CHRISTMAS MONKEYS

This Christmas we had a houseful of monkeys! Three - Holly, Sam, and Max, who live with us (and their parents) and two more - Zoe and Jim, who came to stay for nine days over the holidays. Oh, and they brought their parents, too.

So, eleven people in our little house. But Christmas was so fun! You just can't have Christmas without kids around. Christmas morning, the presents so overwhelmed the tree that they spilled all over into the living room.

And opening presents with children on Christmas morning. Is there any more special than that?

The fun of watching kids open what they asked for, or even better, something they didn't, but a total surprise Santa knew they'd love even more.

No one ever seems as delighted as Holly!

Ethan and Max, hampered by lunch, looking for the next creative trouble...

The cousins enjoying each other. And the food.

Monkeys in elephant suits, made by grandma.

Here they are at the Matheson Party singing their hearts out on "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", so they can get to their favorite - the Christmas Monkey song!!

Max and Grandpa playing around.

Zoe was baptized Tuesday the 29th, with all her family and her cousins there. It was a really beautiful night. You can see how happy Zoe is here with Grandpa.

Audrey, Zoe, Holly and Morgan, singing a Primary song at the baptism - "When Jesus was Baptized"

The boys, Ethan, Jim, and Sammy sing along, too. I didn't know that song had hand gestures!

All in all, it was a terrific visit. Lots of relatives, kids, games, noise, presents, good food, and other special times. And Christmas Monkey is still stuck in my head...along with his monkety cheer!