Lovelace Christmas Adam

We had our Christmas Eve celebration the day before Christmas Eve.  My mom was excited to host in their new home.  We opted out of the DVD this year since Don and Charity are going through a divorce which is heartbreaking.  My mom agreed to do the trains at the party and actually made it a competition.  We worked together as families and then they had their neighbors come over and judge.  It was fun to get to work on the train with my little family.  And guess who won?  The Childs!  We got a $25 giftcard.  So fun.  After the competition we opened presents.  It was a fun night that ended with us blasting Cold Missouri Waters as we drove home.  The only thing missing is my missionary.  Hope he is enjoying the MTC.

Harlee's Date

Without much time to spare, we are finally getting Harlee's date in for 2022.  Joey had the day off so we thought it would be perfect.  We went to Color Me Mine in Riverwoods.  Harlee chose to do a cute plate, I did a mug, and Joey chose a piece of broken clay for $1.  We worked on our pieces and chatted.  It was so fun.  After we finished, we went to lunch.  Harlee was so sweet to choose Bajio and Joey went along with it because it was Harlee's idea.  He does not love that place.  Thank goodness Harlee shared my opinion and loved the enchiladas.  I love these dates.  They give us the opportunity for some one on two time with our amazing kids.  I for sure want to continue this tradition for years to come.  

Christmas Swim Meet

Today the boys had an intersquad swim meet which means it was just their team doing the meet.  The boys did a great job.  They both swam the 50 back and beat their prior times.  Gray actually made state with his time which is amazing!  Then Nash was supposed to swim the 200 back but his knee has really been bothering him, so he scratched that event.  Gray swam the 100 free and then they both swam the 50 free.  Great job boys!  Now they have the next week and a half off swim so that they can enjoy their Christmas break.  

Nash's Latest Artwork

For Nash's latest assignment, he had to draw something that was meaningful to him.  With Luke leaving on his mission, Nash decided to draw a picture of him.  I am attaching a picture that he used for reference.  He did an amazing job.  Such an artist!  Great Job Nashie!

First Call with Elder Childs

We found out on Thursday that Luke's pday while in the MTC is actually Saturday.  So today was the day!  He was able to message us back and he messaged everyone.  It was so great to hear from him.  He seems to be doing great.  His comp is Elder Shinkle from Oregon.  They seem to be a very different but Luke is making the best of it and I am so proud of him.  We got to talk to him for over an hour and it was amazing.  It warmed my heart to see his face and feel his ease and happiness.  He is doing it!  He is learning and growing.  He has already made amazing friends.  He tried running and both he and his companion threw up!  Way to go trying new things.  I am so proud of our missionary.  I cannot wait until next Saturday when we can talk again.  I am adding the pictures from this week.  They make me so happy. Love you Elder Childs. 

Nash's Birthday Eve in St George

We left last night to drive to St. George for a few days.  We planned on coming back Monday or Tuesday.  On the way down we chatted with Mindi and Jamie  called and let us know that the only day that everyone could do the White Elephant Party was on Sunday.  So we decided to shorten our trip and drive back on Nash's birthday.  Instead of celebrating on the drive home, we decided to celebrate Nash today.  We woke up and went to Fiesta Fun.  We bowled and the birthday boy won!  He beat all of us including Joey who typically wins everything.  Everyone loved bowling except Tag.  We rewarded Tag's patience by playing arcade games after.  After Fiesta Fun, we went to Porkbelly's for lunch.  This was Nash's choice but we all were thrilled about it.  Seriously the best place to eat!  We love it and they gave Nash a yummy dessert to celebrate.  After lunch we went back to the house and Nash opened his presents.  He got a couple of cool sweatshirts, a puffy vest that Harlee insisted we get him, a fun game, and airpod pros.  So spoiled but he totally deserves it.  Nash is such an amazing kid.  After relaxing for a bit, we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.  Thanks so my Christmas gift from Jeff, dinner cost $5.  The dinner was good but the after dinner entertainment was the best!  Our super outgoing waiter brought over a saddle for Nash to sit on why everyone Yee Hawed for Nash's 14th birthday.  It was amazing!  Hope Nash had a great birthday!  We are so grateful for him.

Completed Picture Wall

It is finally done!  When we got our family pictures done, Harlee suggested that we get matching frames and switch out the frames that we have had for so many years.  We went to Hobby Lobby and found these cute wooden frames.  I love the way that it turned out.  

Pajama Day

Of all of the pajama days at Traverse Mountain Elementary Tag has never wanted to participate.  Today was different.  Maybe it was because it was a minimum day but Tag was all in!  I had to take a picture to have evidence of this day.  Way to go Tag!  Last day of school and then the Christmas break begins.

Best thing to see first thing in the morning

This morning, Joey woke me up on his way to work and he told me that Luke had been tagged in a photo on FB.  I am pretty sure that I have looked at it so many times today.  This must be Luke's district.  Just seeing him smile and be so happy makes me so happy.  Looks like his first day in the MTC is a success.  I just pray that it continues to be an amazing experience.

Sweatshirt stealer

Well it did not take long for Harlee to raid Luke's closet.  I have to admit that I am a little surprised that her first choice would be the super bowl DI sweatshirt but she loved it.  I think I might need to wear one of his sweatshirts too since I miss him so much.  I am guessing that this will not be the last sweatshirt she borrows.

Harlee's Christmas recital

Well we did not have much time to sulk in the sadness, Harlee had her Christmas dance recital at AF High School.  We dried the tears and we were grateful for the distraction.  Harlee did an amazing job.  She danced in the opening production number.  Then she did a disco jazz dance that was super fun.  Then she was asked to be in the finale and she even had a solo.  She is such a beautiful dancer and I love watching her perform.  I am so thankful for tonight and for the opportunity I had to take my mind off of this difficult day.  We celebrated her beautiful performance with a little cafe rio.