Festival of Lights

We are a "festival" family! We love the Festival of Trees and tonight we went to the festival of lights. It was perfect! I had been snowing (still was) and the trees all had blankets of snow on them. The lights glistened while the snow continued to fall. The boys especially loved the "dripping lights" on the trees (LED icicle lights). Luke was excited to see penguins and Zack took about 50 or more pictures on his camera. Tonight really helped me get in the Christmas mood. So much so that I went shopping online when I got home! HA HA! I love Christmas. YEAH for festivals!

Poor Baby

My little Maddie has a fever today. It was hard for her to go to church and sit during Sacrament meeting in her pretty Christmas dress. She didn't feel well at all. Kevin took her home right after Sacrament and she slept for 2 hours.

I sang in the choir today as well. It went well I think. I always love singing in the choir for Christmas time. Only five days until Christmas! YEAH!

He's Arthur...King of the Britains!

Zack got the part of one of the Arthurs in the school play. He's a fourth grader and he got Arthur! How cool is that?! I am excited that Zack finally got a lead role in something. He has been in Trevor's "shadow" being the younger brother and it's nice that he gets to actually be in something on his own. I am proud of him. YEAH ZACKY!

Luke's First Belt Test

Luke tested tonight for his first belt in Tae Kwon Do (yellow/white). He was so excited. He did a great job too. My favorite was when he added an extra "spin" to his round house kicks. He is a little ninja through and through. I think he's going to be really great in this sport. He has the drive. I was so proud of all the work he did. He has been taking Tae Kwon Do since he was three years old. Amazing.

My Sweet Luke

Today I had a hard day. Some tears were shed out of frustration with parental responsibilities (kids being naughty). Luke came over to me and patted me on the shoulder and said, "I'm here, Mom. It's me, Luke. It's alright, Mom. I love you. You can cry on me." What a wonderful boy. I need to spend more quality time with him. I truly love that boy. XO

Christmas Cookies

We decorated cookies tonight. Zack and Luke were really excited about it. Trevor decided to work on his poster instead. Kevin was awesome. He's always helping wherever he can. All of the cookies look great. I'm excited for the kids to give them to our neighbors. I love Christmas and I LOVE frosted sugar cookies.

Who-ville in the Elzey House

Today Luke asked to watch "The Grinch." Not the horribly disturbing live action movie, but the classic and perfect cartoon version. I happily obliged. He ate his cheese tortilla while watching and then quickly moved to the couch when he was finished eating. I left the room for a minute and when I came back the "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" song was on. I glanced at Luke when I walked by and a huge grin was on his face. He was laughing and loving every minute of the timeless classic. And I smiled in return.

Thank you Christmas.

All Worth It

So I've been having struggles with my Luke lately. He is a very head strong boy, but has a big heart. For some reason...he was snuggling me on the couch before bedtime. He sat at my side while we did our Christmas devotional and then prayed with the family. He wanted me to tuck him in before bed and then proceeded to give me a kiss and a hug...complete with smile. It's a good day. :)

Festival of Trees

This was Madeline's first time on our annual outing to the Festival of Trees....and her first trip to see SANTA CLAUS! She didn't even cry (she was more interested in the candy cane!). I tried to get a picture of all of the kids. But this was the best I could do. We loved watching all the little girls in their tutus and sparkly dresses ready to perform. Madeline was entranced with them as well. I can't wait to see her cutness in a tutu! Luke made a reindeer hat and took his time making it 'just right' while Zack took TWO trips to the origami lady. This is the first year Trevor didn't do any of the crafts or activities. :( He's getting so big. We still have all of his old ornaments that he has made over the years.

We enjoyed our scones and sweet rolls and all of the general merriment. I love going every year...it really gets me in the mood for Christmas.