The most Wonderful Time of the Year--in Utah

Even though that could be the title of every post, it is especially fitting for the magical December we had.

Putting up our simple decorations and listening to the music that fills my soul...

...reading stories that teach the meaning behind all the symbols and traditions.

Our Ward Christmas party in the park was even sweeter this year with a singing/bell performance from the primary. 

The French choir concert was really fun--we had done all songs with 2 parts, teaching the kids to hear and sing in harmony. Our favorites were La Marche des Rois, Noël Nouvelet, and Pat-a-pan.

More snuggle time for stories....

...even a library day with the littles.

Time to thank and be thankful for all the people who are blessings in our lives...like Eden's great Kindergarten teacher who made these personalized white boards for all her students.

like the sweet women I visit teach, and so many more.

One Monday night we met up with Rachel, Conlon, Jane, Will, Spencer and Mary for an FHE trip to see the lights at Temple Square. Simply magical.

I asked them all for their favorite colored lights and Ryn's was easy to guess....

We tried out a new tradition possibility of getting patisseries at Gourmandise afterwards, but I don't think the kids loved it as much as we did. None of us loved it as much as simply being together on Temple Square.

One Saturday we went to the Cristkindlmarkt at This Is The Place. That was SO fun. They have a little scavenger hunt of numbered plaques with info and corresponding questions to answer about German Christmas traditions,

...live reindeer,

....another very nice Santa to sit with,

....great music to listen to, yummy food, and fun little chalet shops like the Christmas markets in France and Germany that we loved so much. We even got to see and talk with President Uchtdorf and his wife in one of the shops. He told me what a great man Papa Stan is and I agreed 100% :).

We enjoyed lots of time just playing at home.  I loved catching Darren and Eden having so much fun playing trains together after church one Sunday.  There is nothing better than hearing and seeing my children loving each other and enjoying being together!!

Ryn's birthday was especially busy and spirit-filled this year since it fell on the Sunday before Christmas. 

Kevin and I had the chance to sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel in sacrament meeting and I sang with the choir, then I sang Breath of Heaven in relief society...well, I guess I actually cried that one. Right after church our little family went to the Draper Care Center to provide the relief society meeting for the sweet residents and I loved watching my kids reach out to love each person there.  After that we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Linkous' house for Ryn's celebration.  

They had planned a scavenger hunt for her to find her presents, made two cakes--a Carma-specialty cheesecake for the birthday girl and a strawberry one for her pickier little sisters, and filled every second with fun.  There never was a girl who deserved a happy 9th birthday more than Ryn.  She jumps at any chance to serve and lift those around her, forgives immediately, and looks for the good in every situation and every person.  

She loved every minute :).  After that, we finished our marvelous marathon day at our neighbors', the Claytons.  One of the most gifted musical families I've ever had the privilege to know, and recently returned from an 18-month mission to be over the music at the BYU Jerusalem Center, they resumed their tradition of a night of neighborhood Christmas music that night.  We fell into our beds exhausted , souls filled to the brim with gratitude and joy.  

http://youtu.be/WUOc2a7N9ho

The next night was spent at our dear Lehnardts', enjoying a Christmas program by the girls, dinner, great conversation and acting out the Nativity.  We had fun sharing the night with Catherine and her adorable crew, as well as a friend of Ben's who shares Ryn's bday week.  

http://youtu.be/944WN3RE488

http://youtu.be/Luh-AwDqHYY

And then it was off to California, for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year--in Cali!....

Giving Thanks

Tom wasn't too thrilled about an apron fit for a 5-yr-old.  

Our potato team--sweet and mashed to perfection.

One of my all time favorite pictures of Carma's beautiful smile and spirit.  She's rolling out one last crust to make one last pie she can't eat for one of her children she loves more than life itself.  

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and some veggies kept the littles happy while we finished up the cooking.  

Tom and Kevin tackled the tedious, messy, but essential job of seeding the pomegranates.   Funny how tedious tasks can become treasured memories when you work with someone you love.  

The table is set.  

Zach, Dan, Josh, Laura, Ryan, Tom, Kevin and Carma chatting and cooking

Finally sitting down at the table deserves a toast!

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing....and thank Him for the countless number that we enjoy.  We even snagged Spencer and Mary to eat with us!!

Meals that great can wear you out!!!

Our fearless clean up heros

Then on to games!!  Darren felt so big playing the Wii.  

The fun, food and games lasted through late Friday night, when we finished with a few hilarious rounds of Catch Phrase.  Tears were shed, hearts were gladdened and pounds were surely gained.  (Honestly, I've never had a better turkey than the one Kevin made this year.  Way to go, love!)