3 December 2023

 

Lots of snow fell in Utah after we left. Abe sent us a photo of a snowman he made with Cece, Katrina and Camden.

This is a photo of Abe and friends decorating gingerbread houses.

This is the house Abe and Cece made. Check out all the cute details like the snowman by the door and the pretzel antlers.

Gibson needed a first period class this trimester so he joined Woodwind Ensemble with the intention of learning to play the marimba. He learned some scales on the marimba, but it was marching band season and the band instructor was focused on practicing for marching band competitions. Gibson spent most of the trimester carrying heavy equipment between the band room and the marching field. Toward the end of the trimester, the teacher gave him a bass drum to play. The first trimester ended on Friday and Gibson marched in his first (and most likely only) parade on Saturday. Prior to Saturday, Gibson only played the drum while it rested on a stand. This was his first time carrying it.

Saturday was cold and rainy and the band stood outside for about 3 ½ hours, first waiting for the parade to start, then marching in the parade, then playing at city hall for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This was not a scene out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. The band played the theme from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and random pep tunes.

As soon as the tree was lit, the band was excused and hurried to put instruments away and leave. There was a good crowd of sturdy Oregonians who came for the parade and tree lighting. Gibson is taking a video production class for trimester 2 so his band days are over.

Gibson had time for a hot shower and a cup of hot cocoa before heading to the stake center for our stake's Light the World event. Gibson and friends took a shift in the live nativity. From the left are Sam, Gibson, Jason, Ed and Emma.

One of Abe's roommates grandma, Annette, lives in Provo and invites the boys for dinner once a week. Annette takes care of all of the boys and looks out for Abe with his allergies. This Sunday she made him gluten free waffles and treats. We appreciate her kind and generous heart.

The theme for our Christmas countdown this year is "Behold the Lamb of God." We could spend weeks exploring this rich topic, but we are limited to 24 days. The bags under the tree are filled with scriptures and quotes from general authorities.

Each bag also has a lamb ornament to hang on the tree. By Christmas we will have a nice little flock on the tree. We love Christmas for lots of reasons, including the blessing of celebrating our Savior, Jesus Christ.