Wednesday, December 11, 2013

A Live Nativity

The other day we attended an actual live nativity.... with real sheep, donkeys, and everything.
It was fabulous!
My mom had heard about this family who puts on a live nativity every year throughout the month of December.
So while Cody and Anne were here we decided to go.
It defintely helped to start the Christmas season off right. 

The cast included a bunch of young men and women from the local ward.
Several were some of Mark's old students.  It was fun to see them in particate in such a fun activity.
I struggle every year to find the balance between Christ and Santa.
This was a great way to keep it all in perspective.

The pictures aren't that great, but it was such a fun thing to do.
 The shepherds in the field being visited by angels.
The shepherds coming to worship baby Jesus.
And the wisemen! 
We were then served donuts and hot chocolate.
Super fun night!

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Thanksgiving 2013

We had the priviledge of having Grandma and Grandpa Bates with us the week of Thanksgiving.
Here is some of the fun we did.

First off, we LOVE when Grandma and Grandpa visit for so many reasons!
One of them being the super fresh and delicious food they always bring with them.
This time we enjoyed pecans, mandarins, pomegranates, lemons, and apples (seriously, did I forget anything?)
The girls had fun helping Grandpa crack the pecans. 
Pretty sure this one ate more than what actually got into the bowl.
Hannah had her Thanksgiving feast at Preschool on Tuesday.
She was suppose to dress like a Pilgrim or Indian.
She makes a super cute Indian, wouldn't you say?
On one of the days my family scheduled family pictures. 
Grandma and Grandpa Bates were gracious enough to tag along.
My mom decided it would be fun for all of us to be in Big J's Shirts.
Even Sam had a shirt.
Pretty darn good lookin' family right there!
We also took advantage of a fabulous camera and decent weather and took some family pictures of our own.
I am so pleased at how they turned out.
Thanks Grandma B!!!
We didn't get a great one of just Sam.  But I love this picture of all the kiddos!
We had Sam's Blessing on Wednesday, of course 
And then there was Thanksgiving on Thursday.

We had it at our house and joined forces with all my family.
Once again, Grandma and Grandpa were gracious to join in.
I wanted an "old fashioned" Thanksgiving with all of us together around a long table.
So that's what we did!
The food was absolutely delicious.
I mean you can't go wrong with a spread like this!
It was an absolute GORGEOUS day, so after dinner the kids went outside to play.
I HAD to take pictures to document this especially rare occasion.
They were having so much fun!
We did a lot of playing, chatting, reading, cuddling, gardening (grandpa) while G and G Bates were here.
The girls loved every minute of it!
Sam especially loved Grandma.  In fact some of his first real smiles were directed to her.
Grandma and Grandpa left friday morning to head to Boise.
We were sad to have them leave, but so appeciate the chance to have them here for a few days.

After Grandma and Grandpa left we met with my family at Mark's school for some good old fashioned exercise!
We pulled out all of the fun elementary gym toys and had a blast!
Remember the scooters?
  And Parachute?

Definitely a new tradition!!!

We are so grateful for the blessings in our life.
Especially our little family, immediate family, extended family, and ward family.
We love and miss you all!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Monday, December 2, 2013

Baby Sam's Blessing

We had a truly fabulous Thanksgiving!
And are so GRATEFUL we got to spend it surrounded by family.
But before I get to all Thanksgiving festivities,
I wanted to make a special post for Sam on his Blessing Day!

We decided to bless Sam Wednesday night, for a variety of reasons.
It was so special to have it in our home, surrounded by close friends and family.
Mark gave a wonderful blessing, as always,
and then we enjoyed some delicious Apple Crisp Grandma Bates made.

My handsome little guy slept through the whole thing. 
Among those who attended were....
Both sets of Grandparents.
As well as a couple of Great-Grandparents.
Thank you to all you came to support Sam on his special day.
Sam.... you are truly loved by so many!