December Week #3

Tyler finally got his wish to have a Polar Express Party! We invited all preschool aged cousins, including Brenley and Katie and kids. We decorated the house with a train track made with painter’s tape on the floor, gave each child a ticket, read the book decorated train gingerbread cookies, colored train pictures, and watched the movie while the mommies had lunch together. Way too fun! Oh it is fun to have cousins close and let them be excited to be together! All the sisters-in-law were so great to help bring food for the lunch and help clean up. Love those ladies!


On Thursday Dad arrived for a holiday visit. We have been so excited to have him come. The next day we took it easy, had a big breakfast, and pretended it was Christmas. Dad was so sweet to bring some gifts, and the kids were thrilled to unwrap their first gift of the season.


I really enjoyed just talking to Dad during the kids’ naps, he and I are working on solving the universe together . Freeman got off work a little early and we went to the Grapevine main street, a quaint little main street all decked out for Christmas! Santa and his elves were there playing games. We took a tractor ride around the town, danced to the music in the main square, and walked to the end of the street where “The Polar Express Train” was departing. Then we stopped for dinner. So much fun!



On Saturday we took Dad to Bass Pro, an outdoor shop a lot like Cabela’s in Utah, but with an emphasis on fishing. Perfect for my fisherman Dad. It was an impressive store, with a huge waterfall, lots of aquariums of fish, and lots to look at! They also had Christmas crafts for the kids, lots of Christmas décor, a merry-go-round, and the kids had their picture taken with Santa. It was a ZOO – tons of people, and we were exhausted by the time we left, but it was a fun afternoon.
That night during our Christmas tradition time Dad led the scripture study. He talked about the Savior coming to America. He is a wonderful teacher to children, they were totally enraptured by every word.


We were sad to see Dad go Sunday night. His visit really was the highlight of the Christmas season for us. Thanks Dad for making the sacrifice to come visit, we love you!