The Nutcracker

On Saturday, December 18th, Eve and I were able to see the St Louis Ballet perform the Nutcracker. I think that this was the first time that Eve has seen the Nutcracker live. We had such a great time! I really enjoyed the one on one time with Eve. We dressed up and when we got there Eve was able to pick out a special ornament. She picked out a darling Clara ornament holding a nutcracker. She has really cherished it. Eve enjoyed the neat live theatre experience. She liked the snowflakes that dropped on stage and the set that lit up and grew magically. The dancers did a beautiful job and I loved all the memories that flooded back when I heard the music and watched the choreography. I sure loved performing! Here are some pics.

Eve's a Ham

We were able to attend Eve's School program last Thursday night. We were in the nose bleeds! Thanks to a major zoom we were able to capture some of her performance and see much better even if it isn't perfect lighting etc.

Oh, and be sure to pause the background music before you start the video :)

A Few Fun Pics

Sheri with Crazy Hair!

Eve and her friend before her school Christmas program.

Kids in their Christmas Best.

Bubble bath time.

Sheri helping me meal plan.

Here is a picture of Sheri when we went to Michigan to visit family for Thanksgiving.

Can you tell we all had fun?

This is a picture the morning after Eve lost her 2nd upper middle tooth, on her way to school. (November)

Matt after an especially messy day at work. (October)

Sterling dressing up as a knight. (October)

Sheri Sings

Here is Sheri at nap time. Enjoy!

October Fun Part 2

After our fun day at Eckert's (and after the kids napped) we went to the ward Trunk or Treat activity. Our costumes were very traditional this year. Sterling was very good at ooo-ing like a ghost. Sheri loves lollipops. Eve was missing a top front tooth and it was perfect with her costume.







Saturday, Grandma spent a lot of time with the kids helping them carve pumpkins. We had a nice day at home to catch up on things and enjoy each other. Matt and his dad went to ward social for the guys called Man-richment. It was grilling heaven and there were lots of fun games etc. In the evening we all enjoyed toasted pumpkin seeds and a new recipe I made that bakes in a pumpkin and then you eat it all together. We were sad to say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa Smith. We sure are lucky to have visits from them from time to time!

October Fun Part 1

In October we were very happy to have Matt's parents come to visit. On the day they arrived we took them out for a boat ride. It was a challenge since the water was low but we enjoyed it, especially the autumn colors on the bluffs.

The next day we went to St. Louis, the Arch and the Museum for Expansion of the West. It was a beautiful day. I was able to understand the history of Lewis and Clark better and appreciate those who settled the country in its early period. The view from the arch was, of course, very impressive. Here is a pic of us all crowded into the car that took us to the top.


At the top.




At the bottom.

Here are the kids at the Museum. Eve earned her Jr Ranger badge with help from Grandpa!




Here we are leaving the arch and museum.


We finished the afternoon with the most relaxing, beautiful picnic at Forest Park.
Later in the evening, Matt and his parents took the kids to a corn maze with other fun activities. I went to Eve's parent/teacher conference. I received all positive feedback. Yay!

The next day we went to Eckerts, a apple orchard/ pumpkin patch. We loved all the activities, and the apples were so aromatic!



















What a wonderful day!

Nauvoo with Smiths

We were lucky enough to see Nauvoo again, this time with Matt's parents and his brother and family. Mike and Taralie stayed with us Thursday, and then we caravaned to Nauvoo. Eve and her cousin really had fun playing twins.



It was good to see some of the things we missed the first time. Of course, the kids really enjoyed being with their cousins, grandparents, and the pool at the inn.





We also got to see Carthage Jail on our way to Nauvoo. I felt deep gratitude for all that Joseph and Hyrum sacrificed to bring forth the work of the restoration. I was humbled and felt the truthfulness and significance that he was our first Latter-day Prophet!

We love our family!
Here are some temple pics to close this post. P.S.- Sterling said (in all seriousness) that he is planning to marry a certain friend - here when he gets older. She is so sweet, how can I protest?





A monument to Joseph and Hyrum across from the temple