Gingerbread houses

We finally got around to making a Gingerbread house this year. The kids love putting them together and as they get older it is fun to see how much more they can do. I have always bought a kit. Next year I want to make my own gingerbread and let the kids each make their own house.

Abigail surprised me by being so detail-oriented as you can tell by the pictures. She was very careful putting each candy on.












Dad was in charge of the frosting. I tried a couple of times in past years but get impatient and so he would take over. Now I don't even bother. Austin enjoyed helping with the frosting this year.















This was the beginning of an avalanche. But the kids didn't mind, they just ate what fell off.














The finished product. I like the little green trees that came in the kit. Hopefully I can buy them separately.

Santa Baby and other stuff

We have had a busy month. The last several Decembers have gotten busier and busier. This one has gone by mostly in a blur. I think that is why I love pictures so much. They help me to reflect on what we've done, where we have been, and what we have accomplished. That is what I felt today as I looked at these pictures: gratitude for cameras and a way to capture cherished moments that otherwise may quickly be forgotten.

SANTA BABY
I love this first one of Asher because he did it himself and kept it on for quite some time. He LOVES wearing the Santa hat. He always puts it on himself and is so proud of himself. And I think he knows everyone thinks he is cute for it.

TUACHAN
This year we went to St. George to see the live Nativity they put on, the lights and Santa Claus (since I refuse to go to a Santa in Cedar City again...if you want to know why, read this post)

The live Nativity was great and helped my kids and myself refocus on what the true meaning of Christmas is despite all the hustle and bustle and commercialization of it. I didn't even think to get out my camera until the ending scene right when the lights went out. But it is kind of a peaceful picture so I thought I would add it.

My cheesy little kids and with some cousins.

This is the Santa pic but it is not a great one. The kids were antsy, the lighting was bad, the seating arrangement was bad and the Santa is only so-so but at least he is over 50. :) I have realized that I am really picky about Santas...but I got spoiled for several years because the Santas at the malls in Las Vegas are amazing!


INTUNE PARADE
The kids were in the Christmas parade at the beginning of the month. They love to ride in the parades!