Christmas Lights at Temple Square

After we saw Santa we decided to head downtown to see the lights at Temple Square. There was a good amount of traffic and it was hard to find a parking spot. We ended up parking up by the Capitol. Adelle fell asleep on the way. We didn't mind walking all the way to Temple Square until Adelle informed me that she really had to go potty. We scurried really quickly to the Conference Center! After that was taken care of we headed into the crowd to see the lights. At least it wasn't too cold!

The lights were just beautiful! Adelle was so excited to see them!

I hadn't been to see the lights at Temple Square for years! I loved the sculptures on the reflecting pool and the floating lights. It was so gorgeous.

Adelle actually is standing in front of this large tree.

Near the LDS Business offices they had several different nativities. I saw this Japanese one and thought of you Erica and Jeff. I know it isn't Chinese, but it still made me think of you :)

Adelle took a picture of this Native American Nativity.

We arrived home tired, but I had a wonderful time. I love Christmas traditions!

Adelle Visiting Santa Claus

Saturday Night we were shopping at the mall and who did we see? Santa Claus!! At first he wasn't there so we assumed he had gone home to feed the Reindeer, but later when we passed lo and behold he was there. Adelle had to see him. She asked for a My Little Pony bus. He then asked her if she liked Rainbow Bright too. She said yes, but I am sure she has never heard of Rainbow Bright in her life :)

Thanksgiving at Wes' Parents

Thursday morning Lydia flew off to be with her dad and we missed her very much, but I know it is great for her dad and step mom to visit with her. Wes, Adelle and I headed over to Wes' parents home for a yummy dinner and great company!

Adelle took the following pictures:

Great Grandma Christensen

Grandpa Oates

Devin Oates. I love this one!!!

Dustin Oates

and...Kyle Oates.

I took these pictures of everyone hanging out.

Oh, Erica did you notice how we are all sitting at tables! I talked mom into it and it was wonderful to eat this way and visit.

The food was super yummy! We started out with a veggie tray and shrimp. Ellen made turkey, candied yams, cranberry stuffing, corn, mashed potatos and gravy. I brought over two batches of rolls and Lyndi and Great Grandma C brought over Pumpkin and Apple Pie. I LOVE Pumpkin Pie!!! Ellen also bought Banana Cream Pies. I ate until I was super stuffed. I put on a few pounds, probably just from the weekend, but I have been exercising it off.

My sweet girl and her cheesy grin.

Wes took this picture of me putting the food away. Moving helped the stomach after all I ate :)

While the "grown ups" where visiting in the kitchen the boys and Adelle played Rock Band.

Wes singing his heart out! The boys even convinced me to sing a few songs like "Black Hole Sun". It used to be one of my favorite songs. I know....dark for me, but it is true.

Adelle convinced Grandpa to play Candy Land. Grandma said he should because she got the meat off the turkey. He he he! I know he enjoys playing with her.

Now this was hilarious. Adelle and Grandpa played Simpson's Chess without a board. It has gotten lost. Adelle made up the rules and of course won. At one point she said her piece could jump 3 times and jump over Grandpa's piece. She later confessed to us when we were driving home that she hadn't played by the rules. She called Grandpa on the phone and apologized. Wes and I were trying not to laugh too hard!

We had a wonderful time spending the day with the family! Thank you!

The Lose of a friend and Lydia's New Pets

A couple of weeks ago Lydia's beta, Sarah, left us to go to that fishy heaven in the sky. She actually is buried in our backyard now. Lydia was devastated to lose her poor friend. We actually discovered she had died while Lydia was at her first friend sleepover. We decided to go pet shopping for a new friend and Lydia chose.....CRABS! Yes, you read that right...crabs. They are little freshwater crabs. Lydia chose two little guys (who knows they may be girls). The bigger one is named Joe and the smaller one is Sam. That is Joe peeking out there.

They are pretty interesting to watch, especially when they are trying to kill each other. Joe and Sam don't seem to like each other much. They generally behave, but yesterday I actually saw them pouncing on each other and I had to separate them. They also get the fish bowl dirty pretty quick. Hopefully they last a little while.

Adelle is starting to Read!

Adelle and I were reading stories last night and one of the books she checked out was an easy reader. I couldn't believe when I was pointing to the words that she was able to read most of them! In the past she usually has gotten frustrated and just told me to read it. She really did great last night and I have found out that she is able to read several simple words. She is getting better at sounding out the word. We are all super excited!

Celebrating Veterans' Day

Tuesday night we celebrated Veterans' Day. Lydia's school had a program and Lydia and the Honor Guard participated. Lydia guarding the memorial.

Lydia invited my Dad to the program. He served in the Navy.

The Honor Guard did a wonderful job!!

My father stood when the Veterans were recognized. Go dad!

I have never seen a more disciplined group of kids.

Then it was time for the silly picture! Way to go Honor Guard and Lydia!

A visit to the Tracy Aviary

This past Saturday our family went to the Tracy Aviary. Lydia received a free family pass when she went on a Field Trip with her school. We had a lot of fun seeing all the different birds even though it was a little chilly. We enjoyed feeding the pelicans.

The girls favorite bird was the Cuckoo. These birds were so very friendly. They would chirp away at us and walk along the cage looking at us.

A Bald Eagle. A lot of the birds at the Aviary are rescued birds. It is a very grand bird up close!

This bird was quite funny. I think it was hoping we had food for it!

Lydia participated in the bird show. A little bird hopped from one hand to the other. I love Lydia's face.

Flamingos!

Adelle found this large feather on the sidewalk and carried it around our whole visit.

Afterwards we went to the Aviary store and colored pictures and bought a birdseed bell to feed our local birds this winter.

We were planning on going to the Spaghetti Factory afterwards at Trolley Square. The Trolley Square was celebrating its 100th Anniversary and the Spaghetti Factory was celebrating with 1979 prices. When we went there though there was a 2.5 hour wait. We tried to hold out, but just couldn't make it. We ended up going to Hires down the street. The food was great, but it wasn't as cheap as I thought it would be. Oh well!