Az Christmas- Gathering Wood Project

I always forget how the deset is stunning in it's own way.

Blue skies, vaste horizons, impressive mountains, and unique plants.

I got to rediscover that during our family service project.

My dad asked us to help him gather some firewood for a family in the community.  I was happy to have a chance for my kids to do a bit of service this holiday time.  A few years ago, my dad partially cleared this land by bulldozing most of the mosiquite trees together in these huge piles.  All we had to do was gather up the dry wood, while avoiding any scorpions or snakes we might find, and throw it on the trailers, and deliver it.

The cousins came to help too.

Here's the in-laws working hard.

Here's the sons hardly working;)

 Unloading at the base of Hyder mountain.

It was a good day.  My kids worked hard and got dirty.  That's why we come to Hyder.

Christmas Piano Concert

The girls had such a good time performing for a nursing home for their Christmas concert.  

They each did so well.

 Gracie has just started having little five minute lessons before the other girls and she is loving it.  It is the cutest thing to see her sitting at the piano plunking out simple Christmastime melodies.

Not everybody enjoyed the concert.  

It put a few of the spectators asleep.

We love our Miss Loraine.  She is the best.  So fun.  She remembers ALL my kids birthdays and brings them little treats on holidays.  And she has a pretty adorable doggie.

Thank you Miss Loraine for another great piano year.

December Days

We had the sweetest time visiting a friend in this nursing home, but this little lady could not get enough of Emma.  And Emma was so adorable.  She happily gave her hug after hug.(we all know what a great hugger she is).

It made me so happy to see my daughter unafraid, confident, and so kind.

Do you OnGuard?

(essential oil from DoTerra)

We are nearly always cursed with catching some terrific bug while visiting AZ.  SO, for this upcoming holiday trip I decided we needed to try something to keep us heathy,

and it might have even worked!

Thanks, to my sister-in-law Katy.

New hair do.

@abellasbraids on instagram

My little snow nymph.

 Holiday gooey rolls.

Then off to AZ for another wonderful Christmas vacation.

I think my instagram descrpition reads, "Why would anybody be crazy enough to do this every year?"

And we are.  Crazy to see our family.  We miss them so.