Excuse the late post – we’ve all heard of Christmas in July August!?! I had most of this written…and I’m sure it’s missing parts, but then tax season hit and it was nearly forgotten!
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December is the BEST time of the year. I love the Christmas season, the extra measure of kindness and happiness that abounds. The focus on our Savior and things that matter most. The abundance of family and friends, giving and sharing.
Yet no matter how much I plan to do less, it’s still jammed pack full of so many celebrations. The whole month was a constant party. When the New Year came and we started getting back into our “normal” routine, each time I put Brooke down for a nap she would ask, “I wake up and then we go to a PARTY!!!”
Oh yes, lots of fun memories to share:
Journey to Judea
We kicked off the Christmas season with what I hope becomes a new family tradition – Jouney to Judea. Hosted by another church in the community, this was a wonderful reenactment of the stories of Christ’s birth,
Beginning with the prophets who foretold of the Savior’s birth years in advance,
And told the story of Virgin Mary – missing no detail! The angel, traveling to Bethlehem, paying our taxes, and even stopping at the Inn.
The shepherds in the field,
The choir of angels singing “Hallelujah!”
And the quiet stillness that accompanied the Saviors birth. The children were all mesmerized. Silent night, holy night!
And last, the cross where he died and the empty tomb, for He has Risen!
This was such a spiritual night, witnessing the events that led up to that glorious day. The children were SO good, despite the freezing cold temps and the 1 hour journey through Judea. We certainly hope this becomes a new tradition!
Thankfully, there were lots of fires, so we could keep warm, especially those babies.
City Union Mission
We provided meals for 100+ people for the families at City Union Mission. I have to say…it was quite a day…after being home stranded with no wallet and empty tank, 2 trips to the grocery store, a sick baby with 103 temp, and a jar of sauce splattered in the garage, I was pretty sure it just wasn't going to happen. But we did, and was just what's my soul needed tonight after a LONG day. Such a pleasure and a joy to be in the service of others.
Hair nets and plastic gloves…he’s ready to GO! 
When we were done serving the food, we sat and had dinner next to them. Tanner quietly asked Anthony – “Well, what if people think I live here too?!” Great teaching moment – we are all alike unto God…and none of these children had ANY control of being here either.
The best experience was getting to hold this 7 month old baby girl. She was crying hysterically in her car seat, but with all the commotion of the dining hall, it was hard to notice. I asked the mom if I could hold her, and when I picked her up, she have me the biggest smile. The mom had her hands full with another 1 year old, and her kids reminded me of my own two girls just months apart. I can’t imagine being a parent of two small children, without the help, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically, of my fantastic husband. Yes, this reminded me of my many blessings, and we can all help each other out, big and small.
Thanks Kristan for coordinating and planning such a wonderful service opportunity!
Breakfast with Santa (and Olaf!)
Our neighborhood hosted a HUGE Breakfast with Santa event. This was our first year going, and we didn’t know how spectacular it was.
Donuts + Juice Boxes = Sugar Energetic Kids
And the whole reason Brooke could NOT WAIT to go was to see Elsa and Olaf. Of course, when she saw them, she had a total change of heart and RAN AWAY. Rylee, on the other hand, ran right up to them.
Repeat when it was time to see Santa! One ran straight into his lap, the other bolted towards the door.
And here’s Rylee, trying to sneak back on his lap, again and again!
Crafting up some ceramic ornaments to hang of the tree. Brooke was delighted they had a Frozen snowflake for her!
Oh what fun it is to ride in a two-horse open-sleigh—HEY!
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells! A little cold for all of our liking – and Brooke had to keep a safe distance from the horse :)
Still more…face painting! Santa for Tanner, and a Frozen snowflake for Brooke. They were so excited!
And while we had to wait in line FOREVER, the balloon artist did not disappoint. A princess wand for Brooke, and a sword/shield for knightly Tanner.
The next morning, Brooke woke up early and jumped into the bed for some extra cuddles. I felt something a little different, and I look over, and it’s her balloon. She loved it SO MUCH she just had to sleep with it too. This girl…cracks me up!
Surprise Visit from Uncles
Anthony’s two brother, Austin and Kenneth, surprised our kids when they came into town for a fun filled weekend. They are both so cute and absolutely hilarious with the kids.
