Christmas came and went this year in the blink of an eye. Even though it snuck up on us, we were able to find many ways to celebrate or Savior throughout the season. We started the celebrations off by attending the Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center.
On my Birthday Zac, Emily, Aubrey and I went downtown again for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Performance. It was absolutely wonderful. The kids were excited because John Rhys-Davies (Gimli in the Lord of the Rings) had a part in the performance. It was a fun night and a wonderful way to spend my Birthday.
Before we headed into the Conference Center though, we had to make a stop at Desert Book for some treats and also to see their candy cane parachute drop.
We also took a stroll around Temple Square to see the beautiful lights. This stroll didn't last very long because it was like 2 degrees outside.
I thought I was making such a wise choice in my parking for the event. It turned out to be not so wise as we waited in one spot for a whole hour (no exaggeration) without moving. To make it even more exciting, I have this fear of being in a parking garage (or stopped at a light under a freeway overpass) when an earthquake comes and smashes me flat. I usually try not to park in a parking garage if it can be avoided and I never stop under a bridge or overpass, even if I have to leave huge gaps between me and the car in front of me. (You can blame that on the coverage of the San Francisco earthquake I watched when I was a teenager) So needless to say, it was a fun hour we spent stuck in that garage. Once we got out it was super late, we were super tired and extra super starving. It was also a school night. But we threw all caution to the wind and stopped by In and Out Burger for a midnight snack.
Our ward Polar Express Christmas Breakfast.
We went downtown again to celebrate my Birthday again. This was a most fantastically awesome day and it will have to be a post all its own. While we were there we were able to take in a few more Christmas sights.
Our Relief Society Christmas Dinner was fabulous.
The week before Christmas break was a fun week at the girls' school. They had different themes each day and they were able to dress down (out of uniform) for those themes. The last day was ugly sweater day. I was able to go and spend the whole day at the school. Emily's class played games. Aubrey's class had a Polar Express party.
I helped in Addy's class while they made manger Christmas tree ornaments. Emily's ugly sweater complete with a sign that says, "I wear your granddads clothes, I look incredible".
And the day ended with a carol share and a visit from Santa.
The Sunday before Christmas we finally had our Snow Family 4th Annual Gingerbread House Contest. In the past I posted pictures on my blog and had people vote on them. Family members from out of state send in their pictures as well. Farrah and her boys sent me pictures. I had grand plans to post them. I ran out of time before Christmas. We left spontaneously to go out of town on Christmas Day. I lost all my text message so I don't have the Maldonado's pictures any more. So sorry! Next year we will try it again! Here are our pictures of the event. I have a picture of Emily and me strangling each other. That picture pretty much sums up the whole experience of our collaboration. Too bad I can't post it, but I really look hideous in it. Zac slept soundly through the whole affair. What, does he think he is a teenager o
Lauren and Addy's house had a little roof disaster. Nothing a little hot glue couldn't fix.
Lauren and Addy's finished house
Emily & Allyson's house
Aubrey and Steve's house
The day before Christmas Eve we went to see the new Hobbit movie
After the movie we drove up by the Bountiful Temple. All the houses on the street in front of the Temple have these beautiful pictures depicting the story of Christ's Birth.
The kids freaked out because across the street from the Temple there was a TARDIS.
On Christmas Eve my mom read Christmas books to the kids while Steve and I got dinner ready.
We had a Shepard's Dinner
After dinner we opened our Christmas Eve Pajamas. For the year 2014 Steve and I chose the theme iStand for our family. Our pajamas had that theme on them.
Christmas Morning. All the kids slept in. I almost had to wake them up, but finally they decided to emerge. They are all wrapped in their Minky blankets from Grandma and Aunt Lauren.
Christmas Breakfast. Aubrey is holding her bangs back because they are a hot mess. Zac obviously doesn't care.
New clothes for Christmas
Emily helping Addy test out her new Easy Bake Oven.
We had a wonderful Christmas. It all went by too fast. Thanksgiving threw us a curve ball by being so late. I am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the time our family spent together during the Christmas season thinking about Him, singing about Him, reading about Him.
In the middle of Christmas Day we decided to pack up and leave for St. Louis for a week to spend time with Steve's family. We had a ton of fun. Read all about it here.
