day #8

not really in the plan but, it definitely changed the plans we had...
Nothing takes you from sound asleep to running like the sound of  throw-up.

 to be fair the littlest one started it 5 days ago.  I thought it was something she ate especially when nobody else seemed to get it.  But now Kate had her night of fun.  Fortunately Kate hits a bowl so much better than Gen could.  Had to change Gentry's bed 3 times.  Can't wait for Hayli's turn apparently we will see in 5 days.  :)

Lots of laying around going on here.

nativity

day 5
We were able to go the live Nativity in Alpine this year.  I love the "live" part. This one had SO many animals the girls were so excited.  Camels, sheep, donkeys, horses, goats, swans.

   I loved the Roman soldiers, they rode horse back and directed traffic through Bethlehem.  They tried to act gruff, "pay your taxes, move along, all are to be counted" etc. but each one was nice enough to let Gen pet each horses nose.  We saw how they made baskets, clay pots and took care of the animals.  We tasted bread and listened to the wise men explain their gifts.  Then finally we were directed to the stable under the star where only a Joseph, a Mary, a baby Jesus and a manger stood silently, we watched the simple scene, absorbing the spirit of the story.  Oh wait that was my child yelling, "but I need to hold the baby Jesus!"

One day, I say, one day they will get it.  Oh and also one day I will remember to pack extra batteries as a cold night at temple square and a cold night in Bethlehem rendered me without a working camera shortly after we started our walk.  :)

Still it will be a great memory for me as I walked in the cold pondering the contrast of noisy Bethlehem and the quiet stable.  How am I letting the noise of the season affect the true reason we celebrate?  Plus I hope I will always remember my conversation with Gentry as we walked back to the car, how she wanted to hold the baby Jesus, how she just wanted to give him a kiss. "Maybe when he gets bigger, he will hold me" she said.  I know he will little one.  I know he will.

day #4

snowflakes.

 

temple square

day #3
We haven't done this in forever...
the Hoyt and May family's were able to come too (which turned out to be so helpful as the last minute Casey dropped out to help a friend with some pluming problem)  I couldn't have done it without them!  Just being able to use Sabra's extra stroller.  Saved the day, although poor Izzi was put out someone was in her stroller.  :) we took alot of turns.

The lights of course are amazing.  I am so wishing our trees could look the same!  The many nativities, the luminaries, waterfalls with the lights...the list goes on and on.

To achieve the "uncle of the hour"  Dave produced pennies for all the kids to make a wish!

"What is that Hayli?"  "You want to ride the train? (tracks)"  In the spirit of making wishes come true Dave convinced us all to take the tracks for a few stops, then turn around a ride back to our cars.  Seriously couldn't have done that one on my own, it was packed.  We needed one adult per kid for that one.

 and while on the train, Paige introduced "hot bean bags" (aka hand warmers) to Gentry, that little one thought she had reached Heaven!  Gentry held on to them so carefully till she fell asleep on the way home.

 We ended with hot chocolate and peppermint bark out of the back of the car tailgate style.  However, I couldn't round up a hot dog for Dave so he said it wasn't a "true tailgate" party.  :)
I am so glad we went, as you can see...

it was a wonderment for us all!

letters

the advent calendar is in full swing.
first things first...

day one...
success!

christmas is coming

the new game over here is to play "Santa"
It cracks me up as Kate and Gentry lay out all there treasures in a box
they lay down and close their eyes...

when they wake up they act astonished,
"look a new puppy"
"look a ballerina and Cinderella"
"another Cinderella?  oh my!"
All while calling each other "Mom" and "sweetie."

Lets hope the real Santa pulls through, or maybe he could just wrap up what we have, the excitement might just be the same!

december

I have to admit as I have been watching you get closer I have felt overwhelmed, under prepared. and well maybe a little bah humbug.
But the stockings have been hung.

the advent calender is stocked

and mostly I have a plan.

SO  December... bring it one.  Lets do this!