Nativity

Our family was able to enjoy the Nativity display in Apex this year. There were hundreds of nativities from around the world. There was a room where children could dress up to act out the Nativity. Mackenzie was eager to be Mary, Scott enjoyed being a cow, sheep, & eventually Joseph, while Caroline was dressed as an angel, but acting nothing like one... she was more like a member of the Hallelujah choir. Come bedtime, she gets wired, so, check her out below: a live wire! It was a great night & wonderful opportunity to feel our Savior's love by seeing how people around the world worship Him as well.

Christmas Program

The children had several opportunities to sing this holiday season. We went Christmas carolling as a family several nights. In addition, they sang 3 songs with the children's choir at church the Sunday prior to Christmas. They were also given parts in the Nativity Skit at the church Christmas party one Saturday evening this month. See pictures below:

Scott was a wise man & sang "We Three Kings" with his buddies Johnson & Cedar. They did a great job!

Mackenzie was one of many angels who sang in the heavenly host.

Caroline was also an angel in the heavenly host. She was a good singer.

Another picture of the angels.

Here, the wise men found Joseph, Mary & Jesus. The children enjoyed practicing & performing together. As parents, we enjoyed watching & learning from our children. We were touched by the spirit as we listened to them sing of the Holy Night on which our dear Savior was born. This is a most blessed time of year. I'm so grateful for the birth, life & atoning sacrifice that Christ made for each of us. He lives & loves us & I pray we will each strive to serve Him and keep His commandments.

Disney on Ice

Mother-daughter night: We were able to enjoy a fun night out with my sister-in-law & her daughters. The girls enjoyed watching the show with their mom & cousins.

Caroline & Mackenzie

Disney on Ice... the show was great, but my camera isn't. Dear Santa, please get me a better camera.

Winterfest 2009

Watching ice sculpture carving was really COOL. The kids enjoyed the show & the ice sculptures were beautiful.

The kids at Winterfest. There was plenty to see, so getting Mackenzie to look at the camera was a challenge. She especially enjoyed the bouncy house there. I enjoyed the live holiday music as well as the juggler on stilts. I didn't enjoy the port-a-potties though. The ice rink was SO crowded that we opted to go another night, especially as we were already half-frozen. The children enjoyed watching the artists who were painting & Scott was able to help paint on the canvas of one artist that night. The kids really enjoyed the sledding hill that was set up... homemade SNOW is almost as good as the real thing!

Watch Mackenzie sled... she was a little scared!

Here comes Caroline!

Scott was SO fast, we missed him!

The family was able to enjoy a night out to celebrate Winterfest in downtown Raleigh. Afterwards, we took our traditional holiday trip to Krispy Kreme. Yum!

Scott's 1st Chorus Concert

Scott joined the CHORUS at his elementary school. His 1st concert was a great way to start the holiday season with lots of Christmas songs. He had several members of his extended family join the audience to support him in his endeavors. We sure had fun watching him perform.

The EDUCATION one receives in public schools... at its best!

So... Scott just shared a quote his 5th grade teacher taught him: "An excuse is like a butt... everyone has one & they always stink." Goodness! When I gave him a shocked looked for saying this, he said, "Mother, if you think about it, it's actually true." Scott is getting an education, no doubt. I'd be surprised if this analogy shows up on the SAT though.