Thanksgiving Break in Idaho

Turkey Day!  The kids made Tom the Turkey for Thanksgiving.  He didn't last long and he was pretty much gobbled up right after he was created, but the kids loved him greatly while he existed.

The boys and their Toms

Calder setting up for Thanksgiving:

Kaelan wondering why Ashlyn wants to wear the Christmas tree skirt:

So lovely Ashlyn!

She wanted to share with Ansel, and he got a kick out of it.  She was justly pleased.

Oh, so sweet! Cousin love.

Kaelan's surprise when he realized Ashlyn had Thomas trains.... What... she's a girl!!!

A trip to Wahooz..

It will forever be known as the trip to beat all trips for my boys. 

It was their Mecca, their Camelot, their oasis in the desert.

They could not believe that there was even a place that cool that existed!

Bowling and Pizza was first

After bowling, the boys played laser tag, and then we all went out and did go cart racing

Levi and I were driving buddies:

Then he jumped ship and went with Calder, much more fun I am sure since this time he got to drive!!

KK and Grandpa

Ansel and Joe

Can you tell who won the race??

It really helps when your grandpa (and racing buddy) happens to be a REAL former race car driver...

Definite thank you hugs were due!

And what could be sweeter than ending a great day with a lovely trip to the ice cream shop!

Spoiled rotten....

A Christmas Carol

This year our whole family was in the Stake Musical, The Christmas Carol. (Sans Joe)

Even Kaelan.  I was not planning on having him be in it, but when we went to try outs he got up there too and sang his heart out.  He definitely won them over.  What a cutie.

They put him in the Angel choir initially, (5 kids that were 5 and under) and then kept adding him to scenes because he was such a ham up on stage.  Scrooge LOVED him and looked for him every time they were on stage together so he could hold his hand.  Kaelan ate it up.

Levi got several main parts.  He was Scrooge as a child and sang a lovely solo that I just wish I had got on video (I don't even even have a photo of him in that costume).  He also was one of Jacob Marley's ghosts, a sailor, and the boy at the end that gets the prize turkey for Scrooge.  He loved being in so many parts, but it was stressful me to keep up with helping him change clothes.  He did a great job and sang so well in all of his parts.

Calder was Fred's son and had his own little solo.  He did such a great job that Dana (the director) pegged him for a more leading role in the next Stake play.

Ansel was a street urchin and my son.  We had a couple of lines, nothing big.  I was in in the Chorus.  No big parts for me please!  I was really just there to support the kids who all wanted to be in it.

We ended up being featured in the newspaper because our whole family was in it and Joe got mentioned for being supportive and helping out.  Ha! I am sure he would have if he were around, but alas, the fall is his travel time and he was gone most of the time.  We had to fend for ourselves, making rehearsals, sports practices, piano lessons, scouts and cub scouts, etc.  But we managed...

The kids in the play:

My little Angel...

A little too much love from the ladies can make you break down...

Here are a few scenes from the show:

Levi is kneeling on the right side of the coffin in this one

I am on the right side of the picture in that awful floral tent, ahem dress...

Ansel the street urchin, who was shy on stage...

Calder on the right in the spotlight, Ansel in the left spot light, and me just to the left of Ansel about 4 people over.

Calder's part:

Levi hugging me I played his mom when he was the sailor

KK and I all made up and ready to go

Here is what I did every night to this poor kid...

I hope he doesn't end up with a make up fetish after this!!

KK and his buddy Scrooge:

KK and the "Scary" man that always wanted to tickle him.  Kaelan cracked me up because he would see Dan coming and run the other way.  A big man that tickles you can be very frightening to a 4 year old.

But obviously he isn't too scared here:

Dana Edvalson, the miracle worker! 

She directed the entire play.  She also does all of the school districts middle school musicals.

Levi with Jacob Marley:

 

Levi and scrooge

What a great experience it was for the boys to be in this production.  They made connections  to a lot of people in the stake, friends for life.  These kinds of things change you for the better.  They will never forget it.  I am so proud of them making the choice to take a chance, get up in front of people and act!

Way to go boys, you ROCK!!