Thursday, December 15, 2011

A short visit

We left last Friday afternoon and headed up North for a short visit with the grandies.  You know…take gifts for Christmas and all.

Of course we didn’t get there until after 7 pm Friday night.  It is a 4 1/2 drive, longer if we stop to eat which we did.

The “little rascals”  knew…we were there to deliver presents so……the second we arrived the “little rascals” were begging us to let them open the presents.

NOPE

Papa was tough on this one. LOL.  He left the gifts in the trunk of the car and wouldn’t budge.  He figured, once they were opened we might as well just get in the car and go home.  So he held out until Saturday.

It didn’t take long for each stack to be torn into.  I made it very clear that they were getting mostly clothes (per request) and just one little toy.

I think they were ok with that.  I hope they were ok with that.  I think soon, because they are getting older, the toy part will end.  I see pj’s in the future.  You know kids, when they get older the clothes that Oma picks out really are not their choice of wear.  I can get away with it for maybe another couple of years.

It has already ended with Madison, my 16 year old.  A long, long, long time ago LOL.

We had dinner in downtown Salt Lake, went to Temple Square and saw all the beautiful lights.  It was crowded.

And cold.dec2011b 032

 

dec2011b 035

The Nativity on the reflective pond is always such a special beautiful scene. 

There is a quiet reverence when walking around the Nativity.  The Nativity is life size and sits in the center of a shallow pond of water with  beautiful bubbles of lights that seem to float atop the water.  You can see why it is called the reflective pond…it is amazing!

 

dec2011b 044

dec2011b 028

 dec2011b 051 These pictures do nothing for what you eyes can see.  It is hard to wrap your mind around it actually.  Lights are discreetly started to be intertwined on every single branch beginning in August.

 

 

dec2011b 061

The organ pipes inside the famous Tabernacle on Temple Square are always a must to visit.  The hall was decorated  beautifully for Christmas.

 

 

dec2011b 071

This beautiful HUGE statue of Christ is a favorite visit for everyone.  Ryan was so sweet.  He just sat and starred.  He has been to the visitors center many times.  Even with all of the people shoulder to shoulder on a busy Saturday night, Ryan was so calm and I captured this pic of him.  He was deep in thought my Ryan.

 

 

dec2011b 075

He wanted to make sure that I saw the nail marks in the feet of Jesus.  Ryan actually  leaned up and kissed his foot.  It made me want to cry.  I just love the innocence of children and their sincere heart.  Wouldn’t we all love the chance to kiss the feet of our Savior! 

After our visit seeing the lights we took the Trolley and walked over to a restaurant to enjoy a delicious desert.  The day was done, the children were exhausted and so were the adults.  It was late by the time we returned home and the “little rascals” were put to bed.

Up early and on the road again back home.

We are staying home for Christmas.  I enjoy all my decorations. dec 09 022

 

dec 09 072

 

 

 

 

What are you doing?

 

dec 09 087 dec 09 079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is always hard to put the Christmas decorations away once you get them up.1213111756b   I still have to shop for Santa.  It is hard to shop and get something that is a total surprise.  He hates that I do that.  I just can’t help myself.  I wanted to get him some warm slippers, but he wants a specific kind and like always I have waited until the last minute.  I hope to write again before Christmas with a special message.  Good intentions….I always have them….:)  Good thing I am not a drinker, I don’t think I have ever taken a picture of myself where my eyes were NOT bloodshot! ARGH, and NO I am not a photo shop person to erase those blurred red eyes.  It is was it is lol!  How did I ever raise my children without a cell phone???? that takes pictures too? Hope you are all getting your shopping done!  Me…I love to wait until the last second! hahaha, I mean HO, HO, HO! or NO, NO, NO!

5 comments:

Jackie said...

Linda...what a great visit I had here at your blog today.
First of all, let me wish you a Merry Christmas in case I don't talk with you again before Christmas Day.
Next...Your photos are breathtakingly beautiful! Wonderful, wonderful shots, my friend. I like the album shots of the children inserted into the blog (and I LOVE the tea set that your granddaughter is opening...How much fun was that!!)
The lights strung in the trees in Salt Lake are so beautifully done. Even though I know you said that they are prettier 'in person'...your photos capture the beauty of them for me.
The reflection of the Nativity scene....sigh. I could have stayed there and taken that in for a long long time.
Tears came to my eyes when I read that your Grandson was mesmerized by the statue of Christ....and then when he kissed His foot...that did it for me. I sobbed. Oh, to be childlike in our reverence and love for our Lord. Thank you for sharing your photos and blog today, Linda. I enjoyed being with you via your blog....and I hope that you find just the perfect pair of slippers for Santa. Hugs and love to you, my friend.
Love,
J.

Eileen said...

Beautiful post! I love reading about family and traditions, especially at this time of year.

Really pretty photos and I loved the one of Ryan, and reading about his love for his/our Savior. 'Really touched my heart.

I think the grandkids will enjoy getting/unwrapping the clothes too. My Mom asked my grandparents to send us socks, pajamas, and underwear each year (there were seven kids in my family and not much money to spare, so I'm sure in my parents eyes this was much more needed rather than more toys!) and we were all thrilled to get those packages!

Merry Christmas!
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

Librarian said...

Beautiful pictures with all those lights, and I love the one of you with the Santa hat :-)
As every year, I will be spending Christmas Eve (the most important part of Christmas for us) at my parents'. On the 25th, I will sit on my own in my living room, opening the presents from my English family and shed a tear or two in memoriam of my husband, who always was as excited about Christmas like a little boy. On the 26th, RJ will be here and we'll have a cosy few days together, since we both do not need to work that week.

Joolz said...

Thank you for this post, so many lovely pictures - a feast for the eyes.
I was feeling quite grinchy up until a few days ago... I just didn't have that Christmas spirit. But I have turned a corner... I realised that I am one lucky girl. I have all my side of the family coming for Christmas lunch (except one nephew and his family who live away) - my Mum, 4 sisters, 3 brother in laws, 7 neices & nephews and 14 great nieces & nephews! They are all fit and well and happy to spend time together on Christmas Day.
I know there are so many others who are missing family members or don't get along with their family or live far away and are alone on Christmas Day so I am so very lucky!
We will have dinner with Angus' family at his mother's house so we are in for a BIG day!

Enjoy your Christmas, Linda!

Cheers - Joolz

Penny said...

Love you so much & miss you tons! I wish you could be with us Christmas Eve this year but please know that we will be thinking of you! enjoyed reading your blog today and the new pics of the kids. Enjoy the holidays and take some time off! Christmas hugs to both you and Bob. p