Jeff and Amy's family live in this stake and told us how fantastic this was. I went last year, too, and it certainly didn't disappoint.
Along with beautiful musical numbers by all kinds of musicians, there is a live nativity.
Lola and Gavin wanted their pictures in front of their favorite nativities.
They, also, have a collection of very rare Bibles. This is a First Edition, First Printing of the King James Bible in 1611. It is one of only 100 surviving copies in the world.
In addition, the collector displayed a Tyndale Bible published in 1538 and J.R.R. Tolkien's personal Bible. It was so exciting to see all of these very old and rare Bibles. The entire hall had such a beautiful feeling of peace and such a great reminder of what the Christmas season is truly about--remembering our Savior.
On another evening, we had our Copeland Family Dallas Pre-Christmas Party. The kids were so excited to re-enact the Nativity as Grandpa George read about the birth of our Savior from Luke 2 and Matthew 2 in the Bible. They loved having a real baby in their re-enactment.
Joseph and the angel.
Another angel, and Mary and Joseph (Mary was waiting for her baby to arrive.)
The Three Wisemen
Two shepherds
Afterwards, we all watched the short video about:
Click on the link above to watch this video. Everyone loved it.
We then opened the Grandpa and Grandma gifts starting with the youngest--Kennedy. (Dawson was already in bed, and Copeland was a little too young to open his himself.)
Next up was Gavin . . .
then Riley . . .
Lola . . .
then Mason . . .
Isaac did a little dance when he got his Madden football game.
Yes, I think he was pretty happy!
Jaxon absolutely lives and breathes golf right now, so he really wanted a new golf hat . . .
which he got and definitely looks great in!
Garrett was next . . .
and finally Sydney was the oldest of the grandchildren here in Dallas.
After opening her gift, she went right back to holding Copeland. Sydney loves babies!
Cassie led off the adults . . .
then Craig.
Anne . . .
and Cameron.
Amy and Jeff finished out the adult kids.
Cassie's mother was staying here in Dallas while recuperating from a hip replacement. We were so happy that she could join us in our Christmas celebration.
And finally Grandma Laura and Grandpa George. We loved this beautiful evening that we were all reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
Oh, yes, and there was definitely food involved for the evening.
On another evening, Sydney's high school had a Christmas Arts Concert with all aspects of the arts represented--orchestra, choir, even the dance team and cheerleaders were involved. Sydney is in the choir, and they were actually allowed to sing songs about the birth of the Savior. The whole evening was fantastic!
On another evening, Anne invited me to a Community Christmas Concert that two Mormon brothers had put together in five different states. They worked together in the communities to put together the most wonderful orchestra, chorus, and children chorus! I was absolutely so impressed and loved it! Thanks, Anne, for sharing something so special that I would absolutely love to attend each year!
The final pre-Christmas activity I was able to go to was with Craig and Cassie's family to Gaylord Palms Resort where they had the most magnificent ice carvings you've ever seen! They have one of these in Orlando, but I had never been able to attend, so I was thrilled to go with their family. George was on his way back to Washington and wasn't able to go with us.
Even though you are "given" a huge parka to walk through the icy wonderland, the 9 degree chill freezes your face and your hands. We hadn't come very prepared! Next time, we need mufflers and heavy mittens for sure!
They even had ice slides!
The kids loved the slides, but the cold was absolutely penetrating through everything!
This picture really makes me laugh! Kennedy wasn't crying or sad--I think this expression was just frozen on her face!
They even had the Nativity cut out of ice. Spectacular!
Riley loved the inner tube slide down the ice; Kennedy was too small, but by this time, she was so frozen, I don't think she even cared!
I wish we could have stayed longer in the ice tent, but we honestly just got too cold! Then we were able to walk through the atrium with all its beautiful lights and flowers.
I had to snap a family picture in the beautiful atrium.
We then went to eat in the hotel where little Dawson's favorite food was a lemon wedge!
This little guy was so good the entire night as were the older two kids! It was a night we will never forget! Thanks, Craig and Cassie, for letting me join in on the frozen fun!
Yes, we had many wonderful pre-Christmas activities in Dallas, which we all enjoyed so much!
The final pre-Christmas activity I was able to go to was with Craig and Cassie's family to Gaylord Palms Resort where they had the most magnificent ice carvings you've ever seen! They have one of these in Orlando, but I had never been able to attend, so I was thrilled to go with their family. George was on his way back to Washington and wasn't able to go with us.
Even though you are "given" a huge parka to walk through the icy wonderland, the 9 degree chill freezes your face and your hands. We hadn't come very prepared! Next time, we need mufflers and heavy mittens for sure!
They even had ice slides!
The kids loved the slides, but the cold was absolutely penetrating through everything!
This picture really makes me laugh! Kennedy wasn't crying or sad--I think this expression was just frozen on her face!
Yes, we had many wonderful pre-Christmas activities in Dallas, which we all enjoyed so much!
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