It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

I love Christmas! There is something magical about the lighting.

Elf Mischief

Our new elf is just as addicted to sweets as the last was. 

She's good at hiding, too. It took a while for the kids to spot her riding the reindeer.

Beach party with the Barbies.

Christmas Cookies

Allie Fordham hosted cookie decorating for kids.

We made extras for Brooklyn, who couldn't come.

Eden's cookies were sugar overload.

 Braden was very meticulous in his decorating.

But the best part is always the eating.

Santa!

Our FRG hosted a family bowling event, and invited Santa!

Parker's Christmas Photos

Parker and some friends went to the mall and decided to do a photo session.

Here We Come a Wasailing

We went Caroling and treat-delivering to the Gardner, Phillip, Castle, Woodbury, and Claar families. Our friend Christina Pagel came with us. It was great except for the one house where Eden refused to get out of the car, then screamed bloody murder when she couldn't open the door after changing her mind.

Fort Braden

Braden built a fort in his room, and decked it out with all kinds of stuff on the inside. I told him that he could sleep in it tonight, so long as the lamp gets removed. We really don't need a fire.

Veterans Day Breakfast

The Cub Scouts of our ward traditionally serve breakfast to veterans on Veterans Day.

This year it had to be rescheduled, so today they served Veterans Day Brunch in December.

A few older Scouts helped out, and Preston was one of them. There was a short program. After serving the men, the boys each had questions that they were to ask to get to know them better.

Ward Christmas Party and Nativity

Camden has on his Santa PJs and is ready to go to the Ward Christmas Party.

Our Primary President's mother made costumes for the Nativity, and Carol wrote the script.

 The kids sang Christmas songs periodically throughout the program.

Braden is a really great singer.

 Brooklyn and the other 10 and 11 year old girls sang the descant. It was beautiful.

Carol watching from the wings. We were not able to have a rehearsal with the kids beforehand, so we were really winging it. It turned out really great, anyway. 

What Christmas party would be complete without a visit from Santa?

Or a photo booth?

London with some friends.

Mom and Preston.

Allie Fordham, Carol, and Jessica Thorne- the Primary Presidency. 

(Minus our secretary, Tanika Rice.)

It's been an eventful evening.

Elf Take 2

We've been assigned a new Elf. The kids think she looks just like Charles Herbert, but in a skirt. Go figure.