We celebrated Christmas at the end of a vacation week from school. The kids worked hard at gymnastics, played in the snow, and enjoyed their presents.
On Monday, there was no rest for the wicked as kids went to gym in the morning and early afternoon. Hallie and Lily ran a lot of errands in the morning before the party the gym had for the girls. The truck pictured below is at one of Hallie's favorite soda shops (she doesn't drink soda, but their flavored waters and cookies are yummy!), Soda Retreat!
Eliza attended the girls' party and made out like a bandit. Thank you, Emma! You know Eliza very well! Coach Lauren gave her yummy treats and some scrunchies. A girl growing out her hair can never have enough scrunchies.
That afternoon, Mike, Hallie, and Eliza went up to Provo, where Hallie and Mike gave blood. This time Mike had an easy time of it, and the phlebotomist couldn't strike a vein on Hallie. As we drove back home, we managed to get a few pictures of the "Christmas star" conjunction. Happy Solstice!
We were greeted Tuesday morning with golden light on Mt. Timpanogos. The winter really does have pros and cons. Right now, Hallie is not a fan of the cold so that is at the top of her con list. The sunrises and sunsets are on the top of her pros.
Eliza accompanied Hallie on errands. It is hard to tell in this picture but Hallie tried spiking her hair and it didn't turn out too bad. Hallie said there are people who look way crazier out there, so why not try and join the party? On most days of the week Hallie and her brother Riley talk or text. The picture was to show him her attempt at her fancy do. Eliza loves to play with the camera on Hallie's phone and take over her Instagram account.
As Mike left the house in the afternoon, he found this sign wedged under the back tire of his car. The end (of the year, certainly) is near. It was a really windy day, and Hallie is hoping that the wind blew the sign under the car rather than someone having deliberately placed it.
Landon spent the afternoon after gym practice at Sonny's house learning how to make fried chicken. It has been a fun week for him, and the Drew/Blas Family taught Landon how to cook two nights in a row. Now if we could just get him to use this new found skill at our house.
Mike's advent calendar micro cityscape is shaping up nicely. All three kids have enjoyed building their scenes.
Eliza loves Fergus. Fergus puts up with her attentions. The stuffed cat came from her Secret Santa at gym on Monday.
After their date this Wednesday, Mike and Hallie had a bit of a chance to see both kids practicing. We didn't take a picture of the amazing lunch we had, but Magleby's did it again. We had great service and great food!!!
On Christmas Eve, Eliza was determined to stay up for Santa's arrival. He managed to sneak past her. Eliza made it until 3:30 a.m. Both Mom and Dad were super tired on Christmas, but as parents you plow through.
Both children suffered for their late-night exploits on Christmas morning.
Mike gets a picture of the kids on the stairs in their pajamas every year before they open their presents. So here is to 2020. The picture fits the year.
After enjoying a bit of time opening gifts before breakfast . . .
. . . we then went to G. & G. M.'s for some more family time. The kids seemed excited by their gifts: Light sabers and a drone for Landon
(with a bird's eye view of the neighborhood)
and a skateboard and an iPod for Eliza.
(with FaceTime and opportunities for making silly faces with friends).
On the day after Christmas, Eliza rode her new board over to her friend Morgan's past the church.
The two of them had fun making slime and walking on a frozen pond (yikes!). https://photos.app.goo.gl/VLDGRnfa3toAvGcP6
Mike participated in a Secret Santa with his Discord Heraldry group. He received this cross-stitched emblazon from a friend in Portugal, suitable for (tiny) framing.
Oh! And this was the dawn that greeted us Saturday morning. Winter mornings lately are brisk and beautiful.
On Sunday, we attended a Christmas-themed service at church. It has been a long time since Hallie had the chance to lead the music, and today she had the opportunity. Definitely different seeing everyone in masks. Later, Mom and Eliza played with each other's hair. Eliza's hair sure has grown in a year's time. Eliza really wants to grow it out, and she is so happy with where it is. Hallie is happy that Eliza did not make her look like a troll this time.
Dad and Eliza tried their hand at coding. It's a complicated business. But, when it is Star Wars themed, it made it a bit more fun. Thank you, G & G O.
Dad and Eliza also finished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, so we watched the movie as a family to round out the night. Eliza received a Hermione outfit for her doll, and now Hermione and Eliza look like twins. Thank you, Destiny, for the books! It is a great time for Dad and Eliza to spend together before bed.
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