The holidays rolled into swing and we had a few fun traditions and activities:

A trip to see the lights and tree of life at Draper Park – which I think is better than the temple lights.  I feel blessed driving by it at night throughout the season. Ari and her friend Brooklyn

December 7, 2015

Shyloh, Cami, Kelly, Christina and I went out to a nice dinner and to see a very youngish band in concert- Bastille – to which all of our teenage kids didn’t think we should be at because their friends were there.  I wonder when and if I’ll ever get too old to enjoy youngish bands in concert.  I hope not. None of our selfies worked so I guess we’re missing that teen talent..

December 10, 2015

This year for the Nutcracker, Christina couldn’t make it and Kelly’s daughter McKinley couldn’t either, so we took Lelu’s roommate and friend Miranda with us.  There were a couple more grumps this year, so we decided next year we will take with us grinch ornaments and hand them out to the grumps and tell them they won the grinch award.  Seriously, what is wrong with people? Yet, the costumes, dancing and music never disappoint.  And I adore these girls and their moms!December 16, 2015

Our 3rd annual LA Christmas shopping trip, we left the day after my last final.  We were very sad that Christina couldn’t make it this year but we added Sara to our party and she fit right in.  It was perfect weather! We had some epic wins and a couple epic fails (for me) on the purchases, one evacuation from a movie (which I swear was divine intervention because the movie was soooo BAD), a few amazing chai and croissant breakfasts, sprinkles cupcakes, Titos tacos, sunsets, one completely destroyed suitcase on the return flight (but nothing lost..phew!) and priceless laughter and friend time.  The force was with us wherever we went too
Shopping for our combined 19 kids is quite a feat..Wouldn’t you think the baggage handlers would have better tape than masking tape?  Small mercies that nothing was lost and the airline replaced the suitcase.