Ward Christmas Party with a Special Santa

We had such a great time at our Ward's Christmas Party this year.  It was "Christmas in Whoville" and the kids loved how fun it was.  After we all ate, had our performances and watched the Grinch, we had a special visit from the best Santa I've ever seen! :)

The kids had been waiting so patiently all night since they heard he would probably be coming.

He was great.  He talked to each child and gave them a candy cane.

 I love these shots of Sam.  You can read his facial expressions like a book!
Are you the REAL Santa?

 Okay, well, then, let's think what I want.

 Alright, I guess you are, I'll tell you.

 You can tell what James is thinking too, although I must say, he is a little softer in his facial expressions.
I'm a little shy.  Give me a minute.

 Ok, I like you, let's talk.

 Let's get down to it.  I really just came here for the candy.

 Thanks big guy.

I wish you could hear the conversations they had.  They were hilarious.  It was just to crazy and noisy with all the excitement of the kids waiting to see Santa.

We tried to get Chloe to go see Santa but she said she didn't like that Santa and wouldn't get near him! :)

 After all the kids had a turn Dave had to have a turn.  I think he tried to make Santa feel a little uncomfortable, but Santa gave it right back to him. 

 I love this little shot and the "moment" they share together.  It makes me crack up every time I see it!

 This Santa was just so sweet and cute, I had to go say hi! :)

 Like I said.  It was a great party.  We're so glad we got to see Santa! :)

Live Nativity

There is a stake in the near-by town that does the most amazing Live Nativity.  It is so beautiful and well done.  We waited WAY longer than we would have liked (2 1/2 hrs!) but after you've stood in line for so long you don't want to leave because you've already spent so much time....

Thankfully it was a beautiful night and not very cold.  We look some good friends of ours and made a night of it.

The kids loved everything about it (except how long it was).  From the fire pits throughout the line to the goats, cows, sheep, donkey and camel they got to pet to the time we finally got to see the Nativity it was fun.

 It began with Isiah's prophesies.

 Then we got to see Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.

 Next were the Shepards.

 We then saw the 3 Wise Men and their camel.

Then it was on to Bethlehem.  It is my favorite part.  It is a building they construct for this very purpose.  You are so secluded and you literally walk into a different world.  It's amazing the transformation that you go through.

 After walking through the streets of Bethlehem you enter the stable where Mary, Joesph and Baby Jesus are surrounded by the animals.  it is beautiful and you really do get the feeling of the sacredness of that night.

I am still so grateful that we went even though it was a rough wait.  I am so grateful to all those who put their time and efforts into providing this experience for me, my kids, and so many others.  I LOVED being able to take that time to teach my kids, let them see what I was talking about and testify to them of the truth of the event.  Definitely a memory that I know will stay with me and one I hope will be filed in my kids' brains.

"Want go see Pretty Lights"

That's all we hear from Chloe these days, and I couldn't be happier about it.  I love that I have a little "me" when it comes to wanting to go see Christmas Lights.  She is so into it and squeals with excitement whenever we're driving and she sees a good house.  Just one of those perks of having a daughter I guess! :)

One of our annual stops is the "Christmas Story".  We love this neighborhood and wish we could get something like this started in our neighborhood.  We enjoy driving through and reading the poem, "The Night Before Christmas", listening to pretty Christmas music and seeing the beautiful lights.

Looks Who's Back

We were so excited to welcome Peter Pan back today.  We are trying our hardest to be on our best behavior so he can report good things to Santa.  We can't wait to see what funny things he does this year.

Lindon Polar Express

My sister got us on the Polar Express train ride that some friends of hers do.  It was so fun.  We got all my Utah family together and went.  It was much nicer than the Halloween train they do in the fact that it was by reservation so you didn't have to wait.

 The first half of the train ride was the North Pole.  It was beautiful and fun.

 When we got to the North Pole we got off the train and got to go see Santa.

 After visiting with Santa we got to board another train and ride through the Christmas story.  It was beautiful and I must admit that I got very emotional telling the story to Chloe as we rode.  I was so grateful for the truth and knowledge that I have in my life and that I was able to share it with my daughter.