Nothing says December like Christmas lights! Okay true confessions--most of these lights were up all year. We just added lights to the second gable.
Personally, I was grateful. I wasn't that eager to repeat this, especially when you recall that the ladder was propped up on top of a shoe bench being held down by all the kids acting as ballast. #widowmaker Here's hoping the lights make it for at least one more season!
Another December favorite: the Christkindlmarkt! Everyone was excited to get back since it was cancelled in 2020.
We found some super cute honey for Charles and Susie.
We also found a Krampus. He definitely had his eye on Annika!
Okay, so the only time NOT to go to the Christkindlmarkt is on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon. We tried to go back with Brooklyn and Jason, but parking and the crowds were so insane that we left after fifteen minutes. The brats may have been delicious, but certainly not worth waiting in this line!
Not to worry, I made Kasnockerl (Käsespätzle) instead.
Nothing says Christmas like performances! Here's Brooklyn singing with her school A'Capella choir.
This picture cracks me up. Brooklyn, front and center, seems to be looking around saying, wait, why am in the middle of all these guys? In truth, she is often recruited to sing tenor and was standing in just the right place,
Celebratory gelato. Next best thing to Italy.
On to Annika: here she is right before her Creative Dance Performance with Tanner Dance. Beautiful as she is, she will be quick to tell you that she is NOT a ballerina--modern dance is more her style.
Talia had a lovely violin recital in this Presbyterian church. It was fun listening to her perform the Bach Double with her violin teacher, David Langr.
As for Eli, he came with us to listen to Grandma Susie perform with the American Festival Chorus. Their Christmas performances are always so delightful! This year the guest artists were an a cappella group, Voctave. Great job Grandma Susie!
It looks especially good with Talia's Baby Yoda as decoration.
We also adore their orchid nursery. Wait 'til you see it in full bloom. Grandpa Charles has the magic orchid touch.
Also, as long as we're talking about Grandpa Charles, look who did an amazing job finishing his term as Mayor of Hyde Park. We couldn't be more proud of his public service.
Back to performances, here we are preparing a Christmas musical number for church. Eli and Brooklyn sang "Child of Peace" while Talia accompanied on violin.
Looks like I jumped the gun in these pictures! Before that decorated tree came Christmas tree shopping at Smiths. With family coming to town, we wanted to splurge on the smell of fresh pine.
Lights, Camera, and Ornament Action
The best part of our tree is that it encouraged us to rearrange our living room. We love the new set up! Great place to practice cello...
Talia was recognized for her Silver Award...
And Eli won third place out of 100 regional six graders competing in Math Matters.
Here he is with his classmates, Kourtney and Sohum.
Eli has loved the nice headphones he received as a prize. I guess there's some good motivation to work hard at math after all!
As for Annika, she constructed an epic blanket fort.
Selfies from the inside. Seems cozy.
Talia and Eli ran a Jingle Jog with me, at least after I dangled a free canister of Stephen's hot chocolate as incentive. Salt Lake Running Company had hidden these little containers of Jingle Bells along the route for us to find. It was fun!
As nice as these warm days were, I was equally excited to wake up one morning to discover our first real snow.
Best part about snow? Skiing. Here are Jason and I kicking off the season at Brighton.
Looks like I like winter after all. Thanks for helping me find the joy in all the seasons, Peanut Butter!
1 comment:
Wow! Your family certainly packs more activity and service into each holiday than most. I do know that your live Christmas tree and re-arranged front room were/are beautiful.
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