Rochester Nativity

For the past three years my mother-in-law Janet has been in charge of a creche that their church puts on. It is a two day activity with hundreds of nativities on display, over a dozens of musical groups, food, and a transformation of a Stake Center. I've wanted to see it, and since this is the last year Janet is in charge I thought I'd try and make it happen. I had a companion fare ticket that was about to expire, so I brought Ella (and Sara) with me. It was a really quick trip. We left on Friday evening and came home Monday afternoon. But I loved seeing the nativities and the entire event. It did not disappoint.

By far, my favorite nativity was this small, hand-carved wooden one. The memory of childbirth was still fresh in my mind, and the image of Mary lying down cradling her baby with Joseph kneeling at her side rang true.

We also got to spend some time with Janet's sister Sandra. She was so sweet with Ella and so helpful with Sara. An added bonus for us! On our way out we stopped at the Mall of America and checked out the American Girl store. Ella was taken with Isabelle, the Girl of the Year. Because she has a pink streak in hair, of course. Keeping it classy.

 It was a quick trip, but I was so glad to see Janet work her magic one last time before handing it off. Love you!

Halloween, 2014

Halloween fell on a Friday this year, which meant I was celebrating it at work. I had no good ideas, and then I was walking through Wal-Mart and saw a Doc McStuffins shirt. Yes! I found the pieces to the outfit in the junior's department. Apropos, I suppose! 

Ella was excited to make her own costume. She found some kitten jammies, taped some black paper triangles to a headband for ears, and we hot-glued some fun fur to the hands, neck and made a tail. Anna was a teddy bear last year (thanks Grandpa Paul for the costume) and she informed us she was going to be a teddy bear this year. Sure thing. And Sara, well, we had a leopard print shirt and a tiger hat, so jungle animal it is.   

Family pictures, 2014

For the past 2 years our Christmas card has been put together on a whim, with Jamie taking the picture over Christmas break--last year it was on Christmas Eve! So this year I got organized and scheduled with Lisa in the fall.  We took them in our neighbor's apple orchard. Sara didn't cooperate with wide awake smiles, but we still got some great shots.  I got my cards out before Christmas, which was a first!