I can’t even explain the laughter and giggles that were to be had. But I love that they LOVE to play with the kids, get down on their silliness level, and be even more crazy than them. Special talent, that’s for sure!
One night we took them to see some of Kansas City. We had hopes visiting Union Station to see their Christmas display and the KC miniature train exhibit, but of course it was closed for a private event. Go figure!
So instead we got to ride the Holiday Dazzle Trolley around KC. It was all decked out with lights, decorations, and even Christmas music. Oh yeah!
Pretty sure without their help, we would have come home with one less kid!
We stopped at Crown Center Plaza to see more lights and play in their toy village. The lights were spectacular – they reminded m of Temple Square in SLC. And then the kids loved the carnival rides – all wooden and painted for the kids to explore.
[insert pics from anthony’s phone]
The weather was beautiful! The company was AWESOME! And we had a good time. Before they left, we made cookies
together with them one night.
Read more about it here.
Tanner’s school Christmas party
One of the many things I LOVE about Tanner’s school is that they celebrate Christmas and have Christmas parties! This year, the focus was on doing random acts of kindness to help the Grinch’s heart to grow.
As each kid observed an act of kindness, the put a paper heart on the Grinch.
His class party was so much fun! Love this picture of the entire class…and the adorable elf hats his teacher Ms. Kleweno made.
They made cute snowflake picture ornaments for their craft and devoured the christmas tree brownies.
I got to help out with the games – and we played some fun “Minute-to-Win-it” style games. First up was building a Christmas tree (pyramid style out of plastic cups). Second, a snowball fight with min marshmallows. By the commotion and craziness, I’d say they have a FANTASTIC time. But oh my gosh, it got so loud and crazy fast. I couldn’t even hear myself talking, and by the end, my voice was nearly gone. Whew! I have a new respect for teachers!
SNOW
A perfect way to start winter break…lots of SNOW!
In the morning, Brooke wanted to get bundled up and head outside. But when she got out there, she had a complete change of heart. And just stood in the garage watching.
Watching as Rylee, who was hating all the extra clothing, bolted out the door and running into the snow, having the time of her LIFE!
She immediately gave it a little taste test too!
And yes, I even whipped out the sled. After taking Rylee down a few times and her loving it, I convinced Brooke to give it a try too. They were having so much fun…and then it was a total wipe out! #mommyfail #allmyfaulttoo
This girl…just couldn’t get enough of it! Love that cheesy smile!!! 
And Brooke, once she say Rylee having fun, eventually decided to join in on some fun too. Love her!
After school, I went to Chelsea’s to pick up the girls, she kindly offered to watch them so I could go to Tanner’s school party.
Well, the kids couldn’t resist the urge to go outside and play. Even if we were totally unprepared for the coldness and snow. Honestly, they really didn’t seem to mind!
She was lovin it a whole lot more the second time around!
My beautiful ballerina princess! (and if you dare to call her anything different, she’ll correct you)
Cousins and snow, what more could a little girl want?!?!
KC Express Santa Train
We walked through a real train – all decked out with Christmas Decor!
The kids were mesmerized…
While Rylee didn’t quite know what to make of it all.
I’m pretty sure they enjoyed the model train exhibit best of all. Less people. More fun! Wa-hoo!!
Breakfast with Santa, Take 2
Our congregation has an annual Christmas Breakfast each year. One of the most fun ever – with Bishop Aulick leading the Christmas music sing-a-long.
And despite how many pics you take, both girls refuse to look at the camera!
Rylee totally diggin the hot chocolate! 
Brooke and her friend David making sure to eat ALL the chocolate candy.
And the young children put together an adorable Nativity performance—with the cutest shepherd in the back (even if his robe is falling down!)
And Rylee could have down without sitting on Santa’s lap…but that’s just part of tormenting our children we enjoy :)
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
I wasn’t quite sure how rock music and Christmas would go together…but it does! This was absolutely amazing concert – and surprisingly filled with so many Christ-centered Christmas songs. Some broadway, some country, some rock n roll – a little bit of everything with AMAZING special effects. I loved the electric violinist and reminded me of Lindsay Sterling!
Sometimes the best fun it’s planned at all. Just play ole hanging out surrounded by friends and family. Or in the quiet moments where you spend time alone, basking in the light and love that fills the month of December.
Merry Christmas!!!
