snow, snow, snow!

I guess S sang "Let it Snow!"  enough times because we have sure had the snow this winter. I'm grateful for the moisture. I would much rather have snow in January than, say, endless rain in April (not that January snow prevents April rain, but somehow in my mind it should). We've been able to go sledding with cousins a couple times and that has been way fun. S was pretty brave. She preferred going on her own most of the time (she's not a real dare devil, nor is her mother). She's also found that starting up snowball fights can be great fun. And, of course, snow is a handy, readily available snack!

hmmm...snow is tasty

S and cousin sliding after sledding
(I love how they're trying to hold hands)

I love this cute girl!

Jeff snuck over and did most of the
shoveling for us one snowy morning

just playin' in the snow

ready to sled!

S starting up a snowball fight with Aunt Teresa

Teresa and her sweet girl

ice castles

I grew playing a song on the piano called "Ice Castles" (also a movie, but I just knew the song) so whenever I hear of ice castles, that's what comes to mind. However, there are other kinds. Elsa's ice castle is what comes to S's mind =) But, there is also an ice castle in Midway that we were able to explore one frigid night recently. It's one that is created and you pay to go see. Nathan's brother, Andrew, and his family were in town for the week so we were able to go see it with them and their mom. Very fun! although...very cold. I bundled S up well and was happy that I wore my snow pants. I just wish I'd grabbed my snow boots as well. I was also very glad for the hand warmers we grabbed at the last minute.

I was excited to go at night because they turn colored lights on under the ice. It made for some cool pictures. The slot canyons, tunnels, and water falls were fun. You walk in a mix of snow and sand and it's several inches deep, which made it hard for walking, especially for Mom. S and I had fun exploring (we seemed to keep getting separated from everyone else). Teresa bought us hot chocolate and treats and the break helped revive my ice cube toes. S wanted to go on the ice slide then, but found she couldn't handle the long wait in line so we gladly headed back to the car to warm up.

We sure enjoyed having Andrew and Teresa here for the week. We love spending time with them!

S was caught mid-yawn :)

Our group

fun silhoutte of Andrew and family

Andrew and their cutie

Nathan and his mom

it happened again

Yep, another birthday. They just KEEP coming!! But, since I can't change the fact, I just celebrate and make the most of it. My birthday fell on a Sunday this year, which makes things a bit different, but good. Nathan came home from his early morning meetings to make breakfast for me. (I love french toast! Kneaders french toast is so amazing, btw) Church was good. After church we went to my Mom's where my sister, Lori, made dinner for all of us. Nathan and S gave me a beautiful pearl and sterling silver necklace and a new cover for my phone. Lori gave me a shirt, sweater, and necklace (all verrry cute). Mom gave me a card and flowers.

The celebration continued for several days, as it should :), with the 3 of us going out to dinner at Harvest Restaurant, lunch with my good friend, Monica, and dinner with Nathan's family. So, yes, I was spoiled again as usual. =) Birthdays are always reminders to me of how blessed I am because of the wonderful people in my life.

My delicious breakfast made by my loving hubby

What?? I have to put out that forest fire??

Eating out. S was adamant about wearing the headband.

Other December Events

Well, we knew it was going to be a busy December when we took a look at the calendar. And then we found out S was having a birthday 4 TIMES! Busy indeed!

Nathan playing a minute-to-win-it game at the ward party.
And "win-it" he did! Notice S with her ears plugged. She's very
sensitive to noise, but it was REALLY loud during the games.

I conducted my first eagle court of honor

playing at the park on a warm day

playing in the snow on a not-so-warm day

We saw "The Force Awakens" on opening day.
Nathan bought tickets well in advance and we
had his brother, brother-in-law, 3 nephews, and my
sister join us. I didn't get any pictures because it
was just a crazy night. After the movie we hurried
to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert.
I LOVED the movie!! The concert was great, but it
was a stressful night for me.

our family

Fun trip to the aquarium with grandma and cousins

Making Christmas ornaments with more cousins. So fun!

And now...

