"Journey to Bethelehem"
This was an unexpected delight. It was a journey as if we were Jews in a traveling party, similar to what Mary and Joseph must have traveled, going to Bethlehem to be taxed. The night ends at a lovely nativity. The whole thing was very elaborate complete with passports, Roman soldiers, and live animals. However, I should mention that it does not actually take place in Bethlehem, but rather in and around the baptist church where the event is sponsored. This realization came much to the disappointment of a small girl who annonced to her father halfway through the trip, "Hey, we're just walking around our church?!" I hope this saves you from a similar disappointment. "Knowledge, the more you know" (ding).
Most of the "journey" was outside so we bundled up really warm. Once again Alex resembles the child from the Christmas story. You'll see that resemblence a lot as you read this post.
"Heritage Park"
My personal favorite. All of the old beautiful homes were decorated for Christmas each with a different activity. We saw a puppet show, made Christmas tree ornaments, played in the toy shop, and ate french fries and hamburgers at the hotel. Ahh Pioneer traditions.
(the spider web is Lanc'e ornament - once again brilliant but a little creepy)
We even made a stop at Brigham Young's old house where Santa had made an appearance complete with his reindeer. This was a particularly eventful stop for me because it was Alex's first time sitting on Santa's lap. Not wanting to miss the blessed moment, but also wanting to ditch the stoller, I ran to the end of the line, stashed the stroller by the reindeer thinking they would keep an eye on it for me, and dashed up the stairs to the exit. Lance set our darling child on the dear man's lap, stepped back and took a picture, picked Alex up and turned to leave. Here is the picture. Precious!
Pleased that the encounter had ended without incident, I turned to leave as well when Santa called out, "Now wait just a minute young lady." Surprised I turned around only to see him beconning me with his gloved hand and a twinkle in his eye. Confused, but obedient I walked over to his side where he said, "Now how far would you have gone if I hadn't called you back?" Still confused I reply, "Well, all the way home I guess." "Well," he said handing me a candy cane, "now you can be as sweet as me."
As I turned to leave I still couldn't quite figure out what had just happened until about half way down the wreath covered staircase. Santa didn't know that I wasn't Alex's mother. He thought I wanted to see Santa so badly that I stood waiting at the exit hoping to get a glimpse. Now, an adult who wants to see Santa puts me in either the slightly slow category or leaning towards the deranged end of the spectrum. Either way it wasn't a good misunderstanding to have made about ones persona. I turned around to correct the misunderstanding, but he just waved sweetly. (mental thought: yep, slow category. Santa thinks I am handicapped) So I just meekly waved back. But the candycane was delicious.
"Sledding"
In preparation for sledding I bought Alex a hat that would keep her ears warm. Now all she needs are seven sled dog puppies and a pair of goloshes and she is all set. Cheese hill is both delightful and terrifying and I might add very hard to climb in size 14 men's snow boots. Here is daddy and Alex making the first trip down the baby hill. Weeee!
"Gingerbread houses"
A Harris family tradition, these miniature houses are the highlight of New Year's Eve. Even the adults get to participate. Here are me and Lance's houses. See if you can guess whose is whose. I'll give you a hint, remember Lance is brilliantly artistic but slightly scary.
(this I believe to be a self portrait of he and I)
"Christmas with the Beckstrands"
My darling and talented sister made Alex the cutest tutu ever for Christmas. Here she is showing her stuff as a ballerina, although she currently thinks it is more fun to eat than to wear. I am sure this is only the debut of the many twirls and leaps we are sure to see in the future.
(sorry, couldn't figure out how to flip these)
Grandma also had a jungle gym that Alex grew to love while we were there, and it appears that it was also amusing to my brother Corbin.
Boy Fillmore is beautiful after a snow storm, and that baby is so very cute!
Christmas was delightful. It was full of family and many more wonderful events which I didn't have room to write. But in the end all the things we did were just an excuse to be toghther. I love the Christmas season and the reason we celebrate. Merry Christmas to all and God bless us everyone.
(see, this used to be a watermelon)
