Leading up to Christmas

December has been a busy, busy month.  Here’s a little sum up of all that we did before Christmas…

First came our favorite tradition of “The Forgotten Carols”.  It was excellent, as always.

And then we were off to the Family Christmas Party/Grandpa John & Uncle Steve’s Birthday PartyThe sisters with Grandpa JohnAunt Nancy getting in on the action

Then Ace and I, the boys, and Brad headed to Richfield to visit Ace’s Grandpa Roberts.

We did some farming…Grandpa Roberts kept us safe with his door locking mechanism

The highlight of the trip was, of course, the mechanical chair…

After the Richfield trip, it was time for a wedding.  Jessica and Chase tied the knot!  Woot woot!They were trying to get a family shot, and apparently Easton felt left out so he ran up before the picture could be taken without himNot really sure what’s going on here, but she’s the bride, she can do what she wants.

Congrats guys!

The "Forgots" Tradition & David Archie

The Forgotten Carols.  I love it.  I have gone nearly every year since I can remember.  When I got married, Ace got pulled right into the tradition (he makes fun of it all, but I know he loves it deep down inside).  This was an especially great year, because we got to go with the rest of my family for the first time in forever.

From furthest to closest: Chad, Jesse, Sam, Lauren, Mom, Jessica

Jessica, looking incredible

The show was fabulous, as always.  Plus, nothing gets you in the Christmas Spirit like linking arms with complete strangers.  Until next year, Michael....

Now onto the next performance...My mom somehow won tickets from the church "lottery" for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir & David Archuleta Christmas Concert.  Now, for those who haven't heard, people were going crazy for these tickets, they were free tickets, but limited seats.  And...my mom won 4 tickets.  So, my mom, Jessica, Me, and Ace headed up to see the show.  We were just excited to be able to go, but then we got there and were shocked to find our seats were located in the third row from the front. 
Can't really beat that.

But then, in walks President Monson, and some of the apostles right in front of us...

Yep. That blob would be Elder Holland waving to us.  Ace said they locked eyes for a second :)

And...I love the way Jessica just popped her head right in that shot.

The night was marvelous.  The choir and little David did great.  (side note: my mom is totally obsessed--in a very non-creepy way--with David Archuleta)

Another fun part of the night...They narrated the story of John Parry, the man who started the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  The cool part, John Parry happens to be my Great, Great, Great Grandpa.  My Grandpa John has told my family and I that story all our lives.  It was so neat to hear it told like that.