Just Dance Competitions

                Nothing like a late night Just Dance Competition.  These girls can dance and dance for hours.

Christmas Tree Set-Up

Time to pull the christmas boxes from the attic and set up the trees.  The living room tree is pretty easy because the ornaments are just a set and can go anywhere on the tree.  I like how Lindz was decorating from the floor. wrapped up in her blanket.

The family room tree is the one that takes awhile.  Each and every ornament has meaning and the girls like to slowly look at each one and talk about it and it's proper location on the tree this year.

 We have ornaments from my childhood, our early years of marriage, vacations, special experiences, and all the ornaments the girls have made or bought each other over the years.  It truly is as special tree, and though it may not be as visually appealing as other trees, it definitely warms our hearts to see all the memories that hang from it's branches.

                                                               

Christmas Time Downtown

Tonight we took Papa and Grandma downtown to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Christmas Season.

 The Macy's candy windows are always a hit.  This years theme was 'The Peanuts' and the displays are completely covered in candy.  It's fascinating to look at the detail and all the different types of candies they use to create these enormous displays.

The tree in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is always spectacular and we got to enjoy it's beauty as we rested and warmed up from the freezing cold temperatures outside.

Another fun indoor activity is exploring the decorations at the Grand America Hotel.  This year they had a scavenger hunt set it with yummy cookies at the end and a life-size gingerbread house made completely of gingerbread and candy.  It was awesome.  So many talented people who work together to put on amazing Christmas displays.

Lighting Up Temple Square

We love to go downtown at Christmas time to see the beautiful lights on Temple Square. This year we arrived on the very first night before the inaugural "Flip of the switch".  Talk about anticipation.  Here was our view from the South Visitors Center windows as we looked out at the temple.  About 5:20 pm we headed outside and within seconds our view of the temple became this......

It really was spectacular to see the entire area Light Up instantaneously. The beauty in that moment was breathtaking.  

I love light.  I love how it makes me feel safe and warm.  I love how the Light of Christ can fill our hearts and homes and bring immense comfort and joy. I love how everywhere we look this time of year, we see  symbols of Christ, and they turn our thoughts to Him.

                                                                  Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving - Gratitude Tree

Here is this years Gratitude Tree. 

 Throughout the month people would add things they are grateful for.  One aspect I loved about this years tree was that so many of the posts were people or experiences versus things.  That's what is most important to us - the people we surround ourselves with and the experiences we have, even the hard ones.  I also saw a few hot chocolates, food, and Disneyland.  It was fun to see the tree grow throughout the month and also to recognize some of the handwriting and know who felt especially grateful for certain blessings this year.

 Here's the man I'm most grateful for - I love this guy more now than I could have ever imagined.   He is rock, partner in all things, my confidant, and my best friend  -  as well as being the best chef in the house.
So grateful to have him for awhile.

Here's another blessing I found listed on the Gratitude Tree.  It's an interesting thing to have your children grow up and move out.  It's what we want and work towards, and even though we know she is doing great away at college, it still pulls at our heart strings sometimes to not have her here and be a part of our everyday lives.  Thank goodness for cell phones and skype that keep us connected.  I love walking past one of the girls rooms and hearing them talking or video chatting with her.  Thankful she could be with us this weekend. 

Kayla is grateful for turkey legs - especially the ones they sell at Disneyland.  This years turkey reminded her of her love for all things Disney and grateful she was able to be there recently.  

Though it didn't make the tree, Brenna is especially grateful for holidays and celebrations when we use our best china and fancy cups.  It's the simple things that bring us joy.

              Thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend and the special people we got to share it with.
                                                      Love you lots Grandma & Papa.

Bingham Ball

Such a beautiful girl

Jake & Kayla

Aubs came up to help her get ready

Sending her off

The Group - We love this group of friends

Binghams Angels - Ready to take on the night

Kay is Licensed to DRIVE!!!

Oh Happy Day, oh Happy Day

Not sure who is more excited - Kayla or Us?  So glad to have another driver in the house and for Kayla to enjoy the freedom to drive to and from her many activities.  Love you JeepGirl!