Christmas Scenes Around our House

Come on in.

Our new tree decorations I've been collecting at after Christmas sales for a few years.


I finally finished Andrew's stocking. Now where is Charity's?

Our second tree (first time with two trees!) with all the good old standby ornaments that are a tradition.

Gingerbread Houses for Mugs

Aren't these so adorable? They are from Not Martha. Someone make them and tell me how it goes, would you? Better yet, bring some to my house!

Piano Recital

We went to Rachel's first piano recital last week. It was Dawn's third. They both did so well. We're proud of them.

Rachel was very nervous, to the point of being very ornery on the way there. She kept saying "I don't know what to do!" Scowl, scowl. So we'd go over every detail and she'd whine and say again, "I don't even know what to do!" We knew she was just so nervous. And she played perfectly. Afterward we celebrated with Krispy Kreme donuts. And everyone was happy.


I guess I really need to learn how to post videos. That would be a bit more interesting, wouldn't it?

Festival of Trees, part 2

Besides the trees, the Festival of Trees is known for the fabulous gingerbread houses they auction off for Primary Children's Medical Center. We were not disappointed.

This castle must have been 5 feet tall. It was huge!

The Ginch's mountain, cave, and the Who Village


Park City Main Street

I especially liked the trees on this one.

Nightmare before Christmas

There were 2 depictions of the "Up" house.


You can't go wrong with a beautiful house like this. Plus I love any house that has lit windows.



And then there was the gingerbread train. Wow.





And a few other pictures I snapped. I really want this Nativity Tree. All the levels rotated.

And included was the Disney Princess Carousel.

There are usually a few play houses. This one was awesome with two levels and a flat screen tv! (look throught the upstairs window)


Aren't people amazing. And remember they are all donated for the Children's Hospital. If you've never been look for it next year and go! You won't be disappointed.

Festival of Trees, part 1

I got to sneak out with my mother-in-law and some sibs for a quiet trip to the Festival of Tree in Salt Lake. Here are a few of the pretty trees we saw.

I loved the little table with the aprons over the chairs, plus it's pink!

A nice traditional tree that could actually go in someones home.

I loved these lantern lights.

How about a camping tree with smores sprouting out the top?

This was with a tree, but I'd just love to have this for all my state quarters.

This was a cool idea. There were three trees, one for each of the magi.

A closeup of one of the gifts on a tree.

This tree was sporting a sweet peacock theme.

This set up had four trees with wires supporting flying Star Wars ships and a million Star Wars figures and ships. A little boy's dream! (at least my little boys')

Nightmare before Christmas tree (clever to have it upside down, no?)

A picture of a southern Utah tree for my sweetie.

I loved the Grinch in the middle (literally) of taking the tree "back to workshop my dear") Side note, last night we taught Charity our 1-year-old to say "Why?" in a high Cindy Lou Who way. So cute!

Stay tuned for part 2, the non-tree items to be found, including a awesome gingerbread train!

Christmas busy!

We have been oh so Christmas busy this month. Here's a little of what we've been doing.

A few weeks ago we went to Temple Square in Salt Lake City to see the lights, listen to the nativity, see the Christus statue and watch Luke 2. Such a wonderful tradition. Just dress warm!





The "uncle daddies" (hubby and his brother) went to the BYU/Utah game, even celebrated a bit on the field with all the fans after a great overtime win.


Dawn had her ballroom dance recital. Okay, mostly we got video, but here is a terrible photo just to prove it.

And then we took out two oldest to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with Natalie Cole and David McCullough. It was wonderful, the Choir being the best part as usual. Due to the a new terror threat, Matt couldn't take his camera with a scary detachable lens (gasp!) into the Conference Center. So we only got this picture outside at considerable risk due to the absolutely freezing temperatures.


I hope you have been happy Christmas busy too!

Santa Claus

All the kids got to see Santa and sit on his lap at the Church Christmas party for children. After a yummy breakfast, we heard bells, and there he was! Andrew was thrilled, Scott happy enough, the girls giggling, and Charity, not going anywhere near his lap.