Christmas

Merry Christmas!

We sung, we laughed, we played, we baked, we acted, we gave, we received

(and these pictures are the only remaining proof of it all)

Ah, well.

Photo shoot after the nativity.  Catherine asked to be in charge this year instead of Milla, and Milla generously agreed. Here we have the Shepherd/Angel/Kings (Rin), Mary (Milla), Joseph (Thomas), Narrarator (Sean), and Sheep (Henry)

Brandon picking out his Nochebuena gift under our wild tree.  This year we found a tree farm that ended up being a guys property that happened to have a bunch of pines on it.  With a sign out front.  I've always liked forest trees, though, and everyone was a good sport in picking a tree out despite the fact that the tree choices were neither 'full' nor 'green' (according to Rin).   And after paying nearly $200 last year, I was happy with our 11 feet for $30.

Henry immediately knew what to do with his gift

And last but not least, the families reaction to receiving HeroQuest (that the Uffenorde's tracked down for us on Ebay...Thanks!)  FYI A childhood game of Brandon's that the kids LOVED, but 2 years ago was in such a state of destruction, Mama tossed it.  And has never lived it down.

Pavlovian

Pavlovian: the word that landed Catherine 2nd place at her school spelling bee this month.

This is the first time that I remember attending a school spelling bee and I was soo nervous.  With each child that got up to the microphone, I would think each letter in my head, willing them to be said.  All the kids were awesome, but still there were a few tears of nervousness and disappointment.

When it was down to five students, Catherine began the round with 'bodega', and missed one of the vowels so sat down with her class.  Then three of the next 4 kids proceeded to miss their words as well.  3+1 alternate would be able to progress to the district spelling bee in February.  So after congratulating the winner (the girl standing by Rin below), the other 4 got back up to compete for the other 3 spots.

The final 4 with Principal Wynn (and not sure who the lady is...)

The only other words that I remember her spelling were 'obsidian', 'chicle' and 'chimney'.  She was so cute because she would get up to the mike all composed, spell her word, sit back down, and then look at me with the biggest excited smile and double thumbs up.  As a parent it was so sweet to see a child feel success for something she studied really hard for.

I Believe

This morning we had our ward Christmas Party...always a lot of fun here in Colorado.  Some very creative people willing to plan, dress up and have fun with the theme.  This year was 'Polar Express'.  We followed railroad tracks on the way in where the kids got train tickets (and they took down our name so later they could call a few families at a time to see santa instead of waiting in an insanely long line. Nice).  After brunch the conductor...our snake man (his basement is full of them and they often make appearances on different occasions) Brother Struhs...led the program with different musical numbers interspersed with a reading of the Polar Express.  Beginning with little Heidi Struhs rendition of 'I want a Hippopotomus for Christmas', in the middle getting a whirlwind delivery of hot chocolate from the YM and YW during 'Hot, hot chocolate', and ending with an 'I Believe in Christ' number by our bishop. And, of course, Santa got his appearance at the end.

It was a really fun time.  Nice all of the kids got to participate in one way or another.  Everyone is making friends and beginning to feel comfortable here.  Good to feel like we are at home.

The girls and I made this table decor (along with a blue version) to use for centerpiece decorations at the party.  I enjoyed just sitting down for a few minutes and 'hanging' with Milla and Rin.

I blame my camera phone, but this was the best shot I got of Sean in his cap doling out cocoa.  Perhaps you can imagine them whizzing by with great speed as they do their work.  Not unlike Santa, I suppose.

Milla adding marshmallows to the cups

Catherine took part in a chime choir (chime hidden by the girl in front of her) that welcomed us to the 'North Pole'

Look! One of my children NOT crying on Santa's lap! 

My beautiful Rin waiting to put in her wish for a Guinea Pig to Santa.  She has been good this year...

And lastly, is it just me or does the missionary dress code seem to be getting a little lax?