Adventure Timpanogos Temple/Living Bethlehem activity

After Krista's funeral, Collin and Liam headed back home so Collin could go to work and then go to the white elephant youth party at church. Ryan and I drove down with the girls to the Living Bethlehem activity, but since we got there about an hour early, it was very close to the Timpanogos Temple so we asked them if they wanted to walk around there since that was where Krista and Joe got married. They loved taking all these pictures. 

I can't remember if I have been in the Timpanogos Temple, but it is HUGE! Reminded me of the Jordan River temple in size. 

 I was AMAZED at how green this grass was. 

Ok out of order pics again, but here we are at the Living Bethlehem, but in the Christmas Marketplace. Watching the kids perform. 

View from afar by the fire pit. 

The girls enjoyed sitting by the firepits. 

I LOVED this sunset. 

Picture walking in.

Meanwhile, back at the temple, Adeline was excited to be taking lots of pictures on the temple grounds.

I look like a marshmallow with my ten layers, but hey, I was warm!

Me and cute Evelyn.

They had a cute nativity out front that we got a most-of-our-family token pic. It was a fun night. 

Krista's funeral

Out of order pic with Ryan talking to Kambria and Maeli about pressing flowers like he did when his mom died. 

Our sweet little Sammy was sad about Krista the morning of her funeral.

My dear sweet cousin Krista Kay Johnson Nunes finally won her battle from cancer by going to a better world on the other side on December 2. Her funeral was absolutely beautiful and the church was completely filled to the back of the gym. She was one of the great ones. Her casket getting carried.

Look at that view she will have! It was truly beautiful up there. 

And I loved this swag of flowers, Krista's favorite color was orange. 

All the girl cousins I think. 

They let a lot of family take flowers from the swag to bring home so my girls grabbed some to save. I thought that was a super sweet idea. 

Man, I sure will miss Krista. She was a beautiful soul inside and out. It was a hard day for me, but I know she is doing great and fabulous things to help others and her family in the spirit world.
 

Ward Christmas party, more Evelyn volleyball, peppermint brownies, Adeline's free drawing

Evelyn's last time at Volleyball. She will miss it. 

Collin dressed up as "Santa" for the ward party. I thought he looked cute. He even had a stuffed pillow to make him look fatter. 

Doing Christmas bingo.

Adeline really wanted to win.

Made some box brownies but put frosting and crushed up peppermint on for the First Presidency Christmas devotional for a treat. They were REALLY yummy to me!

Adeline "free drew" this during church. I was VERY impressed with her reindeer! We are getting the spirit of Christmas around here!
 

Nativity Adventure Night in Bethlehem

Out of order pic from Kenya. I loved this nativity. 

We went on an adventure the last day of November we have never done. I love repeat adventures, but I also love new adventures. It was called A Night in Bethlehem. It was down in Pleasant Grove, and sadly, because Evelyn was still sick she stayed home with Ryan, but the rest of the kids and I drove down on Sunday night and went. Here we are paying our taxes to Caesar before going in.

They then put you in a "waiting room" since there was so many people before you got to go into the actual Bethlehem.

Cute Adeline and I picture.

When we first went in, it was like a Bethlehem Marketplace. They had a well in the middle and lots of little "shops and stores" around. We didn't totally understand we were supposed to do that while waiting for the live nativity, so we didn't get to a lot of them, so if we go again, we will remember this. 

Making our own bread at the bread shop. 

Here is what the top of the room looked like.

Then in about 10 or so minutes, they had everyone come sit by the nativity stage and a woman sang a beautiful number about Mary and Joseph not being able to find room in the inn as the actors went around looking for an inn.

After that, they all sent us out to a different room that was "shepherd's hill". This was the side that was the manger. 

Baby Jesus.

The other side we saw the shepherds depart to go see Jesus and the angels sang. All during this the audience was able to sing along with some of the traditional Christmas songs which I thought was very cool.

And because we didn't totally understand about the Bethlehem shops, a nice lady let us back in so Adeline could try a few of the activities.

Last we left Shepherd's Hill and went and saw some very beautiful nativities from around the world. Though it was a little bit of a drive, it was a good start to the nativity season for our family!