Santa Clause

Grace learned how to say HO HO HO back during the summer from one of her board books she has. In fact, it was one of the first things she would actually say. So as Christmas has gotten closer we have read more books about Santa and she has got more enthusiastic with her HO HO HOings. So I felt pretty good about taking her to see Santa. My sister is staying with me for a couple days while our husbands are golfing in St. George so we thought we'd brave the mall and visit Santa.

This is my sister Michelle and her baby Logan.

We waited patiently in line for our turn and Grace was a happy child until........Santa's Lap. There was no way she was going to sit on his lap! She screamed went stiff as a board and wrapped her legs around me so tight. But I had to have my picture so here she is.

Santa's a good sport for dealing with my screaming child.

Gingerbread Houses

We had our friends Jenny and Woodson over to make Gingerbread Houses the other night.(from a Kit, not home made. I am definately not that baking savvy.) It was really fun and our kids were going nuts over the candy. Grace may have placed two or three candies on the house, but she ate much much more than that. Ben was quite the creative genius when it came to the Gingerbread men. He was great with the frosting too. I think he was the only one that didn't cut the hole in his bag to big. The rest of us just made a mess. I tossed my one gingerbread man attempt.

The Final Product. We are quite proud of our little house!

Christmas Concerts

Ben and I have been singing with a choir, the Sterling Singers since September. We have really enjoyed being able to sing again and have music to give us some time together. Ben had to drop out of course when he went to Singapore, but I have kept going. So we have some Christmas Concerts coming up this week. Here is the flyer for anyone that is interested.

Ben is Home!!!!

He got home on Friday and we have been running around since. It is so nice to have him back! I sure do appreciate him more after not having him around. We picked him up at the airport and Grace was shy for about a minute and then went right to him and they have been playing non stop since. Ben and I got a little break on Saturday. Grace spent the night at Ben's parents house while we went shopping and to a Christmas party. We love the outlets at Park City! We found some fun things and of course have already worn them all. Who can wait till Christmas? Especially when we only have 3 weeks(AHHH) to wear cold weather items. Sunday was a full day of family, so we were relieved when we had absolutely nothing on our schedule today. We sat around and watched movies and wrapped Christmas presents. Just what Ben needed after working crazy hours over in Singapore. He's just starting to get over the jetlag. It is just so great to have Ben home! Though the time flew by while he was gone I am so happy that we don't have to do it again and that we can be together over there.

Silly Grace

Grace was pretty much a terror most of the day. But this morning before she got too bad we were getting ready in my room. I was trying to make a quick phone call so I threw her and the ever present pink blanky up on the bed. The next thing I know she's curled up with her eyes closed doing a fake snore. She did this a few time and I burst out laughing. She opened her eyes and just grinned looking so proud. This is a game Ben and I play with her, but she usually just tries to wake us up. She has never copied before and I hadn't even done it first. It just occurred to her little mind that she ought to play our little game. She amazes me everyday!

Snow!

Grace's First real experience with snow. She thougth it was pretty fun to stomp around in it with her boots. She kept putting her hand in it to lick the snowflakes off. But boy was it cold!

Grace and Alyssa

Yay for Snow!

A Night at Temple Square

Grace and I went to Temple Square last night with the Harper Family. We went under the pretense of it being a "family tradition" so Ben's brother Jacob would have a good excuse to take his girlfriend and propose. It was actually really fun to be there and watch it happen. (we were all hiding of course). Jacob took Alyssa on a carriage ride and had the carriage driver dressed as Santa give them presents at the end. In the two little bags were ornaments to remind them of the night, and when Jacob showed Alyssa his ornament he had the ring slide down the string and then got down on one knee and proposed. There was a lot of hugging and kissing thrown in and after it happened Alyssa's family came in. She was suprised to see them, Jacob had secretly invited them. Congratulations Jacob and Alyssa! I'm excited to have another Sister-in-law!
The Happy Couple

After we wandered around temple square, stopped at the visitor center to warm up, and walked back to the car, we had some yummy donuts and Hot Cider compliments of Dad Harper.

Grandpa and Grace seeing the Lights

When we first walked into Temple Square Grace kept saying Wow, Wow... She thought the lights we pretty neat.

Grace all bundled up with her Mom.
What a fun night!