December 2014

December came so quick. I was in the middle of all these fix-up projects and the Christmas season was suddenly upon us. The first week Sarah had her Christmas concert in the Hilton.

She is sad she won't have more rehearsals until January. She loves music so much. She is preparing to accompany the ward choir on the Sally DeFord piano arrangement of Silent Night in the Christmas program. We went to the Fairfax High School concert and enjoyed their music as well.

On the way to Orchestra we saw this hilarious sight.

The culprit. 

Getting a good workout with Mom. We've also been consistent with our new goal of learning ballet in school once or twice a week.

Getting braces tightened isn't so bad when you throw in a little Christmas shopping afterwards. Sarah is wearing the gift the Jarvis triplets gave her. They picked out a scarf and chocolate for her. She loves them so much. She'll still babysit for dates or the temple, but their weekly events are over.

Special fake food game. 

After this Adam laid out an outfit for Rachel to wear and it was his same outfit.

 Special pizza night after a long shopping trip. Cute matching outfits. We are ready for our coming Legoland trip next month!

Curling up with a good book after school work is done.

We did a lot of babysitting this month, about 3 times a week someone was babysitting. One night we watched Liz and Rachel for the Cornia's date night. Sarah was at the Abegg's the same night. 

There is something so precious about a baby asleep under your Christmas tree. 11 years ago I laid my own two month old Rachel under our tree at Christmas time.

Rachel and Rachel. 

Adam loved getting to play Dad and feed Rachel her bottle.

The traditional youth nativity. They wrapped angel tree presents and made make-shift costumes. 

We recorded their performance as Bishop narrated and they acted out Luke 2. 

Then we watched it. 

We also watched performances of years past, so funny. 

Friday night we went to the temple for a session and stayed for our cleaning assignment. We didn't get home till very late, but it was so neat to get to clean the temple with other ward friends. Such a special night.

The following Saturday we bought Sarah a long searched for new violin, named Giuseppe. We came home to find a letter telling Sarah she's been moved up to Division 2 in Orchestra. She was so surprised and excited. That night at chocolate time Rachel got chocolate all down her face and shirt. She had a good attitude about it and posed for a shot. What a night!

On the 23rd we had a Joseph Smith Birthday party. We dropped off angel tree presents with the youth, then some of them joined us for our party. We watched some documentaries about Joseph Smith and had hot cocoa with candy canes. 

Christmas Eve I got to open my present from Adam. He surprised me with the movie Elf. We watched it together after our nativity and cracked up. After the movie we set out our stockings and set out cookies for Santa. Sarah set out a tomato for Rudolph.

The traditional kids by the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve picture. 

The children are trying to calm down to go to sleep. 

Santa came while the children tried to sleep. 

Christmas morning the kids came down to see what Santa brought them. Rachel got a suitcase and travel kit for her doll Halle.  

Sarah got a decoration pillow for her bed and backpacking set for her doll. 

Adam got a Thunder Tumbler remote control car, with batteries. 

Zoom. 

Mom got a gift card to Netflix. Thanks Santa. The kids and I are excited for science documentaries. Tyler and I are excited for date nights.

Sarah was happy Rachel got her an EOS. 

Adam wasn't very thrilled about his towel from Grandpa Gary at first... 

Then he found the lego set inside! 

Yay! 

Joyful dancing! Now he loves his new towel, by the way.

Rachel was curious to open her towel from Grandpa Gary and found boots inside!

Sarah was happy to find she got boots too, and from Grandma and Grandpa Cole she got bedding. 

Grandma and Grandpa Cole sent Rachel baby doll gear,

and they sent Adam boy clothes for Jonathon, so he can play with his sisters.

3 happy little muffins. Ross's family sent us sheet music, which we played on all day, and Ryan sent us a gift card to Deseret Book! Thank you!

Merry Christmas, time for a nap while the kids play! 

After dinner on Christmas we played games and went to bed.

The Barbie game stayed out.

The kids set up Maylyn, Halle, and Johnathon like it was Christmas all over again on the 26th.

Tyler and I each gave the kids a chance for special time with each of us.

Dad and Adam watched a little Scooby Doo together.

Sarah and I fixed up her room, putting her new bedding to good use.

Rachel and I played babies.

Saturday we went to do baptisms at the temple and when we got home we had a package.

Aunt Luise sent this cute little Frozen set. We are so loved. The kids played with it all day Sunday.

Adam being silly playing Legos.

Funny kid.

Rachel getting her school going again.

Mom's favorite napping spot, Adam put oven mitts on my feet because they were cold, then he joined me.

Enjoying new sheet music!

Legofest!

They have been very Happy Holidays!