Hang up the Stockings!

Party time!  It was finally Christmas Eve, and the Calders joined the Spendloves to celebrate.  Elizabeth Calder was home from Boston for the holidays, and Vanessa and David Calder had traveled from Washington, D.C.  Jonny and Jenny Spendlove were in town from Miami, and Lisa Flindt's family arrived from Seattle.  We missed Grant Calder's and John Calder's families, but the rest of Scott's and Gretta's tribes were all there!

Gretta baked a ham and rolls, and Scott and Jean brought the fruit and desserts.  Boxes of homemade caramels were stacked on the kitchen island, ready to pass out.

Vanessa Calder had tales to tell about working for Cato Group, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C.  Naomi Flindt responded with stories about Spencer's and her six months in Madison, Wisconsin, where Spencer served an internship and Naomi applied (successfully) for BYU's PhD chemistry program.

Rebekah Flindt is a wonder woman.  She holds down three jobs in addition to majoring in economics at BYU-Idaho.  Michael is finishing his degree in computer science.

The Calder and Spendlove cousins had lots of news to share.  They are good friends who don't see each other often enough. 

 Scott Jr.'s daughter, Phoebe, eyed the pies and cakes.

 We gathered, after dinner, for the program.  Heidi Spendlove accompanied us in singing "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger."  Some high points of the program were Mia Ebert's violin solo and Sam Spendlove singing "I am a Child of God" in Spanish.

Scott Jr.'s little boy was fascinated with the piano.

Tara Calder led us in singing "Twelve Days of Christmas," complete with actions.  We twirled like dancers, hopped like lords a-leaping, and milked like maids a-milking!  "That's a keeper!  A new tradition!" we agreed.

And of course, there was the Calders' annual performance of "Hang Up the Baby's Stocking."

 Gretta and Scott finished the evening with Scott's rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and Gretta's reading of the Christmas Story from Luke. 

And then dessert!  Tara is a great cook.  She shared her Christmas sugar cookies and macaroons.  We will definitely have to repeat this party next year!