Christmas Time is HERE!

You know how sometimes at the malls and stores,
they will have people playing live Christmas music
to boost the spirit of the season?
Sometimes that is your SON'S JAZZ BAND!

Parker practiced with this group for hours!

And they came to the mall twice

(like even on Christmas EVE!)

to play carols for everyone shopping.

I thought that was an awesome "Light the World" service.

They had quite a crowd gathered around too!

Lots of school friends and just passersby.

They also put on an official school concert for Christmas too.

And let's not forget Middle School Band!

Mitchell on the trombone had a great concert too!

Even Richard's work is getting into the Christmas spirit!

They gave him a personalized lego set as a gift.

Here he is next to the nuclear reactor

(He doesn't actually work this close to a nuclear reactor)

And here is Lego Richard holding his invention,

the high temperature thermocouple sensor.

Sterling was really excited to get ready for Christmas!

He couldn't get enough of the kid's nativity.

Here he is sharing the fun with Mitchell!

(Long video but worth the watch, in my opinion)

 

This is a video that just melted Richard's heart.

It perfectly captures the feeling of our Christmas break.

Sterling is just at such peace that he sweetly wakes up,

looks around the room at his adoring family,

and slowly goes back to sleep.

Of course sweet sugar cookies were made!

By extra sweet kids!

Parker and Colette had to work,

but the rest of us headed to the park for...

...THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!

And if you are looking for a festival with lights,

you are at the right place.

Sterling stayed close to mama!

I forgot his hat! (D'oh!)

But Britta made us all laugh when she said,

"Oh no! Mom you forgot Sterling's hat!

Cora should let you use hers."

haha.

But then Britta did later give up her own hat 

for him to warm up.

Ever wonder what they do with old garbage bins?

Polar Express Idaho style

Oh no!

Look who's here!

Don't worry when he asked where we lived,

we gave a false address.

HERE'S THE GUY WE CAME TO SEE!

All except Sterling,

thought this was the best part!

We were just in awe at the whole spectacle.

It was cold,

but it was worth it!

Welcome to our Christmas Eve mexican dinner!

It's homage to Douglas,

Richard's dad.

He took them every year to Macayo's on Christmas Eve.

Best tradition ever!

The waiter helped us get a better picture of everyone!

Then we kiss the Christmas gnome goodnight,

and it's off to bed!

Christmas morning

was probably a lot like yours.

Early but fun.

Loud but peaceful.

But it was a moment just for us.

So I'll leave you to imagine it.

Cousins came over for Christmas waffles,

Grandma came upstairs for family time too!

Lots of batteries and Legos.

Just as it ought to be.

Sterling's present was a cool stool

that allows him to be at our level!

Now he can always be my helper!

Then there was Christmas dinner!

We had a ham...
and I'm not just talking about Richard.

Cora made a jar at school of funny questions 

to ask her family

and the Christmas dinner table.

It was easily my favorite part of the day!

And grandma treated us to Christmas ice cream!

After such a perfect day,

now it's to all a good night!