Karácsony Másnapja or Second Day of Christmas

In Hungary, then don't just have Christmas,

but on the 26th they have Second Day of Christmas!We talked Bryan into fixing us a Hungarian Meal.
He made homemade noodles called nókedli and
a sauce made with pork, onions, tomato and paprika called pörkölt!
It was delicious!We decided that we will be celebrating
the Second Day of Christmas every year!Thanks Bry for introducing us to this new tradition!
(By the way who could resist that face?!?)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas!

Even though we were missing three of our children
Through the miracles of technology
we were able to all connect!
Here are some of the highlights of our 2010 Christmas:Our Annual NativityWith little lambs (not chestnuts) roasting on an open fire!Christmas Eve with Grandpa and Grandma Brockbankand Christmas afternoon with Grandma Prince.Our children surprised us with luggage . . . and there was set for each of us!but the highlight of the day was Skypeing
with Elder Brockbank in Jamaica!Merry Christmas to All!

Christmas Traditions

For the past several years we have tried to

Celebrate Christmas Around the World.
December 13th is Santa Lucia's Day
and is celebrated in Sweden.
(We were a little late this year and
had our celebration on the 19th.)
On this day, the eldest daughter in a family
wears a white robe with a red sash
and a head wreath with candles.
All dressed up, she serves the family
Santa Lucia buns (Lussekatter) and coffee.
(Okay we have sweet rolls and hot chocolate!)
Santa Lucia is followed by the star boys
who wear pointed hats and carry star wands.
(Forgot the wand for star boy!)I am sure this is a tradition for almost every family
that lives in the Salt Lake Valley.
Going to Temple Square to see the Lights
is something we have done every year.
Most years we ride TRAX and have dinner at the Food Court,
But this year we mixed it up a little.
We went down early and had dinner at the Lion House
before enjoying the lights on Temple Square.
It was also wonderful to sit and contemplate
the Savior as we sat near the Christus Statue.
I also kept thinking about coming here as a child
with my family and how it helps me focus on
the Meaning of Christmas
What we didn't do was ride the escalators!
Merry Christmas !!!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

If you do this . . .

Santa will give you this!!!

Way to go Brad!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a time for Family!
The Brockbank Family wishes all of you
a very Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year!
We join with all of you as we celebrate
the Birth of our Savior
and our Joy at His Love for Each One of Us.

It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas!

At our house, Christmas isn't just lights and bells and trees --

It's wrestling . . .

and basketball . . .

and band concerts . . .

and dance performances!

I know it's a funny way to celebrate Christmas,
but it is my life!

Tradition!

Every year since Ben was a baby
we have gone to have a picture with Santa Claus!
Even though the kids are getting older,
this year was no exception!
(I did have to bribe them with dinner at the
mall's food court to get the three of them to go!)

The Holidays are here!
Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving in Jamaica

Although Brandon was far away

He was still able to have a Thanksgiving Feast.
(We think Brandon is looking pretty skinny
and he now cuts his own hair with his razor!)

Brandon sent us pictures detailing
how the Turkey got to the Table --

This turkey went from this . . .To this . . .

To this . . .

(That dog looks like he is waiting for his share)

To this!!!We know that Brandon is most Thankful for this . . .But some days he is not very thankful for this!

I am so thankful to have Brandon serving a mission.
It is a great blessing in my life!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

If you asked Brad what that time was,

he would say WRESTLING!
It started last week and he has already had 9 matches.He is looking forward to a great season.
Brad is one of the team captains.
We love it when he pins his opponent.And we hope to see a lot of this!
Good Luck Brad!

Piano Recital

One of my favorite paydays as a parent is Piano Recitals.

I love to hear my children play
knowing all the hard work that has gone
to preparing their recital pieces.
This year was no different.
Gwen played "Witches' Dance"

Blake played "All of Me"
and Brad played "Oh How Lovely was the Morning"