Christmas Culture

We were very lucky to have several new experiences the week before Christmas. We called it our week of Christmas culture. 

The Saturday before Christmas, Mommy, Daddy, Adam and Tessa were able to attend a special Christmas performance by the Utah Symphony. It was Adam and Tessa's first time at a live Symphony and they loved it. They were so surprised when Santa showed up and even conducted a couple of songs. 

On Monday, Mommy was able to take the 3 oldest kids to see The Nutcracker. I wasn't sure how well they would all sit through a ballet. But, they all loved it and asked if we can go again next year. Gwen literally sat on the edge of her seat through the entire first act. 

I always loved going to see the Nutcracker with my Mom when I was growing up. I was so glad to be able to start the same tradition with my kids!

Last, but not least, Mommy and Adam were able to have a special night out together. We went and saw A Christmas Carol at the Hale Center Theater. It was Adam's first time seeing  the story on stage and he really liked it. He was extra excited to eat afterwards!

Gwen's First Dance Recital

Gwen had her first dance recital in December. She and her little class have practiced for weeks to be darling little penguins in the Christmas show put on by her dance studio. She has been so excited and a little nervous. She was excited to wear make-up and she couldn't wait to see what her costume looked like. Her teacher kept her costume a surprise until it was time for their dance. 

She was the cutest little penguin in her class and she did her dance so well! She loved being on stage and told us after the show that she can't wait to do it again!

We got her a rose and she was thrilled!

Gwen and her teacher, Miss Annie. 

Gwen loves her and greets her with a giant hug every week at dance class. 

We were all so proud of Gwen and how brave she was. We can't wait for her spring recital!

Geography Bee

Last week, Adam and Tessa competed in their class Geography Bee's. Tessa came in 3rd place for her class and Adam won his class competition. He went on to compete against all the other winners in the school. Grades 4-9 competed after the class competitions.

He was nervous and excited. I think I was way more nervous than he was. 

Adam did an amazing job and came in 2nd place!!! He and the 7th grader who won, were caught in a tie and it came down to their 4th tie breaker question about snow leopards. Adam was so pleased with his effort and we were incredibly proud of him! He said he was kind of glad he didn't take first place because he was afraid he would be too nervous to compete on a state level. 

He got this awesome medal and a great certificate for his scrapbook!

December Happenings

As if Christmas time wasn't crazy enough, we have had so much going on with life in general. 

Adam started basketball practice, and is looking forward to games starting in a couple of weeks. 

Daddy took a business trip and traveled to Ohio, Virginia, and Florida. He got to see the Kirtland Temple and Williamsburg while he was gone. 

Our singing snow people still bring hours of entertainment for the kids. 

Mommy's grocery shopping trips have led to some very late nights. 

Caleb helped put groceries away on afternoon and spotted the ice cream. I didn't have the energy to fight him when he insisted on having it for lunch. 

One of our service activities was making hot chocolate and taking it to our mail carriers. 

Cute Adam still sleeps in his Santa hat. 

Tessa finished up her last week of ice skating. She passed off level 2!

Tessa was also thrilled to get a Pen Pal! 

Tessa and Mommy got to spend a morning out together. We decided to go to a book signing by Al Caraway. Tessa was excited to meet Al and begged me for her own copy of Al's book. Al was so nice to Tessa and talked to her for a minute and signed her book.