Ward Christmas Party

Our ward had a fabulous Christmas party: dinner, live band entertainment, crafts and games for the children, family pictures, and Santa. In the family picture above, Carter is pretending to be Scrooge.

Spencer loved having Taylor lift him up to touch the basketball net.

Serena and Aleeya visiting with Santa.

 The Primary children sang a song.

 

Boondocks

 Hailey and Aleeya playing air hockey at our Boondocks fieldtrip.

 Riding the Merry-Go-Round.

National Math Test

NDPA participated in a National Math test and Carter received Honorable Mention.  The artwork on the certificate provided by him.

Temple Square Lights

We went on the perfect night to see the lights at Temple Square.  The weather was nice for November.

 Carter has taught Aleeya the best way to pose for a picture-with the Ute symbol.

 Such love!

 Handsome husband and father!

Spencer and the stroller didn't make any shots, I need to work on that!

Gratitude Turkey

 Serena posing by our Gratitude Turkey and a turkey she made in school.

I loved what the kids put on their feathers.  We try and do one every day in November, but we miss a few days and then do some extra.  The first day we started, this is what Serena wanted on her feather-she wanted this all on one- "Thankful for church with my family. I love Jesus. I love Heavenly Father. I love everything that is beautiful in the world."  It warmed my heart to hear her share her feelings. 

The first thing that Carter wrote that he was thankful for was "Me."  I am so glad that he has appreciation for himself.  I hope he keeps that throughout his life.  Some other Carter favorites: food-meetballs, Pokeman, and Erth.  He would illustrate his feathers also.

Some that Aleeya said, "Toys, Blankie, Clothes, Shoes, Shopping." Another day she said "Spencie." 

This is a simple tradition that makes me feel like we do more for Thanksgiving than just eat!

Thanksgiving

 We got new glasses so we could have a fancy table setting for Thanksgiving.  Carter filled them with different amounts of water and made an instrument.

As a surprise, Serena set the table for me.  I was so impressed that she knew how to put it together correctly.

Layton Lights Before Christmas!

 We have made it a traditon to go to the Layton Lighting Ceremony.  We enjoy school choirs singing at the High School and then walk over to the park.  I noticed the tent set up and figured that was were Santa was located, so we headed down that way for the count down.  After the count down and the lights went on, we were the first in line for Santa! Awesome! 

Over the course of the holiday season we drove through the lights seven times.