Are We There Yet?

These past few weeks have been so hectic with so much to be done in order to be ready to leave for Australia on December 19th, that I hardly know whether I am coming or going--literally I have been losing things, forgetting things, and of course, breaking out in giant rashes on my arms that I get when I'm stressed!  So, I decided to try to really enjoy myself this past weekend because that's what the true Christmas Spirit is all about!

Friday was such a special evening for George and I.  One year ago, George was privileged to baptize Greg Alexander who he had met many years ago at the post office when Craig was on his mission.

Greg worked there and saw George come in every Monday morning with a letter for "Anziano Copeland," and wondered who "Anziano" was in our family.  That question stemmed into a great friendship and an invitation to come to our home and have discussions about our church.  It took him a few years to make the decision, but when he did, he was so excited to be baptized.  Now, one year after his baptism, his wife was baptized by her husband with George confirming her on Sunday.  They are going to be such great members of the church!  They love others and are always willing to serve. 

Craig and Cassie came later on Friday night, and although it rained most of the day on Saturday, we went shopping and then went to the Ward Christmas Party that evening.  After a really nice dinner, Santa came, much to the delight of Garrett!  He first went to sit on Santa's lap, but Isaac hid behind some chairs and wouldn't go up.

Then George put Lola on Santa's lap.

She just stared--

and stared.  Never a cry or a smile--just wondering who the heck he was and why was he dressed like that?  (I think Santa was a little afraid for his beard!)

Finally, we got Isaac to go up--especially when Garrett said, "Isaac, this is the real Santa!"

Actually, I think Lola liked Grandma waaaay better!  Anyway, it was a lot of fun.

Sunday, our ward choir did our Christmas Cantada.  Both Jeff, George, and I were involved.  Jeff is such a great bass singer, I play the piano and organ, and George was the fantastic narrator.  It must have been pretty good because Craig said it was the best musical performance he had ever heard in a ward--that it was "Tabernacle Choir" good!  Wow!  That really made our day!  Later on in the day, we put the cantada on for a rest home.

Sunday was also Jeff's birthday!  Yeh!  Since it was such a beautiful, sun-shiney day, George said, "Let's have his birthday lunch outside at the pavillion," so that's exactly what we did.  That way, the kids could run and have fun on the playground while the adults were able to have a peaceful conversation.

George and Amy had to go around the corner by the men's bathroom so the slight breeze wouldn't blow the candles out while they were trying to light them.

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Lola was ready for birthday cake!

Lola loves her daddy and wants to wish him a "Happy Birthday," too!
Great weekend, just not long enough.  But I surely did enjoy it!