20-13

Going Out

On Dec. 17th, Jeff and I turned 20-13 (or 33 to the normal population). We prefer to stay in our twenties and will do so forever.

We went to the Nelson-Atkins museum for a day date (thanks to Katie for babysitting). It was LOVELY. I don't even mean being away from the littles, I'd never say that's lovely cause that just sounds awful. But it was lovely to get the chance to go to the museum by ourselves, something we've never done. It was also lovely to eat lunch in the Rozzelle Court Restuarant, another thing we've never done together. The food was delicious and the room gorgeous.



Unknowingly we sat right next to our astrological sign, the Archer. Good karma right?



We toured most all the museum, and saw the Native American exhibit for the first time. The bead work is AMAZING. My mind is blown as to how they do that.

We both agreed that it was our best birthday outing spent together.

Partying at Home

We partyied with the littles later that night. Capri came up with the games, including "Pin the tail on the cat".








Steak birthday dinner.



Lemon cake for me. Jeff made TWO cakes. The first incurred some injury when he put an entire box cake mix in an 8 x 8 baking dish.





33 candles give off a LOT of smoke.



Jeff chose molten chocolate cake, this is to be served warm. Lesson learned - wax candles stuck into a still warm cake will melt down the the wicks. Luckily chocolate is still good even eaten with a little wax.










We both got some great presents. I scored with some jewelry & Barnes and Noble gift card from my parents, fleece sheets from the littles (SO awesome), a rotary cutter and cutting mat from Jeff, and the entire boxed series "Corner Gas" from my Mom-in-law. Jeff got the first 3 seasons of "Northern Exposure" from his Mom, a gift card to JCPenney from my parents, a photo book of Ancient Italy from the littles, and a bunch of Michael Jackson stuff from me (his new CD, pre-ordered new movie, and a DVD of all his music videos - Jeff's a fan if you can't tell). We also got some cash in the mail the next day from Jeff's dad, gotta love cash!!



Happy Birthday to us! But a special Happy Birthday to my sweetie, and my best girlfriend Corrie who shares our birthday as well. I'm more than lucky to have them to share a birthday with.

Ward Christmas Party

We ate.



We posed.




The kiddos sang.





And I waved my arm around like a crazy person again. I also tried, unsuccessfully, to get the adults to sing LOUDLY and with CHEER in their voices.

Come on people! It's Christmastime and you looked like you were in pain. At least YOU'RE not the one looking like a nutcase in front of the whole ward.

Christmas Totes

I made these a few weeks ago and stuck them into the littles mailboxes. Their mailboxes are granola bar and such boxes covered with scrapbook paper and hung onto their doorknobs. I made those a LOOOOONG time ago and they are most likely one of their most beloved possessions. I'll write them notes, make bookmarks, pictures, all kinds of crafty stuff, and "deliver" their mail while they are asleep.
These totes were loved and earned me another "Mommy you are the best maker." I'm always glad to get one of those. Even if it's not technically true.

Santa

I had Capri skip school a bit ago so we could visit Crayola Land and Santa at Crown Center without the MASSIVE lines I knew would accompany a Saturday visit. That's the way to go in my book.

I must say that having Hallmark headquartered in the town where you live is not without it's benefits. Hallmark provides so many wonderful free events and places to visit. They also own Crayola, if you didn't know.






Rome was determined to sit on Santa's lap without being afraid this year. He nearly didn't make it, but sucked up his courage and managed to even smile.

I'm fairly certain that they'll be getting everything they want for Christmas. Who could resist such cute littles?

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving "Silver Dollar City style" again this year. It was beautiful, happy, cold & not so cold, CROWDED like you wouldn't believe, and a great time for all.

Last year we ate underground, this year we opted for above at The Reunion Hall. It was so beautiful and such a perfect meal. All you can eat and gulp down. NO clean up, no prep - that's my idea of a happy Thanksgiving.























The nightly parade.





Even though the crowds on the second day we were there, the day after Thanksgiving, literally PACKED the streets of "the City" we got to see every show we wanted to including "The Christmas Carol". It is SUCH a good show and they put it on SIX times a day. Amazing, not pre-recorded, all the music is live. It blows our minds that the performers are able to do that many shows, day after day, and still look energetic! And yes, it is the same cast EVERY show.
We also caught the Saloon show, one of Jeff's favorites. The kids love it too, but Rome will forever fear that one of the show girls will come up and sing personally to him like last year. It's pretty funny. Sable was SO taken with the girls, she insisted on going up to see "the mommies" after the show.








We truly are SO very thankful for our family, our extended family, those we get to see weekly and those we barely get to see at all. We thank the Lord daily for our home, our working van (seriously), and our missionaries in the field. We are so thankful for the Gospel in our lives, the Lords guidance and His many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!