Snug as a Bug in a Rug

Benjamin is in heaven when he is tightly wrapped and in his car seat.

Springs Preserve

We went to the Springs Preserve to see the lights. While it will
never be confused with Temple Square, there is something
about a cool, crisp desert night, the smell of wood burning in
fireplaces, and being together as a family.

Angelina was feeling much more herself
after being sick for a week.

The Waite Live Nativity (live baby . . . no livestock)

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.


13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

11 ¶ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Christmas 2007

Benjamin Wishes You a Merry Christmas!

Credit goes to the Bezzants for wardrobe.

T'was the Night Before Christmas

Welcome to Uncle Stephen's Rockin' Christmas Eve.

We're not exactly the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but we sure are prettier.

Joseph performs his famous chimes solo.

Eden put the "jing" in Jingle Bells.

. . . and the 2007 Griswold Award goes to . . .
(I'm sure they have to rent a storage unit just for this display.)

Grumpelina

Angelina was truly upset about having to wear this sweater.

After I showed her the previous picture, she saw how silly the grumpy face
looked, but she kept up appearances with this fake pout.

Joshua Earns His Arrow of Light

Joshua was presented the Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting. He has enthusiastically pursued completing the requirements, often without "encouragement" from his parents. If there ever was a Cub Scout who deserved this award, it is Josh. Congratulations, buddy!

Happy 11th Birthday, Joshua!

December 20, 2007

December 25, 2006

December 25, 2004

Gingerbread House

Angelina got right in the middle of building a gingerbread house.
Just in case there is any question, Angelina chose her own outfit.

It appears like this is a government project as it takes five
workers to do the job of one person.

Joshua's "Mad Science" Birthday Party

Joshua was happy to receive a Ripley's book, which has
all manner of freakish pictures - like two-headed animals
and people with two thumbs.

The kids all wore special spectral glasses that show the various
colors of light that make up a light source. They loved it when
the camera flashed at them.

Our "Mad Scientist", Asteroid Adam, showed the kids the
principles behind cotton candy. Joshua apparently used the
cotton candy as a marketing tool to get kids to come to his
party (and bring him more presents).

Joshua and Devon enjoy some of the ice cream cake.

Joshua fights off the hordes trying to steal his presents.
Okay, not really, he just isn't quite ready to share presents
that he hasn't seen yet.

Odds & Ends

Creative Allyse

The kids are constantly creating things from nothing more than paper,
tape and staples. In particular, Joseph and Allyse have recreated
objects from Harry Potter, Barbie, Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean
and other movies. This hat is another one of Allyse's cute creations.

Helpful Big Sister

Angelina was teaching Benjamin how one uses binoculars,
only backwards.

The Halls Are Decked

The tree and the "Polar Express" (as Joseph calls it) are up and running.

The Snowman family has come to visit our desert home.

One of my favorite items is Santa Claus flying around the world. It's so kitschy.

Ben Gives a Shout Out to His Homies

The Many Faces of Joe

On Saturday we went to a Christmas party sponsored by the diabetes association. There was food for all and presents for the diabetic children and their siblings.

"Presents for children" is apparently not always equivalent to "presents that children want," as evidenced by the faces that Joseph made. He seemed less than thrilled by the 5 Game Fun Pack that he unwrapped.

The tears did not dry until Joshua, Joseph and I arrived at Sport Clips to get haircuts. The boys liked the TVs all over the place with football on them. By the time all was done, Joseph was all smiles with his new, spikey hairdo, and all was well with the world.