Ward Christmas Party

While the rest of the good little children were inside singing carols, these rebels were hangin out in the hall. Oops....I promised Jake W. I wouldn't use the word rebel. Adults are so untrustworthy!
Meanwhile, back inside, my handsome wiseman made made a showing.

And where was Luke, you ask? Attached to Brittany, of course!

Ah boogers! Isn't Brittany the cutest?? Brittany promised Luke she'd protect him from having to see Santa Clause (who Luke is terrified of). She snuck him out to the nursery room and they played until Kameron stole him away.

Here's Breanna waiting for her turn to see Santa.

Looks like she's playing some kind of hand holding game with a bunch of boys.

Here is Kameron (who made a beautiful Mary) sneaking Luke into see Santa.

Not looking too happy.

Can Kameron work a miracle?

See, Zoe and Abby love Santa. This is as close as Luke got, even with the lure of candy.

His expression after seeing Santa.

At least 20 feet away from the jolly man, Luke's so happy that he decides to share his candy with Kameron.

Luke squishing Carter. Love these guys!!

Anyone out there still wondering if horizontal stripes are flattering? Luke and Santa have a lot in common. Kameron, ever determined, convinces Luke to go see Santa again.

(The jingle of Carter's bell from Santa helped.)

What did I get myself into?

Holding on for dear life, Luke almost makes it to Santa's lap. Well done, Kameron and Jer.

Luke's eyeing that silver bell and planning his escape.

Symphony

I won the ultimate prize on Friday when I got to chaperon both Jake and Bree's field trip to the symphony. They have never gone on a field trip together. We even got to ride on the same bus!

Jordan kept telling me that the sign said no flash photography was allowed.
I think he was waiting for the ushers to come throw me out. Adults can be so difficult.

I loved sitting by Jake, listening to him hum along to all the Polar Express songs.

Bree and Mrs. Hannah

The best part of the trip: They both wanted to sit by me on the bus ride home!

Made my entire day!

Turkey Day and Beyond

We surprised my mom and dad for their 40th wedding anniversary by showing up for Thanksgiving dinner at Nat's!
There were just a few other people there as well.

We all ate on china and drank from crystal goblets.

How fancy is that??

The food was deeelish!! Thanks Nat and everyone!


Nicole and Bree

Most of the gang...Jake's reaching for the bubbly...

Nice bunny ears, Uncle Stan!

How dashingly handsome are my single cousins?

And they play Pinochle!

Grandpa teaching Emily how to play Pinochle.

Amber takes a break from G-ma's tutoring to say cheese!

Jeff taught Bobby and Katrinka, then I jumped in for the first hand.

Bobby and I smoked em!

G-pa and Sawyer

Jer, Jeff, Dad, Denys, Gerald, Jenine, Max, Nat, Stan, Curt, Mindi, Me and Mom

The next day we went to see the play,

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas", to celebrate my parent's big 4-0.

There was a song from the play that basically summed up the experience:

"It's the thought that counts".

Love them!

Dinner at El Toritos. Exquisite!

I have the best family ever and am so glad we got to spend Thanksgiving with so many of them!!

Here's a picture of the drive home.
Our kids kept begging us to stop so they could get out and play in it.

We passed at least a dozen accidents, so we didn't stop!
I think a future snow trip is definitely in order though!

Pre-Thanksgiving Day Festivities

We stopped by Jer's parents house before Thanksgiving and had a great time. We had an early Thanksgiving feast and played some rowdy games.

Luke and Bree lovin on Makayla.

Bree could not get enough of baby Conner.

Bree, Conner, Kaylee and Dillyn

Luke trying to pick up Dillyn.

We spent the afternoon at the observatory.

Note the Hollywood sign in the background. Such tourists!

Makayla has the best crazy face of all!

In the basement.

Jupiter is shining right through my face.

Jake just finished doing a space project at school, so this was especially fun for him.

Jake and Tyler discuss if Pluto is really a planet...

We strike a pose in front of the beautiful LA smog, I mean skyline!

Twinners

Triplets. We didn't even plan it.

Luke and Kaylee rock out on the stairs.

The amazing Jaimee with her 3 adorable kiddos!

So lucky to have such a fun and wonderful fam!! We love you guys!