CaN't CaTcH Me...

...because I am the gingerbread man!  We sure love decorating these guys more than houses!  It was so fun and the kids loved making up their own designs.  I think Cole just really liked the eating candy part most. 

CaNdeL LiGhT ChRiStMaS

There is a historical place in Salt Lake called "This is the Place" and it is where Brigham Young had a vision when he first came to Utah.  He saw what would become of the Salt Lake Valley and knew it was where the church was to settle and grow in its early days.  It is a neat place.  During different times of the year they do different activities there I had heard about what they do at Christmas and just had to make it our new traditon.  It was well worth it.  We saw a live nativity, real live reindeer, Father Christmas (he was just darling and is my very favorite Santa!), old time carolers, vintage buildings from the 1840's (brigham youngs' settlement), lights, and other festivities.  We even saw the "naughty and nice list" and could put our names on which ever list we deserve.  Josh and Aaron made the naughtly list where the rest of the family was on the nice list.  Aaron had a melt down that he was on the naughty list and tried really hard to be good the rest of the night claiming, "I should not be on the naughty list...I am trying to be like Jesus!"  Josh loved the traditional donuts we had there and I loved the live nativity.  It had animals and a real baby Jesus.  The spirit was very strong and I hope the kids felt it.  It was a special night and it a  must for future years.  we 

WiNtEr SwImMiNg

I love that there is such a fun, indoor pool that we can take the kids to swim during the cold months.  And I think they are thankful too since they ALL have a strong love for water! 

DoDiE

My sweet Grandma Dodie Harline died recently and I just miss her.  She is my dad's mom and I can only imagine the reunion she has had in heaven with her spouse, Darrell, who died before I was born, with my dad, and with many other loved ones.  We will miss her here greatly though.  I posted just a few pictures of her and our family at Christmas.

ReMeMbEr ThE TiMe...

I found some pics of Christmases from my childhood and just had to post them because they make me so happy.  Every holiday I experience gets better and better the older you are and especially with children.  Except...Christmas.  Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely wonderful now...it is just different.  The memories I have from Christmas as a child, especially while my dad was alive is nothing to compare to.  Christmas was so magical as a child, and I sure hope that my kids will and do feel the same. 

 Me as a baby in front of the tree

 My brothers and me with Mildred the Mouse  (a tradition that still lives on)

Christmas morning

LaYtOn LiGhTs

I love Christmas lights...and you know who else really does??!  Damon.  He is very fascinated and loves them.  And the kids had a kick out of the Layton lights and the other lights we took them to see that were coordinated to music.  It is pretty amazing!