Holiday Fun

The last few weeks before Christmas were filled with fun holiday activities.

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They were also packed with last minute extra credit assignments, final essays, and assorted end-of-semester school chores, making it hard for me to get near a computer to blog about all the fun!

So now we'll look back at a couple of the activities we enjoyed.

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The ward Christmas party was an evening of music. Sister Kroupa played Christmas tunes on her trombone, and later Sister Snow accompanied us on piano while we sang carols.
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Rather than a dinner, we enjoyed hot cocoa, apple cider, and sweet treats.

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In the top photo it's just Jacob, Sarah, and me since Dylan went to a friend's birthday party that evening.

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In the second picture it's Sarah and her friends Emmi, Reyna, and Gina.

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Above, Sarah sings a Christmas hymn with the Relief Society ladies. At right, Jacob performs with the other teens in the Young Men program.
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We all shared a good laugh watching the bishopric and their wives on stage, as the wives wrapped their husbands head-to-toe in toilet paper to turn them into "snowmen."

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Santa also made a visit, listening to the children's wishes and handing out small bags of gifts.

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The sweetest moment always comes near the end of the evening when the Primary children reenact the Nativity, while the audience sings "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night."

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Dylan's orchestra concert fell on the final week of school. We are always among the first to arrive, since he must be there early to tune up his instrument and whatever else it is they do backstage!

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Here we have Jacob and his friend Christal waiting with Sarah for the concert to begin.

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Dylan is one of only three cellists in the middle school orchestra, and they all did an outstanding job.

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The performance was beautiful. They did something new this year. At the end of the concert they combined all the orchestras, bands, and choirs (from the middle school, junior high, and high school) and had a sing-along of carols. It was unexpected fun!

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Dylan's new teacher is Theresa Bailey-Dick, who is also the conductor of White Mountain Symphony Orchestra. Sarah auditioned with her last week and is now a proud new second violinist in our community orchestra!
Christmas is such a joyous time of year, on so many levels: faith, family, food, fun, and the simple joy of giving.

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I love the feelings of peace, hope, and love in the air. If only those feelings will continue throughout the year.

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Christmas, I shall miss you!