous evening! But"I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams" brought visions of next Christmas when that's the only way we can share Christmas with our kids and grandkids....

Midway Creche Exhibit

During the first weekend of December it has become a Nielsen Family tradition to go to Midway for the Interfaith Creche Exhibit. We now plan on the family nativity picture for the December entry in the family calendar. This year, Brooke and DaKoda even sat on the lap of Father Christmas and got a candy cane.