Pictures! Mother!

For our ward Christmas party this year we had the theme of "Christmas in Nauvoo". It was fantastic! We had different rooms represent the different shops and things around Nauvoo. Everyone was asked to wear period clothing or Sunday dress. A few years ago, David and I attended a Nauvoo Ball for our Stake and I sewed a vest for him and a dress for me. We were excited to get to wear them again.

I didn't have anything for the boys, so I called my mom and asked her to work her magic. She went to Savers and bought a tweed suit and created these hats and vests for them. Aren't they adorable! They were the cutest kids there if I do say so myself! You are the best, Mom!


Making cookies at the Bakery!

Jake eating licorice from the Red Brick Store.


The Ansons at the Nauvoo temple.

Family Tree

This year for Christmas I wanted to start some new traditions, so I thought it would be fun to go to a Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree. I looked online at various places and found a place called Christmas Tree Mountain only about 45 minutes away. Sounds "quaint" aye? Well, let's just say we got a real bargain. Any size tree for $22. I'm all about a good deal.

I think that this is my favorite picture of the whole trip. So classy!

Caleb found the chosen tree and was very excited when we decided to take it home.

On the way home we stopped to eat at Cracker Barrel. The boys were so tired they could barely eat and thankfully had a nap in the car on the way home.

Here is the finished version. I had to run out and buy ribbon and more ornaments. We aren't used to having such a full tree!

P.S. Mom and Dad A. Here's my nativity set up on our windowsill. I thought you might like to see how great it looks. Thanks!

Temple lights, midwest style.

I thought I would post some pictures of the St. Louis Temple and the Christmas lights. David worked for weeks on this fun and daring adventure and put about 30 strands of lights in each tree. He says he wants to put even more on next year! It is an amazing sight from the highway. Truly spectacular!

elfed

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I am thankful for Turkey!

We had a nice Thanksgiving at our wonderful friends' house, the Brimhalls. We started the morning off at the Thanksgiving day parade downtown. Here were some of my favorite attractions:

This was David's favorite. No surprise there! I've never seen so many tractors before! There must have been at least 25 or so.

For Dinner I brought the original and delightful Pond Scum. Amy, apparently my fridge works!I also brought a sour cream-lemon pie, which, as soon as I was done putting the whipping cream on, promptly fell face down onto the floor. Luckily we dined with folks who are not so much into outward appearences!What Thanksgiving would be complete without a green bean casserole. mmmmm! Come to think of it, I can't see very many green beans in there.....Thanks so much to our friends here, who are more like family, when we couldn't be with our family in Utah!