To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order. To put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order. To put family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life. And to cultivate our personal life, we must set our hearts right. - CONFUCIUS

Nativity Actors

This was the first year we had done the
nativity play and I think it could be called
successful.  Beka was the narrator and
you can see all of the actors in the picture.
We had dinner first and then the nativity and
sang a few songs, then they opened their
pajama presents under the tree and then
of course, desserts.
It was a very fun evening - and very busy.

Sledding

I found our sled we keep for when kids are here and the boys took it out for awhile.   Ben and Kris each took turns pulling them.  Then we went around the
block to Marie's house and said hi to her.
There really was a little more snow on the road than this picture shows.   Kris might have a better shot than this one.  

Christmas morning

Matching bow ties for Christmas
(Kris made them the night before)

Neuschwanstein

Cory gave this 3D puzzle to us last Christmas and we have been working on it this last week.  It was a difficult one but really fun.
Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe.  It is also nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Every year 1.3 million people visit "the castle of the fairy-tale king". It is a 19th century Bavarian palace on a rugged hill in Germany.  The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner, the king's inspiring  muse.  It was his intention to rebuild the old castle ruin in Hohenschwangau in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles.