Lights at Temple Square

 I thought that going the day after Christmas would be less crazy, but I was wrong.  We went up to Mike and Kim's for games and since we were already halfway to Temple Square we decided to go and fulfill one of Annabelle's yearly favorite activities.  It was cold and crowded, but we went and as you can tell from her smile, it was worth it.  She really wanted to go up to the Christ Statue in the visitors center but the line was super long and so I promised we would go on a warmer, less crazy day! As we were leaving we got to see a water show at City Creek and then grabbed burgers before heading home to stay warm and play more games.  We have had so many late nights and late mornings, it has been wonderful but will be hard when school starts again.

Christmas!

 Hooray for Christmas and presents and new toys!

 Annie loves her pottery wheel!

 Callie loves her kitty and tinkertoys.  And I love the crown she made me all by herself.

 The boys love their wii-u, foosball table and jelly beans.

 I love all the moisture we are receiving this year and I love that we didn't have to drive anywhere and I love that I have an amazing husband and so who went out and shoveled our driveway.

 

 Ryan lost an arrow in our giant snow pile, and unfortunately we had to break it up to find it.
 I love that I can make a delicious turkey and share it with some of Greg's family.

 We all love games and puzzles to learn and play together as a family.

Christmas Eve Nativity

 After watching some church movies about the nativity we acted it out on our own.  Having only 6 people in our family we had to play multiple parts.  There may have been some irreverent laughing or goofiness, but I love that we spent an hour or so as a family talking about the real meaning of Christmas.  We talked about what gifts we would give Jesus this year and how we will come closer to Christ.  I am so thankful for my testimony of Jesus Christ.  I know that I would not be the woman I am today with Him.  I am thankful for the many opportunities I have daily to show that I am a disciple of Him whose birth we celebrate in such splendor.  I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who gave His son as a gift to each one of us so that we could all return home someday.  I am so thankful for the gift of the Atonement that I am learning how to apply in my life more every day.  I know that Jesus Christ was born to Mary and Joseph in a manger over 2000 years ago.  I know that He atoned for my sins, my suffering and yours.  I know that I will be forgiven for all I do as I repent and come to know my Savior more and more.  I am so thankful for the extra emphasis on Him at this time of year, but I am more thankful for His presence in my life all year long.

Luke 2

 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Christmas Eve Gingerbread Houses

 I bought each child their own house this year and they were very happy not to have to share.  That meant that Dad helped Callie and I mostly just watched.  I was proud of each of these kids at doing it on their own and coming up with creative ways to decorate.  Ryan's house broke at one point and he was quite upset, but I was proud that he came back and helped me put it back together.  All four houses are still standing on my counter, a week later.  Most of the candy is picked off and I told them that if the gingerbread isn't eaten by school next week it will disappear. 

Christmas Eve Sledding

 We had to drive a little to find an adequate hill, but find one we did and we had a blast sledding for the first time in a couple years.  Callie says it is her first time...not sure if that's true, but it could be.  We haven't had a lot of time or snow for awhile but I am glad we made time this year.

 Since we were out we grabbed our traditional Pizza Hut yumminess and for an easy dinner.