Orthodontics

December 27th, Rhys gets his expander placed and a list of items to avoid eating.

December 28th, we make an urgent visit to the orthodontist to have a Lego removed from said expander.  Sigh.

That was a first for the orthodontist. I suggested they add Legos and non-edibles, in general, to the list.

Christmas

Enjoyed a Christmas Eve visit from Opa and Oma. I made candies this year instead of cookies. My aunt, Sandy, would make the yummiest buckeyes that I'd want to monopolize when we visited at Grandma (Lena's) house on Christmas day. This is the first time I made them. Also, maple walnut, Martha Washington's (cherry, coconut, and pecan), and peanut clouds with marshmallows.

We made pie (frozen, thank you very much) and Rhys prepped the carrots for our reindeer friends.

In the morning, after yelling at the kids to get back to bed at 3:57 am (beating their old 2015 record of 3:59 am, heaven help us!), we enjoyed cinnamon rolls, open presents, and played. I finished my new Christmas puzzle.

Kitties

Peter Pan

Sophie was not thrilled that she got a lesser part in the fall school play, this year. She was chosen to play a pirate, one with a few lines. Once again, despite not feeling overly special, she still did great on stage. She really shines in drama. Friends played fairies, mermaids, and lost boys.

Kicking off Chistmas

Christmas Tree Lighting
Ran into so many friends. Kids didn't care if we saw Santa this year and I don't think it will be long before Rhys has it all figured out about the man in red. Got to see Sadie, not pictured below, sing at the event with the Story choir.

Rudolf Run
We didn't run but Neal did course monitoring as the city called on CERT to assist and the kids and I cheered on all the 5K participants to the very last one. So great to see so many friends, neighbors, and acquaintances from work and our community.

 We also got a chance to enjoy the nativity exhibit later that day, and Neal again served as ambassador to welcome visitors and slap hands that crossed the ropes. However, he said a friendly reminder did the trick.

Activity Days for Girls and Sidekick Rhys got to sing Christmas carols at a few senior living centers. Our awesome sister missionaries accompanied them with the guitar.

A much anticipated date with Neal - Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Made the scarf for the occasion. Meanwhile, mom had delivered the scarf I made for Jolene, my sister, a fan of the grinch.

We also attended the Polar Express themed ward Christmas party which was a real hit. Rhys said he wanted to see Santa, but really only for the candy cane.