Lights on Temple Square

This year we visited the lights on Temple Square. It was wonderful!

Mary Beekman came down from BYU-I for one night on her way to Florida for Christmas break and it was SOO good to see her!!! 

I wore a warm hand-me-down coat from my grandma Connie and yes, it was Barney-purple and went clear to my ankles. A guy wearing a kilt playing his bagpipes even complimented me on it. I think everyone's gonna want one now. Haha.

Angel Moroni (the gold statue resting atop the Salt Lake Temple) is centered in this picture.

Bella was pretty awestruck by all of the lights. She kept pointing and talking about them. She especially loved seeing a temple in person for the first time. She remarked over and over, while gesturing with her arms, "BIG one. Up Up Up!"

Directly in front of the temple, floating lights glittered the reflection pond. So pretty!

  

I had a lot of fun, and most especially enjoyed pondering the meaning of this visit for me.


I felt the spirit of Christmas and for a moment left behind the things of the world and relaxed. This is the relief the Savior offers to the world and I am so grateful to feel that over and over again in my life.


Gratitude fills me. Good night.

Ginger Bread Madness

Ours should have won "Most Original with Collapsing Walls".

With the Thompsons (our fabulous neighbors and friends) we partied the night away.

 Kash, Cooper and Bella wrestled and played ring around the rosie. They taught her some WWF moves, and she taught them to be tiny dancers. Made for each other, me thinks.

 Courtland is one of my young women and never takes a bad picture.

Happy for food and friends.

 Nicole, our hostess with the mostess. She decked her halls and decked them out GOOD. Everything was perfectly cute and awesome. Thanks for hosting!

Delicate ornaments are another one of those magnets that sucks kids in.

 Our walls caved in. So much profound life-application here. This is where Ty would be yawning at another one of my 'life parables'. 

 Such concentration and focus.

Nicole shared a true story from their family's history, then we resumed the football game. Whichever one it was. 

Fun was to be had! Thanks again for everything!

Santa lives at the Mall

When I was little, my mom would ask, 

"Where does Santa live, Emily?"

My reply:

"At the mall"

Although a little shy, Bella seemed very comfortable with sitting on Santa's lap. No one was in line, so she just took her time chattin' it up with Santa. Adorable.

We couldn't get a picture with Santa without having to pay the $17 for a 5x7 photo, so opted out and took a parting picture.

These are on my list of lovely things to plagiarize. They retailed for $29!!!!! Whaaaaaa?

Our mall has this dang carousel in the middle of the food court to attract children like mosquitoes to a light. So nuggets and fries lose their appeal quick to the rotating musical horse. It's a losing battle and I usually give up...and just take pictures.

 Neener Neener.

Christmas Poster Child

 The only way I could get her to do this was by bribing with this:

 I know. I need new parenting skills. Right now they mostly consist of bribes and threats. Help!

 We went to the grocery store and library wearing Christmas jammies and a santa hat. I felt like we were announcing our joy for Christmas like a neon advertisement.

 Blocks are fun at the library! They keep 2.5 year olds quiet. Miracles happen people.

And princess got some early Christmas dresses so we don't have to haul them down to Florida. She was in heaven much.

Hike and Seek

 Favorite-ist game ever.

 She loves taking turns counting and hiding, and hasn't figured out that she can peek yet.

She usually gives herself away when I get close to where she is...

 Under the bed...

 The suitcase was a new one.

I love playing with her!