Wishes to Ohio

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On our second take grandpa added an impromptu epilogue. It made this birthday video especially special.

Click on image to go to "A Voice From The Vineyard"

Over The River and Through The Woods...

The greater Cornwall Christmas of 2013 was not the traditional - everyone  come to Grandpa's house in La Canada all at once on Christmas afternoon.  Instead the holiday visits were divided into individual family groups, each with their own slot throughout the week.  This fit in nicely and appropriately with grandpa's final chemotherapy session at City of Hope on Dec. 27th (and cousin Travis' wedding also on the 27th in northern Calif.). Aunt Cherie set up the equipment to ask grandpa "journal jar" questions from each family member and video the answers.  This provided a sweet opportunity to focus on the special gift all of us in the family enjoy of heritage of a wonderful father and grandfather.

Dec. 23 - The Cherie & Kurt Alvords

Dec. 24 - The Chris Cornwalls

Dec.. 25 - The Jon Cornwalls

Dec 28 - The Kevin Cornwalls

Dec. 28 - The Craig Cornwalls

The first - "My Three Sons"

My Three Sons and Spouses

Leavenworth

We decided to go to Washington this year for the holiday break. In light of season we ventured to the charming town of Leavenworth for some holiday festivities. It is a Bavarian village settled right in the Cascade mountains. In our research, we discovered the holiday classic activity of going on a sleigh ride. Having never been on one before, we were very excited. We left bright and early Monday morning so we could arrive with plenty of time for the sleigh ride and enjoy the town.  It was everything we could have ever imagined and the weather was chilly but beautiful.

Shortly after arriving at the ranch we were introduced to our guide, Al. He was a jolly man dressed in wintery flannels. After getting his two horses (Lefty and Poncho) situated, we were off!  

We spent most of the ride singing joyous Christmas carols. It's true that "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." We've never sung the 12 Days of Christmas so fast!

Upon returning from the sleigh ride we were all a bit rosy in the nose and cheeks and were ready for some warm hot cocoa. We retreated into the furnace-warmed tents and sipped away at our drinks until we warmed back up.

None of us had been to Leavenworth before so we were all equally excited to explore the the town. It was so much fun to be transported to this German town and stroll along the cobblestone streets. It was the perfect place to visit so close to Christmas, what with all the lights and ornament shops.

Christmas Day in La Canada

The highlight of Christmass Day was Skyping with each child and their family including a Skype visit with Sarah on her LDS mission.  We had about an hour with Sister Cornwall.  The first 20 minutes of group Skype was with all 5 of Sarah's siblings and their families in Boston, Missouri, Columbus, Utah and Washington State.  (Oh, what an amazing day in which we live.)  It was the case that Sarah could not send or see video in group Skype.  It was nice to hear her voice.  After the group session, Mom and Dad were able to see and hear our dear Hermana Cornwall for about 40 minutes.

Below is a video clip of the group Skype during the part in which Sarah shared her testimony in Spanish.
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In the afternoon the Jon Cornwalls joined Mem and Dad and great grandpa for Christmas dinner at 1213.

Christmas Eve At 1213

.Mom and dad spent Christmas Eve at Great Grandpa Cornwalls.  He had some rehab at COH in the morning.  The afternoon was spent preparing for the Chris Cornwall's to come for Christmas Eve Dinner.  It was a wonderful feast.  One of the best parts was meeting Corbin's lovely finance, Mary (from Colorado -- oh, they make really good brides in Colorado.)

After dinner and an evening videoing Great Grandpa Cornwall's memories with prompts from a 'journal jar' the Chris Cornwalls rapidly unwrapped their 2013 Chirstmas jammies and then wrapped themselves IN their new PJs.

It is fun to be around two "little girls" on Christmas Eve.  (Jannon really likes penguins and Jensen likes owls.)

But is it Corbin who REALLY likes batman.  Looks like he found the perfect girl for him.  Mary really is wonderful, sweet, cordial, pleasant  - a great soon-to-be member of the family.

Merry Christmas

The kids had a fun Christmas morning. Bennett loves his Captain Hook and Emary got a baby and stroller but thinks it is for her. We love you all

Christmas Eve PJ's

Click on image to go to "A Voice From The Vineyard"

Sarah shared a wonderful letter this week.  Her sweet, enthusiastic testimony is highlighted in red at the end.  The link included in her letter is to the below video.  Mom and I watched this the other night and love it!  I just need to say - as I watched it the thought came to me that I have 3 sons such as this.

Tried and true.....

I realize these are not exciting photos but back by popular demand (from a select few). It seems to be working

If it's not broke.........

Merry Christmas

It has been looking a lot like Christmas at our House

 (Yes all these pictures were taken from a warm place.  I am a California girl at heart)

 Stockings

 Candle

 Sitting on Santa's lap (Not one crying face)

Lights at Temple Square