Christmas in the kitchen

Making Christmas memories with the grandkids! Nothing says baking with grandma like a store bought, pre-assembled gingerbread house and store bought cookie dough!! Laura and I watched Ash and Maci this weekend so Katie and Jeff could spend their anniversary downtown. They made a gingerbread house and then we rolled out cookie dough for gingerbread men. Oh, and we placed preformed reindeer cookies on a sheet and baked them. I've lost my desire to spend a lot of time with flour and cookies (poison to me) so I love the ease of these convenient products!

Our ward party was themed Polar Express- Doesn't Bishop Combs make a perfect ticket taker?!!

Christmas will be on the small side. For Christmas Eve Laura, Karl, Grandma and I are going to see the movie "Lincoln" at the 3 O'clock matinee and then we are going out to dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant. (Think Fa-Ra-ra-ra-ra-ra). We have been doing this for about 8 years, ever since Rob left for his mission and there are just the 3 of us around. Traditions adapt to the circumstances. Christmas day we will have dinner, but we will add Katies family and Greg & Annie. This is an "out" year, with the kids/nephews going to the in-laws. Snow is beginning to fall, we will definately have a white Christmas this year!!

Happy Holidays!

We went to a party in the neighborhood and the hostess said, "You have a lot of opportunities to dress up this year, don't you?" Yup, I guess I do. Laura and I attended the Gala opening night of the Festival of Trees. It is such a nice, festive way to see the trees with only a fraction of the hassle of the crowds, and you get to wear something fun.

This tribute to "Tangled" was one of Laura's favorites.

This tree was dedicated to 2 Elders who lost their lives in the service of the Lord this year. The tree skirt was made from their ties.

LOVED the incredible gingerbread houses too!

Tonight is my company party at The Leonardo museum, we have rented it out for a personalized visit to the DaVinci exhibit. This week is the Tabernacle choir concerts and next week is the Tabernacle choir party at the Grand America. Fun times!