The Nutcracker

 While the Johnson's went to California Adventure for the day, Todd and Amy started their vacation by coming down and going to the Nutcracker.  So many wonderful memories.  It was the same company that Amy dance with all through school, and she had danced most of the parts.  I could see her in my mind dancing and it was wonderful.  I miss that beautiful ballerina.  Funny story.  When we sat down Amy couldn't figure out why there was an empty seat.  It turned out that she bought 7 tickets...one for Carson.  Todd took a picture of the empty seat and later drew him in, missionary tag and all!!

Thanks Ann

Tonight's sunset. Ann was working overtime!!  #thanksann

Advent 21-22

 Advent day 22–game night. Actually, it was game day! Several new games the last couple of days #thankskathy

Advent day 22–John 10:11–“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”—Candy canes. #thankskathy

Disneyland

 Todd and Kathy got in last evening and today we are off to The happiest Place on Earth!!  Tayson hadn't been in a few years so we were looking forward to his reaction, especially to rise of the Resistance.  He did no disappoint.  Mouth hung open surprise throughout the entire ride.  It was so much fun to watch him.  It doesn't get much better than Disneyland at Christmas !!

Advent 16-20

 Advent day 16–“I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” I’ve decided to make these yummy muffins when I have family here to share with. #thankskathy #wellhavethesenextweek #imhavingsomuchfunwiththis

Advent day 17–movie night. Watched my favorite Christmas movie, munched on popcorn, and started wrapping my many presents. #thankskathy #whitechristmas #sogood

Advent day 18–“he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” Jingle bells. These will be great to accompany us when we carol to our neighbors. Can’t wait to use them. #thankskathy #needtomakecookiesfirst #hurryhome #imexcited

Advent day 19–Hebrews 12:2–“Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”
A journal to start the new year. #thankskathy #addedbonusigottoreadastorytotheutahpeps

Advent day 20–Matthew 3:15-17 (JS translation) “And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; ​and John saw,​ and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon ​Jesus.​“
Dove chocolate #thankskathy #oneofmyfavorites #yummy #thesewontlastlong

Mom's Tree

 Merry Christmas, mom. Missing you today💕💕💕

Oh Christmas Tree

 Now it feels like Christmas!! #theguidedmissleliveson #thinkingofmom

Advent--Day 6-15

 Advent day 6–chocolates—my favorite. #thankskathy #sharedwitheveryone

Advent Day 7--"...when they saw the lame to walk..." fuzzy socks.  Nothing better for these tired feet. #comfy #sosoft #thankskathy

Advent day 8- gingerbread house- I’ve always wanted to do this #thankskathy #itsalotharderthanitlooks

#ilovecrafts

Advent day 9–Job 19:25–“I know that my Redeemer liveth…” He makes me clean.

#thankskathy #smellsamazing

Advent day 10–a Christmas puzzle. I love puzzles. And it’s so fun to be doing the same one as my Utah peps As I finished a section, I sang the carol! #thankskathy #lookssofun #christmascarols #perfection

Advent day 11–a very cute Grinch decoration. Looks great on my shelf. #thankskathy #youreameanonemrgrinch#asclosetoagrinchdinnerasimgoingtogetthisyear

Advent day 12–John 8:12–“I am the light of the world”. I love watching TV by candlelight. #thankskathy #thisissomuchfun

Advent day 13–hot chocolate. So yummy #thankskathy #soniceonacoldnight

Advent day 14-Christmas craft. I love crafting, but this was a challenge. My perfectionism got the better of me #thankskathy #dontlooktooclose

Advent day 15-“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted…”. A travel size first aid kit. It went right into my suitcase. #thankskathy #nowimreadyforanything

NYC--Day 4

 Last day in NYC!! Started the day at the temple. I had been by the temple a couple of times on past trips, but this was the first time I went in. And then we found the giving machine. There were many items to donate from ducks to vaccines. I decided to give some seeds, baby blankets, solar lanterns and warm blankets. And then off for a carriage ride through Central Park. We then went back to our hotel to change clothes and prepare for a rainy day. We started with the Statue of Liberty, and Hamilton's grave at Trinity Church.  We worked our way uptown to Macys and a picture with Santa, and ended on Broadway to see Hugh Jackman in The Music Man. That was probably the highlight of the trip for me. I feel just like Emma at Hamilton’s grave, sad to be leaving , but my feet (and back) will thank me. Such an amazing trip. Thanks Amy and Emma for sharing this adventure with me. 21,674 steps, a little over 9 miles.

NYC-Day 3

Day 3–midtown NYC—So. Much. Fun!! The Rockerfeller tree is hugh and beautiful. Amy and Emma skated. I was the photographer. I figured if they fell, they would bounce…If I fell, I’d break!! Ate a delicious stroop wafle at the Bryant Christmas market. Then, the much anticipated Rockettes show. Amazing. Ended the evening looking at store windows and then took three tired bodies home for a good nights sleep. 20,000 steps and 8 miles.

On a side note, we watched a little of the taping of the The Today show.  I actually got on the screen, and John Stamos was there performing with the Beach Boys.  A lady in front of me filmed him and texted it to me.  He filming us filming him!!