Tumbling and Trombones

Tis the season for concerts and recitals. Tonight was Quincy and Sambo's turn to shine.

First was Q's tumbling recital. She did so good showing off her skills and we had so much fun watching her perform.  She is so dang cute in that leotard!

Chrystal and Sienna

As soon as it was over we had to head straight to Sam's school for his band concert.  He chose the trombone as his instrument of choice.  No doubt it was because that is what his Dad played in school. 

Sambo did his part well and we were proud of him.  Not bad for a first timer!  

Christmas fun in SLC

I love going downtown.  By that I mean downtown Salt Lake City.  I always have.  I will jump in the car and drive there for any reason. In fact I make up excuses to go.

Leading up to Christmas we went downtown for some fun festivities:

As usual Grandma, Heidi, and I had an overnighter and all day shopping spree.

One of our favorite things to do together.  

We met up with the family at the Conference Center for the Christmas concert and dinner.  So Good!

Millie and her cute friends planned a "Mother Daughter" date night.  We went to Temple Square and dinner at City Creek.  It was fun to hang out with the other moms who happen to be so nice and cool. I adore her friends and we had a great time!

Sydney, Mckayla, Maddie

Krisha, Sydney, Kiersten, Millie, Maddie, Aliyah, Mckayla, Brynn, Kennedie

 

Christmas Tree & Live Nativity

We set out to get our Christmas tree at the tree farm in Alpine - for the 8th year in a row - and sadly it was closed.  We usually go on a Saturday but this year we were late getting our tree so we went during the week.  The kids didn't want to wait so luckily there was another place close by that was open.  We picked it out quickly...we weren't very picky because we knew we would be at the cabin for Christmas anyway. But actually, it ended up to be a near perfect tree for the front room of the rental house. 

They offered free delivery to the house so we went to a local joint to grab some hot chocolate and treats, then to the meeting spot for the live nativity in Alpine.  This is really popular and we have never been since we moved from Mountain Green.  So many people come that now you have to reserve free tickets online because they can only accomodate 2500 people a night.  We were really excited to finally see what the big deal was.  I'm here to tell you it was fantastic!  Live animals, actors, atmosphere, hot cocoa and all.  The best part was the real sleeping baby with Mary and Joseph. 

It was a fun and memorable night.

Thanksgiving in Island Park

The Lake House in Island Park.  It's the best! We were lucky to spend Thanksgiving week up there and as usual we were in heaven. 

Besides eating a ton of yummy food, here's some stuff we did:

Bracelets on the Rainbow loom:

Millie made darling little clutch purses for her friends for Christmas gifts:

Even Will wanted to sew :)

A little rest and relaxation:

A lot playing outside in the snow and on the frozen lake:

Games with cousins:

A Thanksgiving Feast:

{Best Dad and Mom EVER}!

Pumpkin pie in a jar:

Shooting and more shooting:

Kirk and Quincy

Grandpa passed down his 22 to Sambo!

Coyote hunting:

{got skunked}

And that's just to name a few!

We all had an awesome trip and it was even better having Cambree with us!

Thanks Uncle Shad!

Here we are on the drive home.  Quincy LOVES her new "Seat belt Pet!"

These kids are the best travelers ever!  Always have been!  I guess when you travel a ton they don't know any different.  We feel very blessed to be able to travel to so many places so often!