More Christmas Programs and Activities



This past week has been full of Christmas parties and programs that our grandchildren are involved in. 
This is a way for us to celebrate Christmas and celebrate our family.  The important thing to remember as we flit about to various activities, is why and for Whom we celebrate this holiday.  As mentioned in the Christmas Devotional this year (put out by the First Presidency), there are many Christmas scenes, parties and events that fail to depict our Savior and His birth.  It's up to us to try and keep Him at the center of our thoughts throughout the season.

Now that Roy is fully involved in the Northern Utah ATV Trail Riders Club, we have one more Christmas party to go to each year.  Nick and Sara have done more rides with Roy than I have, so they wanted to go socialize with some of the people they've met.  

Sara, Nick, Roy, Catharine and Darrell and Shelly Miles (ward and club members).


Roy won a remote control rock climber vehicle for submitting photos to the club.  There were lots of submissions, and for each submission you got a raffle ticket.  He happened to have the winning number.  Todd (and maybe some of our other grandchildren) is going to be stoked.  Sara and Nick both won prizes (everyone was given one ticket as we came in the door); and Roy and I won one other prize from that drawing.  It was a pocket chain saw.  To me, this seems like a weird item, but Roy seems to know what he can use it for.

Roy made another quick trip up to the Gorge to do a little plumbing (adding a disposal, etc).  He saw these two turkeys while he was out and about.
Our grandkids are involved in dance, gymnastics, sports, band, choir, art, and cheer (I'm probably missing something).  Christmas time gives us plenty of opportunity to see them in action.


Roy was up to the cabin, but as soon as I finished my institute class on Thursday evening, I hurried to Viewmont High School where Doyeon was performing with her Jr. High band.  She is playing the trombone.  It seems like a difficult instrument to master.  Above: Doyeon with Dan; Doyeon with grandma; and Doyeon with two young women who came with their moms to support her in her concert.

The ice skating recital is always a fun Christmas event.  Caitlyn decided at the last minute to participate, but she still did an excellent job.  She also choreographed Ori's program.  Ori skated with a couple of friends (it's a lot less nerve-racking that way). We only watched the first 3 performances: Ori; a group with a mom and a couple of kids; and Caitlyn.  Cait worked it out that they would be first so we could hurry to another room in the same building to watch Effie and Avie perform.  

Ori ( I believe she's practicing here); Roy, Catharine Caitlyn and Ori

Unfortunately we missed seeing Harvey in his pre-school program.  It looks like he had fun.

Frosty's birthday is coming up.  Since Jennie wanted me to give her a Christmas Fisher Price Nativity set, we gave it to her early. She still hasn't mastered opening presents, but she seemed to know it would be worth it to get the paper off.  

Yuli had a birthday this past week.  She's now 4.  Of the 4 grandchildren to be born during Covid, only Todd has yet to turn 4.  


Nick and Catharine watching Effie and Avie in their gymnastic/dance programs

Avie; Effie and Grandma Catharine






Camden's pre-school program was at a weird time--9:00 AM on a Saturday morning.  We had fun watching him do his gymnastics obstacle course.  He loved it.  What a great idea to combine pre-school with gymnastics.

The Green's invited us to the Santa Breakfast at The Grand America Hotel; also on Saturday morning.  We very much enjoyed the company, the food and just watching our grandchildren. 


Cub was scared of Santa and Mrs. Claus, but he loved the breakfast! 
He recently got a hair cut that makes him look very grown up.



The Greens with grandma in front of the gingerbread house.  Grand America decorates to the hilt and it's worth a trip just to see the fun lights and Christmas scenes. (Scenes with winter "Yeti's," but not religious scenes).


Above: Finn; Gunnar; The Green family with Roy and me with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Grand America


Ila and AJ


Gunnar with grandpa

If you want more, see videos below:
 








I have one last institute class this semester (tomorrow night).  My class has been on Eternal Families and I have learned a lot.  I have seen through the classes the compassion the church has for people who don't have the "ideal family" or have other issues.  I always miss my students when the class ends.  I am taking next semester off, so I will take up teaching again sometime in February or March.

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