Pre-Christmas Fun

The church where Lincoln and Bennett used to go to preschool throws a "Walk Thru Bethlehem" event each December. We went last year and again this year with a couple of friends from Lincoln's Kindergarten class. Here we are riding the donkey and camel in the church parking lot. Lots of fun!!

Whoa... who's the whale next to the donkey?? Packing it on!!!

Trying to stay atop the camel with their friends. 

Learning to play Dreidel in "Bethlehem"

 We had the Stewart's over for a pre-holiday breakfast. Bri brought over gingerbread men to decorate.

Chomp, chomp... there goes the head!

Eldon and Zeke. 2 Little Hams.

Jarod and Matt "supervising". 

Enjoying the cards from Uncle Eilif.

We had the John, Jessica, James, Rissy, and Tommy Gregory, Quinn, Leslie, Morgan, Callie, Carter, and Kam Mortensen, Ryan, Gabby and Gabe Sandburg, and Michael, Holly, Lydia, Jill and Eli Stewart over for a lasagna holiday get-together. Lots of fun, and LOTS of kids!! 

Rissy dislikes clothing. Makes me smile. Behind her is Eli, then Callie, Jill, Morgan and James in the blue.

Leslie Mortensen with Tommy Gregory

Ryan Sandburg in the red, Quinn Mortensen in the front, Gabby Sandburg in the back.

Holly Stewart in the pink, Jessica Gregory in the plaid.

Should have gotten a ladies picture. L-R John Gregory, Matt, Quinn Mortensen, Michael Stewart and Ryan Sandburg. All hovering around the dessert, of course.

Christmas lights in the back of the Stewart's new truck.

The boys' first "Nutcracker". Hoping to make this a family tradition. Bennett and Lincoln could hardly keep their eyes open near the end. We'll have to do a matinée next time, but they were very excited. Eldon was extremely devastated when he got dropped off at the babysitters while the rest of us headed to the Nutcracker. He often reflects on how we left him. Poor guy. Traumatized for life.

Gingerbread house at the Nutcracker

Bennett is a nutcase.

Lincoln would not go near the rat!!

We know one of the Houston Ballet ballerinas from our previous ward in the area. This is Sara Webb Bardo, with Lincoln (falling asleep standing up) following the performance. She was one of the Arabian Dancers the night we went but usually is the Sugar Plum Fairy. She is amazing!