Tastes Like Heaven

Today I made some divinity. Caleb tasted it and said, "Mom, is this manna? Cause it tastes like heaven." Agreed.

The REAL Santa

Yesterday we visited Santa at his home in North Pole. The boys realized that this was the last time that they would see the REAL Santa and not just one of his "helpers!" How amazing it has been to live here in Alaska!

Winter Solstice

Today is the shortest day of the year, even though on Christmas break, it somewhat feels like the the longest. The sun came up at 10:53 a.m. and went down at 2:41 pm. But it was warmish...only -22. But on short days like this we stay inside and find something to do. Caleb loves to make music on his computer.

Nick likes to build things. He is quite imaginative.

Jake loves to play games and loves to help his sister. They are playing Guess Who? I think that he lets her win just enough so that she will keep playing with him.

Ward Party

Last Friday we went to our ward Christmas Dinner. Megan and Caleb were very intent on their coloring before dinner.

Megan was down with the junior primary getting ready to sing their Christmas songs.

Nick was Joseph for the Nativity. He would only do it under the condition that he did not have to kiss Mary. We told him that it wasn't that kind of play!

Jake was a shepherd. He loved being in costume.

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

I am glad the my children like decorating the Christmas tree, because I don't enjoy it much anymore. It seems like a lot of work. Curtis and I spend a whole hour putting up a tree and getting all of its branches out and putting on lights evenly, just so that they can put on ornaments in 3 minutes flat. Where is the justice?They love this nativity, the only one that they can "touch"! It goes right below our Christmas tree, but inevitably I find shepherds in the kitchen, sheep in the bathroom, and Mary under the couch.Decorating for Christmas is like having Christmas twice. We open all these bins of things that we have forgotten about all year long! Jake had his band concert this week. He has been playing trumpet this year. Caleb loving the spotlight. He just had to wear his suit for the program. He is a charmer.Nick also had his concert. He has been working on the recorder. Thankfully for the rest of you, I just have pictures and not sound clips to third graders playing the recorder...

Going to the Ballet

On Friday Curtis and I surprised Megan with a trip to the Ballet. We watched The Nutcracker.

Megan loved being able to dress up and watch all of the dancers. It was a great time out with our little princess.

Jake Vs. the Sled Hill

The hill won...

Snowfort

A week ago we finally got some snow. We were glad to have it. If it is going to be cold, it may as well be snowy and pretty, right?

We got about 8 inches of snow so Curtis took the kids out to build a snow fort. They shovelled it all up into a huge mound.

And dug it out. They loved it and played with it all week.

We have gotten more snow since and it has even warmed up a bit. It is currently 27 degrees right now. Heatwave!!

Megan's 4th Birthday

Since this was a party year, Megan chose to have a princess party(because what 4 year old isn't obsessed with princesses?) We made princess skirt and crowns, played games, ate cake, and were protected by some little handsome princes. It was a great time. Now we just have to convince ourselves that our baby really is four years old...

He Looks Good in Orange

Nick received his orange belt last Friday at a Tae Kwon Do party. He is so excited to see the colors getting closer and closer to black! Good job, Nick; we are proud of you!