Nutcracker

We braved the weather on Monday the 22nd and drove up to the Capitol Theater for Ballet West's The Nutcracker. It was so beautiful. I can almost envision the whole ballet with my eyes closed when I listen to the music--well maybe. I have seen it so many times and get a thrill from watching it each time. I am partial to Ballet West's production of it. The costumes are so amazing and the dancers that they have are exquisite. The best part was that Ollie got to come with us. We had dinner at Shanghai Cafe with my parents and then headed to the theater. Ollie sat on my lap so I could sit by my Mom where the seats were better. It was magical.

Lolo Pictures at Maestro's Gelato Shop

Lolo at the Gelato shop

Doing down dog and playing with the garbage can. It was so cold and the hot chocolate was so good.

Twinners

We think these jackets are about 18 years old. Very old school from some die hard Bronco Fans. They better win against San Diego on Sunday!!!!!!!!!! Go Denver!!!!



Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Eating on Christmas

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I tried to wrap most of the presents in brown paper packages tied up with string.

Christmas Morning

We stayed up until about 1:15 a.m. getting ready for Christmas morning. Lolo stayed up with us. Addy was up too. It was fun. We listened to music and tried to keep Lolo from opening everything. The kids woke up at about 8:30 a.m. I woke up a little before that and folded a pile of laundry. It felt so good. I think the kids had fun!!!

Christmas Eve at Daybreak

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner at my parents' house. Ken, Cynthia and Maddie were there. We ate ham, potatoes, rolls, salad and gingerbread with lemon curd. Ollie announced that it was the best dinner ever during the meal. We played guessing games after dinner and scratched backs. The evening was magical. My Mom gave me the most beautiful pajamas that she made herself. I love them.

Singing at Ollie's School

Last week I was fortunate enough to go to Ollie's school every morning to sing Christmas carols in the hall by the piano and Christmas trees. I got choked up each morning as I recalled doing the same thing at Douglas Elementary in Salt Lake when I was in Elementary School. My Mom said that when we moved to Denver, there was no singing of Christmas Carols in the schools. That makes me a little sad. A lot of the kids at Ollie's school are just learning english, but boy can they sing Christmas songs. It was so beautiful!!!!

Ollie's Class Christmas Party

We made gumdrop wreaths for his teachers and then went to the Christmas assembly. It was so cute. Ollie's class sang "Must Be Santa." We watched Christmas videos--Grinch and Frosty, ate cookies and played in the gym. The kids loved Lolo Claus.

Candy Windows

Last Saturday my Mom and Maddie came over and we went out to eat at the Thai Place and then we went to see the candy windows. We try to make this a yearly tradition as these windows are extraordinarily beautiful and artistic. We were especially excited this year because Raquel did one of the windows. Before we went on this excursion we had toyed with the idea of driving to Vegas to meet Laura, Trent and the boys but the weather was bad and we were having a hard time getting the courage to get in the car with a teenager and three small children. Dinner was excellent. We all got the mango sweet rice--Ollie got banana pudding--for dessert. Lolo is fussing so I will get to the photos.

I guess I will redo my Christmas Card--got some cute pics of the kids this week.

We stumbled upon this Santa outfit for Lolo at the D.I. for $4. He looks great it it if I might say so myself.

Trying to be a gracious hostess and make hot chocolate for the party after the Christmas Chorus Concert

Nena is always a gracious hostess in her swimsuit.

Oops, I meant to do this picture but I accidentally did two of my Mom with Ollie

Salt Lake City Children's Choir at the Cathedral of the Madeline

Santa Parade in Provo