Finishing 2016 with the Suns

Marcus and I had talked about going to a Suns game in New York City the entire time we lived there, but we never were able to make that happen.  When we moved to Utah, we decided we'd definitely be able to go to a Jazz vs. Suns game.  Marcus looked up their schedule and saw that they played on New Years Eve, so we decided to celebrate the new year with the Suns (and the Jazz).  

#sunsfanforlife

This picture doesn't do our seats justice

It was a fun game!  The Suns almost had it several times, but they lost it in the last few minutes.  Bummer.  Next time ;)

We enjoyed a delicious Iceburg shake during the game. 

And don't worry, the boys enjoyed the night with Noni & Grandpa.  

And none of us made it all the way until midnight...

Bowling

Since Marcus had a few days off work, we wanted to do something fun as a family.  We decided to take the boys bowling (and then go to McDonalds).  We figured it was a great Chase activity.  Well, he did not agree.  Until he saw other kids bowling.  Then he instantly wanted to do it too.  It was really fun.

Yeah, pretty embarrassing scores.

But we had a great morning!

Christmas Morning

It's been fun having a house at Christmas.  Marcus put lights on the roof, which was a little more intense than we originally imagined.  And of course we decorated.  Although our NY apartment decorations did not have quite the same impact - they spread a bit thin :)  Room to grow the collection!

It still felt pretty festive :)

We had Christmas morning at home, which was really nice.  We did go to church for an hour late morning, but it didn't impact much given the boys were up bright and early.  And they were both thrilled Santa came!

Ty's gifts from Santa (minus the chair)

Chase's gifts from Santa (minus the ottoman)

Checking out some presents

Chase was so excited about all the presents, not just his.  It was cute watching his excitement while we opened our gifts too.

Marcus made my family's traditional omelette breakfast - he's gotten really great at making them.  Delicious.  Maybe one day Chase will want one too :)

 I don't have tons more pictures of presents and whatnot, but check out this awesome, nerdy gift I got.  Amazing, right?!

Merry Christmas!

North Pole Express

Since Chase is obsessed with Christmas and trains, we decided to get tickets for the North Pole Express in Heber City.  (Seriously, Chase watches The Polar Express daily and singings the soundtrack multiple times a day).  We really hoped he'd love it and not expect it to be like the movie :)  

It was awesome.

Apparently Chase is really into karaoke with Christmas songs :)

Looking out the window for the North Pole and Santa

Watching the elves dance and sing

Meeting Santa

Getting a bell

Marcus made this movie from our trip

If you have a kid who loves trains and Christmas, do it!  So fun.

Vox Humana Concerts

I was asked to play in a quartet accompanying a women's ensemble called Vox Humana.  It's a Saratoga Springs group that branched off when the Saratoga Springs Community Orchestra was established.  I thought the singing was really great, and it was fun to play in a quartet.  It's been awhile.  

We had two concerts.  The first was at a creche festival in Eagle Mountain, and the second was at the Assembly Hall in Temple Square.  Marcus and I made that one a date night so he could come watch :)

It was a fun Christmasy night with great lights and music.

Christmas with Gram & Pops

Before they left for Arizona, Gram and Pops came over for "Pizza, Presents, and Pops."  At least that's how Chase and my mom described the evening :)

We had some dinner and opened presents together.  Chase was super excited.  He made us sing Christmas carols before exchanging gifts.  He loves to sing.  And he knows some of the words to those songs... haha

Chase really wanted an orange Duplo train for Christmas.  He convinced Gram to get it for him months ago, so he knew exactly what was coming.  He even shook boxes so he'd know which box it was in.  He cracks me up.

Marcus was totally caught off guard with Legos - I'm pretty sure he's always wanted that Star Wars Lego set!

Of course we gave Gram a singing Christmas animal - this year the song was Feliz Navidad.  Chase's second favorite Christmas song, right after The Polar Express theme.

Those are all the pictures I have from our presents night, but I do have a video of Chase singing one of the songs from The Polar Express...

And a picture of Pepper and Ty playing with the favorite orange Duplo train while Chase was at school :)

Saratoga Springs Community Orchestra

Marcus and I have been playing with the Saratoga Springs Community Orchestra.  They meet every other week and have two concerts a year.  Fits well into our crazy, busy schedules.  Rehearsals are in the court room at the city offices building, which is kind of fun.  The group has only been around a couple years and has grown a lot.  It's been great playing in an orchestra together (and going out for ice cream cones after rehearsal).

Marcus' drum corner

We had a Christmas concert, which turned out a lot better than I was expecting.  And Marcus invited pretty much everyone we knew, and so if you're reading this and live in Utah, you were probably there :)

Santa even came and helped play the sleigh bells

Our action shot

Chase told me he really liked the concert!  Because Santa was there and we played Polar Express :)