Alpine Living Nativity
This is one of our family's very favorite Christmas traditions. I love that my kids get so excited to see the baby Jesus, rather than Santa. We ride a trailer from a church parking lot to the property where it's held, and are first met by a Roman centurion on a horse, which is pretty epic. There's a large barn that's set up like Jerusalem, with lots of animals and things for the kids to try. Then we head outside and over to the stable, with a choir singing in the loft, and Mary, Joseph, and a real baby Jesus inside. It is totally quiet and has a very reverent atmosphere there. They even have hot cocoa at the end before waiting for the trailer ride back.
Feeding the sheep
Joshua checking out a camel
Meeting the wise men
Rachel trying out a saw
Church History & Art Museum-- Children's Exhibit
Whenever we go visit Temple Square, our kids beg to go to the Museum of Church History and Art. Upstairs, kind of tucked away, there's this awesome Primary exhibit that changes every couple of years. It's very interactive and fun, and makes a nice break from the cold outside.
Liz built a temple out of giant soft blocks
Joshua checking out the kitchen & garden
Rachel & Emma fishing from Nephi's ship
Matthew found something electronic, so he was happy
One of the cutest areas was where the kids could dress up and follow a video showing Mexican dances.
Winter Recitals
Rachel-- ballet/combo class
Elizabeth-- ballet/combo class
She and her cousin Ashlyn got to take this class together-- so fun!
Her entire class consisted of only 6 girls, which was great.
During her 4th grade year, Elizabeth was also on her elementary school's Level 1 ballroom dance team. She was a little unsure about it at first and had to get past the awkwardness of dancing with boys, but quickly got over it and had a great time. This was from their Christmas performance.
Matthew, Emma, and Elizabeth following their Christmas piano recital. They all did great.
Elizabeth's county parade sandwich board. The fourth graders all get assigned a county to do a big project on, and she had fun learning about Cache since she has ancestors on both sides from there.
Matthew made a cute snowman resembling something from Mario or a video game like that.
Joshua's 3rd Birthday
With Joshua's birthday falling on December 21, I have to make a major effort to set aside time to celebrate. We took the whole family to Chuck E. Cheese as a surprise, and Joshua was absolutely in heaven. Since he is obsessed with cars and any other vehicle, he had a blast riding on the various rides.
Joshua checking out his cake, with matchbox cars on a frosting road
And of course, almost every present had something to do with wheels :0). It was a great day.