Christmas

We had a really nice Christmas. This year we spent Christmas with Nathan's family (for the most part). Christmas Eve day was spent preparing food so I wouldn't have to do it on Christmas, cleaning, and visiting the dinosaur museum (Nathan's first time). Then we headed to Grandma's. I played and we sang some songs while everyone else finished their dinner. Then we convened in the living room and the girls buried Grandma in teddy bears. =)

Dino museum

Grandma got run over by some teddy bears

Grandma and Nathan read some stories and we sang some songs and then acted out the nativity. This time we dressed up as shepherds (most of us), turned off the lights, and the angel (Grandpa) appeared and told us Baby Jesus had been born. We took our candles and sheep (teddy bears) downstairs and found the Baby Jesus and finished the story there. Grandma asked each of us how we have served someone. Aunt Mannie read the Cajun Night Before Christmas. Then we had the traditional grape juice (substituted for mulled wine) and shortbread.

Our sweet little shepherd

We woke to a LOT of snow on Christmas morning and Nathan went out immediately and began to shovel our driveway and sidewalks (he is fastidious about keeping them cleared and dry) so S and I began opening gifts without him. I invited my Mom, sister, and brother over for breakfast. They were celebrating together and I was worried about it being a hard day for my mom since it's the first Christmas since we lost my dad. They brought more presents and we made our way through opening everything eventually. 

We finally made it to Nathan's parents' after more shoveling, and after S's dollhouse was assembled, and after we all got ready. S fell asleep on the way there, but I was glad she could have a nap. We had a lovely dinner, visited with a brother and some of his family, and played Nathan's new Star Wars trivia game. 

Christmas morning

Darth Vader (or Dark Vader as S says) mug

S and her dollhouse. The best part about it
is that it has a working doorbell!

I felt a lot closer to the Savior this season. I let Him in better than I often do. I'm grateful for the humble circumstances of His birth. I think it's fitting that shepherds were the first to hear of the birth of the Good Shepherd. I know Jesus Christ lived on earth long ago and that He lives today and I'm so grateful for that knowledge. I'm grateful for the light He brings into my life, which is as much as I'll allow. I'm also grateful for all the things and people that help redirect me to Christ. I need those constant, gentle reminders.

Temple Square

We decided to visit Temple Square while the temperatures were still relatively warm and that was a good plan. We picked Nathan up from work after piano lessons and after slogging through traffic. Then dinner at City Creek and light-seeing at the square. They were beautiful and S was more interested in them than ever before. She especially loved the nativities that I don't remember seeing other times. I love seeing things through her eyes. She helps me see the wonder and the simpleness that I sometimes miss. 

Nathan brought along his nice camera and
got some great shots

S just loves these lights at City Creek

The temple in the reflecting pool - I get photo credit for this one

Governor's Mansion

Nathan received a Christmas card from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and an invitation to a holiday open house at the Governor's Mansion. He was elected to be an alternate state delegate for our precinct and one of the delegates backed out so he's been filling that role for several months now. So we weren't too surprised when the cards and invitation came. We decided to go to the open house since it's a rare opportunity we thought we shouldn't miss. Once we got there we started wondering how he had been invited since there are thousands of state delegates and, while there were plenty of people there, the numbers still didn't reflect a group that large. Nathan has talked to Governor Herbert a couple times and once with Lieutenant Governor Cox and he attended the last Republican convention, but we're still not sure how he got on the invite list! Oh well, carpe diem!

The mansion is beautiful and very ornate. We had plenty of time to enjoy it as we waited in line to see the Governor. We waited at least half an hour to meet him, his wife, the Lt. Governor Cox, and his wife and it took a lengthy 10 seconds to say hello, shake their hands, and snap a picture, but it was worth it. They are very gracious. We enjoyed some refreshments, then picked up S only to find she'd had a potty accident. Bummer :( 

Anyway, it was a unique experience and a nice evening!

And here we are! Proof!

Looking up to the 3rd floor. The wood work
was beautiful.

I like the beehives on this tree