Yates Christmas Card 2014... and others

Every year we love to keep in touch with friends and families through their Christmas cards. Unfortunately for those who live far, this is the only update we get every year, but we love to see the growing families.

Avoiding the Hustle and Bustle

Our Stake put on an amazing program for the families to enjoy this year. Most of it was outside with the snow lightly falling. There were mini plays that actors would act out about the true spirit of Christmas. One play was about the story of how Christmas got its name, another was about the soldiers fighting in World War II and how all barriers were broken on that day. They enjoyed the day together as "brothers" rather than enemies. Then, of course, Christmas wouldn't be what it is without our Saviors Birth. We watched the nativity as the choir sang Away in a Manger. They did an incredible job!

Go Broncos!

Taylor and I decided we wanted to take a 3 day trip together. We found some flights to Denver and happened to find out that the Broncos were going to be playing the Charger's during our stay. So we bought some amazing tickets and headed to the Mile High stadium. I now know where it got it's nickname. The Stadium was enormous. The tailgating was definitely popular and fun to walk through. It was great to be so close to the field and see the players so clearly. Unfortunately they lost, but it was a great game.

The next day, we roamed the city. We went to the local aquarium and wished the kids could be there with us. They would have loved it. Then to lunch and shopping. We were able to stay with Taylor's Uncle Tom and Aunt Adrianne who live in Littleton. We went to dinner with them and shopped some more. We loved the car we rented. It was easy to get in and out of parking places, but I think we looked a like Giants compared to the little car. It was a relaxing trip, but we definitely missed the kids.

Christmas Carols

Jayden and Skyler have the most amazing piano teacher, Mrs Debbie. They perform in two recitals a year. She also incentivizes them with parties and goodies. They did an amazing job, once again, playing in front of many families. Jayden played “Oh come, Oh come Emmanuel” and Skyler played a Jingle Bells duet with Sister Tiek. Jayden was given an award for being her student for 6 years. Both have talent in playing the piano. Great Job Boys!!

Ready, Set GOLD!!!

This Park City Race was very important to Noelle, not just because it was her home track, but because she was unfairly disqualified from a Gold Medal she received in Calgary Canada due to an extra piece of tape on her sled's handle. She did an incredible job redeeming what was supposed to be hers in Canada. She not only took home the Gold, but broke the track record on both runs. It was amazing to see all of the fans that support her. One of her sponsors even had a catered lunch for close friends and family. What a way to begin a season! Sochi, here she comes!

Park City Memories

When Noelle decided to go back to competing, the kids were most excited about the Park City Race. We always get the same hotel by the Olympic Sports Park. There is an indoor pool - which is a must, a big breakfast, hot cookies when you arrive and a large area in the lobby to play games. We were all excited for the race the next day. We made several posters for the big day. It was Noelle's birthday coming up, soooo we all surprised her with a birthday party! We had cake, balloons and presents. She loved it and it was fun that we were able to spend it with her since she has to be gone most of the season. Since this was her last race EVER in Park City, we made many great memories.

Light'em Up!

Once again, the Festival of Trees is always looked forward to by the family. This year we were able to bring Lacee and Traycen along for the trip. Grandma Woobie came along, thank goodness - 6 kids in a crowd is a little hard to keep track of. And we are proud to say, we only lost Lacee once. Santa wasn't Traycen and Auri's favorite person that night. They wanted to be as far away as possible for the picture, but at least they were in it!

The lights of Christmas

Decorating the tree seems to be everyone's tradition. This year we were given the "GREEN PICKLE" from Grandma. I hung it on the tree and then let the kids find "wheres the hidden pickle". It didn't take them too long, but they loved hiding it again and again. We play Christmas music while hanging the ornaments. We always have to have our hot chocolate after an evening of hard work. We actually decorate 2 trees. We have a large fake tree in the main living room for "Mom's" decorations and then we go buy a small real tree at a local Christmas tree lot that the kids can decorate however they want. It is much more fun and filled with bright colors. This is the tree Santa prefers because it is where all of his presents can be found.

DECEMBER

Thankful Hearts

We are so fortunate to have so many family members live nearby. We enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal with the Yates this year. Grammy and Grandpa did a great job and as always, I was in charge of the Famous Yams!!