December and Christmas Holidays

I'm sitting here in the quiet of a not-so-early morning.  I have finished one exercise workout but want to try out my new Altra running shoes either on the treadmill or outside.  The children are either still sleeping or on their new kindle devices, still in bed though.  Scott is in Mexico on a work assignment.  I'm feeling a slight sore throat and the lethargic effects of some sickness coming on and/or the combination of just needing some more sleep while being in the middle of the "holidays."  December has been a full month.  Some highlights were:

• school wide field trip with Grovecrest to BYU women's basketball game.  
• I accompanied Rubie's class as a chaperon.  Riding the packed and crowded school buses.
• Karate belt promotion.  Eric is now a brown/yellow stripe belt, Rubie is a green belt.  Both doing so well and we are very proud.
• Activity Days caroling
• Cub Scout pack meeting awards and caroling.  Eric earned his bear and has more belt loops than his belt can hold.
• Samuel's preschool Pancakes and Pajamas class party
• Rubie's Polar Express and pajamas class party
• Eric's class party.  I went and played some games with the kids and had fun.
• Wilson Christmas party and Russell and Linda's home.  Dinner with Alec, Becca, Angela, Dellitt, Linda and Russell
• We exchanged gifts there and listened to Alec's awesome reading (complete with accent and voices) of How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
• Jeppson Christmas party and Mom and Dad's.  We were just missing Jessica and Emmanuel.  Another awesome reading/acting of the Nativity.  Lots and lots of delicious food.  Games, visiting, playing, gift exchanges.
• Wonderful Christmas morning.  Getting caught by Rubie putting gifts in stockings.  Explaining to Eric and Rubie that we are Santa's helpers and it is up to all of us to keep the Spirit of Santa and Christmas going and one way to do that is by giving gifts.  All were so happy with the gifts from Christmas.  Wonderful Church program on Christmas day.  Visit to the Harrison's to wish John a happy birthday.
• No school this week.  Enjoying our gifts and playing games and friends.
• Planning Eric's birthday party.
• Also going to lunch with Sandy Ostler and Suzanne Tebbs for Sandy's b-day.  Suzanne and I visit teach Sandy.
• Going to see the movie Trolls with Grandma and Grandpa Wilson.
• Leaving Samuel with Bailee and going to see Rogue One with Dan and his boys.
• All 3 kids got a Kindle Fire for Christmas.  Samuel was super excited about receiving Magic Tracks and Police Gear.  Eric and Rubie both got Legos.  Rubie got some science kits and doll accessories.  Eric got more Legos and games.