Touring the Christmas Lights

One of our family's favorite traditions!

Most Awesome Date Ever!

So Neal and I really needed a date because of they added craziness of me working and us having to get more done in the evenings, our crazy church callings, and the fact that we have kids. So he took the day off and we visited our friend, Tyler, in the hospital who was recovering from back surgery, ate amazing tacos at a fuel stop, and went to see Star Wars Rogue One (opening day!). See the awesome shirts my sweetheart got us?! Aren't we cute?! Then we had to get the kids from school (as required by law) and later dropped them off at Oma's and Opa's so we could go to the Millennial Choir and Orchestra Christmas performance of Good Will Towards Men. Went to a temple sealing of some great people, the Lewis', from our church the next morning and didn't pick the kids up until lunch. Pretty AWESOME!

Christmas Kick-Off

The first weekend of December is always packed for us but with all things good!
Friday night Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall.  The light sprinkling of rain kept the crowd a little lighter this year so we braved the line for photos with Santa. While indoors, they moved up the time of lighting as the rain threatened to increase and we missed it! But we caught the fireworks display that immediately follows the lighting. Then we gathered at the tree for fun and awkward photos and headed home.

Saturday afternoon is the Nativity Exhibit that our church organizes. Neal served as an ambassador, which is basically someone who stands around dressed nice to assist visitors and ask guests not to touch the nativities. We came to see the nativities during his assignment and enjoyed seeing friends, seeing new nativities, and hearing a visiting gospel choir from another local church preform. I have only seen gospel singing like that in movies as our meetings tend to be more quiet and reflective. It was great so see how others worship, though Rhys ended up covering his ears after the first song due to the volume of their singing. Rhys' favorite nativity was by far the LEGO nativities, two in particular being very well designed. I enjoyed the origami nativity.

Love the look on the shepherd's face. Biblically accurate.

Neal with his friend, John Sterrett.

Sunday evening we lit our Christmas candles, made hot cocoa with marshmallows AND whipped cream, and cuddled up in blankets on the couch to watch the Christmas Devotional prepared by our church leaders on the internet.  The last 15 minutes were the best, not because the topic was better but because I was in comfortable, warm surroundings, hearing uplifting things, and encircled by my lightly snoring husband and the peaceful breathing of my sleeping children. I just sat there and smiled...and took pictures for evidence, the flash waking Neal.

Sophie is under there

 

And It's Up!

As the holiday stuff went up in the stores, Neal and I kept thinking, "Gee, we better buy some net lights. I know some are shot" and "After Christmas this year we should look for a tree that's on sale, because that whole middle section is out."  When I went to the local store, they did not have any LED net lights so I held back.

And good thing we did because we were shocked to find that we had already bought these items at the after Christmas sales last year. And we were shocked how bad our memories were.

Thanksgiving Day

Visited with my cousin, Barbara, and the Knudsen family on Thanksgiving. We went non-traditional with Dutch risolles, Cuban roast beef, etc. and an assortment of desserts. But Barbara started our day with THE MOST AMAZING CINNAMON ROLLS! It was her first go at it too! I am hoping to recreate them this Christmas.

Skipped the football and parade and spent the day watching Star Wars and eating and repeating. Did get a bike ride/walk in though. Kids played great together.

Pre-Thanksgiving Visit

Oma and Opa came over to spend time with us the evening before Thanksgiving. They brought some delicious food and we made sure the desserts were ready. They are always good to tolerate a game of Uno with the family.

Our lego-loving boy's creation of a turkey

Oma taking time to look through Rhys' baby book with him.

That is how excited he is about Thanksgiving!

In her Harry Potter garb

Rebuilt Fire Station Opens

When I asked the kids if they wanted a picture with our fire safety dog, they said, "No! The mayor!" But I'm not too proud! Thank you City of Allen for involving the community!

Sophie

While listening to the Bee Gees, Sophie asks, "Is this just a band of awkward singers?"

My daughter rocks! Now ever time I look in the mirror I magically become scantily clad sea nymph!

Pinkwood Derby:

When all was said and done, her car had a lot of sparkle but not a lot of speed. Had a good time though. Her friend got sick and couldn't go so Sophie picked up her car and made sure it raced. That's how awesome the father/daughter team are!

Presidential Election

We voted early and then we vomited. Then we tried to stay up and see how things played out but ended up going to be and finding out in the morning.

Earlier that evening:
Keri: I'm scared.
Neal: Of what?
Keri: That someone's going to win.

Halloween

Friday, Oct 29: Today was a great day. I carved an award winning Star Wars pumpkin. Sophie and I went to my friend, Tyler's house where Sophie learned to use a band saw and cut her own pinkwood derby car (pinewood derby car but for girls) and we went to an awesome church chili cook-off and trunk or treat with a ton of amazing friends. -Neal

On Halloween:

Cauliflower Pizza Casserole