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 :)

Tree of LIfe

Nana held a family Christmas party, which was a lot of fun.  Since we were in the area, afterwards, Chase and I went to check out the passive light display in Draper.

It really was impressive!

"Mom, that tree has like 100 lights!"

Playing

I get so backlogged in pictures and blog posts.  So here are a bunch of pictures (and a video) that have been collecting on my phone and computer.  Several are taken by Cozette - you'll be able to tell because they are amazingly clear and perfect.

So grateful for our two little stinkers! <3 p="">

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 :)

Gingerbread House

Last year, we tried to make a gingerbread house, and it didn't go too well.  This year, there were no plans to try that again.  But then Costco sold a kit (with a pre-made house!), and Chase begged.  This was definitely much better than last year :)  Chase really got into it.  And so did Marcus.

Tasting the frosting. Delicious.

BYU Faculty Christmas Party

Marcus was invited to the BYU Faculty and Staff Christmas party.  There were lots of activities for kids (with crazy long lines), Santa, and treats.

Like I've mentioned, Chase loves Christmas.  He's a bit obsessed.  And he loves him some Santa.  When I told him we were going to BYU to meet Santa, he couldn't hold in his excitement.  

Waiting (almost) patiently

SANTA!

Chase also enjoyed the doughnut treats

And he was impressed with the bookstore

Afterwards, we stopped by Trevor and Logan's apartment to say hi.  Chase also got a roping lesson.