December has already offered us some VERY fun activities. We have kept ourselves very busy these last 12 days. Here is what we have done:
On November 30 (ok so it’s not December, but close enough) Milo finally got all his scout awards that he earned during the summer. I kept forgetting to tell the scout master and so it’s taken this long. He was beaming with pleasure at his 4 belt loops and 2 patches. We are so proud of our scout.
[Not a very good photo, but had to document the event!]
[The boys made Christmas Tree advent calendars. Very cute idea but needed lots of adult supervision. The kids have been having a GREAT time with it.]
We decorated our house for Christmas. We ended up decorating a little later this year than usual, but it’s done now and looks great!
[Christmas books. Always the kids’ favorite!]
We went to Brentwood to visit my friend Erika December 2. I took just the 3 oldest and we went to a Christmas Carnival at the school she works at. I really enjoy getting together with Erika and this time was especially enjoyable because I didn’t have little ones to worry about and all the kids had so much fun since it was a one to one ratio. We left her house about 10 pm. Fun times!
Monday December 5 we went to a Creche Exhibit in Palo Alto . We have gone every year for the past 8 years. We LOVE this tradition. We did it a little different this year though. We generally go on Monday night and we generally get there about 5. This year though we needed to feed the missionaries so we went at 3. It was SO NICE. There weren’t very many people there so I felt as though we could look more and stop more. The kids room was practically empty (well, until we went in :o) They had a really cool life sized nativity. The entire cultural hall was turned into a replica of the stable/cave where the baby Jesus was born. It was very life like and it was such an awe inspiring moment. I appreciate this time of year when I get to reflect on Christ’s birth. What a wonderful thing for all of mankind. I feel so blessed and loved!
On Friday December 9 we went to Bethlehem again. A church in Santa Clara Turns their entire parking lot into a replica of Bethlehem. They do it REALLY WELL!! Here is the link: http://www.bethlehemsc.com We went last year and had a GREAT time. I didn’t figure we’d go this year but when we were talking about the things we’d do this year the kids asked ‘Are we going to Bethlehem?’ So we scheduled it and went. Again, very good and very special and the kids LOVED it.
[These guys really do have the Roman soldier air about them. It’s funny but a bit intimidating at the same time.]
[The kids got to “crush” grapes to help make the grape juice they would drink during that time.]
[My favorite part of the whole night. Too bad my camera is not capable of taking a good night picture. It really feels as though you are there watching. It’s amazing!]
[Another of my favorite parts. The angel appearing to the shepherds. He appears from the top of this building. It’s done really well.]
[Where’s Alix you ask?? We aren’t sure. They had a ‘market place’ with booths to do things that would have been taking place during that time in history. We tried to take all the kids around but they were more interested in the other things going on. But Alix wanted to visit every booth and she did! We didn’t see her for a good half hour, but we knew she was safe and having fun. It’s nice to have older children that you can trust.]
[Jaime didn’t get to go last year because she was sick. She REALLY enjoyed it this year. I think it etched a good image on her mind.]
Saturday December 10 was our ward Christmas party. That was a whole lot of fun. Jaime and Alix both helped with the decorations. Alix sewed red table runners for the serving tables. Then Jaime and Alix went the morning of and helped blow up balloons and decorate the tables. Alix, Milo, Niah and Afton were all in a Christmas play after dinner. They all did VERY well. The food was good, the company was awesome and the kids had fun. Couldn’t ask for anything more. Scott was kitchen man and so we didn’t see him too much. But he had fun!
[Niah was in the choir of Angels.]
[Afton was in the choir of Angels too.]
[Alix was the inn keepers wife. The inn keeper was Elder Mageno.]
[Milo was a wise guy!]
Santa and Mrs. Clause made a grand appearance…..
Monday December 12 was our FHE of Christmas Caroling and tea ring delivery. The kids really enjoy it each year and we have fun spreading some Christmas cheer to those in our ward who are sick, or alone or otherwise might need some cheering up. The kids are all old enough now that we make quite the choir. We are so blessed to have kids who love to sing and are pretty good at it.
I miss the Christmas creche. I haven’t heard of one around here. Hmm, maybe I should organize that…. naw.
One drawback to living in CO is that some years it is too cold to go caroling!
I bet Milo was a wise guy! I hope he didn’t get out of line in that play! ;-)