New Christmas Tradition

One of the huge benefits of living where we do is being able to see Temple Square this time of year.  We wanted to take the kids there for Family Home Evening last week but for some reason we didn't go and put it off and said we would go the next week.  Thank goodness we waited so we could go in 20 degree weather right?  It wouldn't be that same chilly feeling you get when you go there that leaves you craving some hot chocolate.  

But - this year we started a new family tradition.  My brother called us and asked if we wanted to go to the Christmas Sing-Along at the Energy Solutions Arena that is sponsored by Larry Miller and his family.  Can I just say what a special treat we had last night.  Larry Miller has contributed so much to our community and state.  I can't believe how much planning went into this event.  It was beautiful.  

We were able to ride Trax downtown for free and when you got to the door (free admission) they gave each person a voucher for a free hot dog and drink, a free popcorn at any MegaPlex theater, a voucher for a free ticket to a Bee's game and a voucher for a free ticket to see the NASCAR at the Motorsports Park in August.  So we enjoyed our hot dogs and drinks then we went in and got seats for the sing-along.  They give you a program with all of the words in it so you don't have any excuse not to sing.  Am I the only one that didn't know there were 2 verses to Jingle Bells?  Anyway, there was an orchestra and a conductor and it was so much fun.  

Larry Miller was able to attend (his health is failing him fast) and talked for just a few minutes.  He brought a spiritual side to it without making it feel like church (I am sure the majority of people were LDS but not 100%) and it set the tone for a perfect evening.  He looked terrible and I really don't think that he has much longer to live.  He was very emotional and he said that his wish before he dies was to see the arena full.  The lower bowl was full and the entire floor was as well.  They had an entire section reserved for the families of Soldiers and it was broadcast live to them in Iraq.  Just seeing them gave me chills.  I can't imagine having Aaron away from our family and especially at this time of year.  I had to fight off the tears at times.  There was little kids holding signs that said Dad we Love you!  Thanks to those men and women who are protecting our freedom.  Santa even made it there!  It sure brought the Christmas spirit into our lives and it is something that we will be doing every year now.

Next we went to see the lights at Temple Square.  I have not been there in years so it was nice to go back this time of year.  It was cold but we bundled up and we were just fine.
As we were leaving Temple Square we saw Santa and Mrs. Claus come out of a back door at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and we were the only ones on that back part so called them and they came over to say hi to the kids.  Austin was just fine looking at him from a distance and then Santa went to shake his hand and you can tell by the look on his face he wasn't pleased at all with that gesture.  I love it!  Those are the best pictures . . . . Braden was quick to tell Austin that Santa is not scary.

It was a delightful evening and it is now our new Christmas tradition!

Long time - no write

Okay, 5 weeks since my last update?  Come on.  I can do better than that.  

A special visitor came to our ward party last week and Austin didn't want anything to do with him.  But I had to have a picture of him screaming on his lap because I have one when Braden was this age doing the same thing.  I actually think that Santa was more afraid of Austin.  When we ask him what Santa says he will say mooooo and then start laughing cause he thinks it is so funny to tease us.  He is such a tease these days - I don't know where he gets that from unless he picks it up from Grandpa Smith!



Braden talked about seeing Santa all week long and of course when it came right down to it he got a little nervous and the cat got his tongue but he managed to do fine.  This time he asked Santa for new Nike shoes.  I think it changes daily what he is asking for but Santa had his (let's be honest it should read HER) shopping done 2 months ago and he will get what he asked for the very first time.  

We have a Christmas Party to go to tonight with some friends and we are supposed to bring a white elephant gift.  If anyone reads this before 7 pm tonight, why don't you throw me an idea or 2.  I always seem to have a brain cramp when it comes to these types of gifts.  I guess I could go see what is in the storage room - I bet I could find a slew of them in there.