Finally Toothless

That snaggletooth hung on all through the holidays. Honestly, I'm so relieved it's out. I think she is too. Isn't that smile adorable?

Santa Finds Us!

Christmas morning in our home.

Believing Santa

Ana visited Santa with Mei & Ya at the old Villa Theater in Springville. Unfortunately, she froze up and told him the wrong thing. I kept telling her: No worries. Santa knows what you want. But I could tell she was still real concerned. Here she is with the mall Santa, making it right.

Just Chillin'

Eliah enjoys the day off at Katie's. That's his happy face.

Hannah & Ana Again

Sweet friends at Katie's Christmas Cookie Party.

Dave's Snow Tunnel

Here's how the Chase family celebrated the Snow Day. Ana helped (or so she said) and was very proud.

Snow Day (A True Christmas Miracle)

We live in Utah. It snows here. Regularly. No one bats an eye when we get 8 inches. School has never ever been canceled due to snow since my kids started out twelve years ago. This particular morning, however, felt different. We woke up to no power and more like 14 inches of snow. Outside was still and surreal.

When I called the school, a cheery receptionist picked up. "Yes, buses are running; school's open." (You've got to be kidding me!) I wasn't convinced this was the final word. In the meantime, Meili was up and showered. Ana was up. Ya is never up til the last possible moment. I take my kids' education very seriously, but I didn't have the heart to tell them they had to go out in this. I heard the blow dryer go on. First thought: "She's a better woman than I." Next thought: "Who does she think is driving her in this?" 

A phone call from next door confirmed what common sense had told me the moment I first looked out the window. Our district was canceling school, so said KSL radio, and that's as close to gospel truth as it gets around here. I relayed the news downstairs to Mei. Oh my goodness. Did you hear the reaction? I'm sure you did. There was MUCH rejoicing! Did I mention this was to be the last school day before Christmas break? And, did I mention Meili had an AP U.S. History test? . . . that she hadn't studied for! All the sweeter.

Christmas magic.

I loved this morning.

Temple Square Trek

This is an annual event that I'm really starting to enjoy. Despite the cold and despite the treacherous drive (OK, this year it wasn't so bad), we bundle up for an evening at Temple Square. There are so many things to see: the nativity, the ponds, the visitor's centers (north & south!), not to mention the lights!

Steve, you're blocking Scout's head!

Oh, the lights! Afterward we drove back toward home and stopped in at the A.F. Chili's, where we had a great meal that warmed us up. This was a wonderful night for all, a spiritual highlight of the season. We made a good memory.

Ana's Christmas Concert

 

Ana and Scout are both participating in the city Children's Choir. (This is Ana's third year, I think.) The Christmas concert has traditionally been held at the Provo Tabernacle, as it was this year (Dec 10). This concert was such a great event, so classy, and the kids were all well prepared. Our whole family attended, as well as the Chases and Steve & Debbie. A week later this historic building was destroyed by fire. No one knows yet the future of the Tabernacle, but I'm so grateful we got to be in that beautiful place one last time. I have many memories of attending events there, especially at Christmastime, since I've lived in this area. Sad.

Attempting Homemade Marshmallows

Saw this recipe in a magazine and made these plates for a few friends. (This was the same day the yard demolition went down so marvel at my presence of mind!) My plan was to make several more for neighbor holiday gifts, but I was never able to repeat this success for some odd reason. Glad I took this picture.

Water Woes

Our front lawn had started to look really swampy and lumpy. Turned out it was a broken water main. We called our good friends Clark, Evan, and the 2 Steves. They fixed it but had to create this mess in the process. Looks cold & dreary, huh?!

Ana & Friends

Ana loves her friends. Here are a couple of her regulars. Both are neighbors and in our church ward. So great! She's such a lucky girl to have cousins and friends close by. In the first picture, I think Ana's showing off a loose tooth. Those always kind of gross me out. She's always so proud of them.

Hannah Banana & Ana Banana

Ana & Camdyn talk nonstop in class. (Teacher told me.)