I Love to See the Temples

If you've ever experienced an Arizona winter you know what a joy it is to get by with a light sweater in December.  We finally understand why everyone lives for fall and winter here. But we went to Utah for the holiday for my sisters wedding and to visit family, so we got to have our fill of snow fun. Here we are all ready to go.  Eager for adventure! Our family at the St. George temple My siblings with Rachel the bride  Mealtime is always a big event at my parents' house. Snowman!! Sledding!! Christmas Eve we went caroling with chimes at the nursing home where Ephraim used to work.  It was a wonderful way to feel the Spirit of Christ at Christmas.  Our gang at the nursing home.  I think we had more carolers than residents. Sibling Photos! (Aren't they lovely?)   And Mom Photo!  My kids and cousins waiting patiently for the parents to emerge on Christmas morning ...

This is the best time of year in Arizona. The weather is perfect and the holidays are here.

Our 9 year old is pretty entertaining. When the art assignment was to draw a pumpkin to paint for a "stained glass window" project, this is the pumpkin he came up with. A pumpkin super hero in a robotic suit. At Goodwill while I'm searching for winter clothes, he's trying on motorcycle helmets. And this one, he'll probably make me delete later.  During his haircut our clippers were dying, so his hair was pretty patchy and looked hilarious. We love this funny kid!

Presenting the Halloween pictures of 2015. I know it's cliche, but it's just something every mom HAS to do. This year we have a hobbit, a goddess, a viking, and a Kratt brother in a bat creature power suit. We had a lot of fun putting the costumes together today, and then fun at the neighborhood trunk or treat.  One of the kids said, "I wish it were Halloween everyday!... But then everyone would have childhood diabetes."  I'm happy to do it just once a year.

At first he wanted to be a hobbit for Halloween and we were hanging on to the hobbit hair. But he changed his mind and wanted a haircut. So we did it. He looks years older now and people don't recognize him. I was sad to lose all his curls but he reassured me that they'd grow back and I could still be happy. He's right. He's pretty cute no matter what.

We had a cool adventure at the mall today. We fought storm troopers and a sith, and rode a wild tiger. It was awesome!