2023 :: week 49

December 3

Lauren sketched this manger scene during Sacrament Meeting. 

December 4

Monday evening we took our annual Santa picture at Bass Pro. We coordinated our photo time with the Allreds so the cousins could have fun exploring around Bass Pro after pictures together. Miles was so excited to take a picture with Santa, he even volunteered to wear his new Santa pajamas for the picture. But when it was go time, he got scared and I had to hold him. 

December 5

Tuesday was a very musical day for the John Family. TJ took the day off work and drove Will down to Crown Center in the morning for Tuba Christmas. Now that he plays the euphonium he can participate. Not only did he get extra credit, he also fulfilled young Will's dream. Before Covid Tuba Christmas was indoors, but it moved outdoors a few years ago and has yet to move back inside. Unfortunately for Will it was extremely cold and windy. I picked up Lauren and Elliott from OPC, then we picked up Miles en route to the concert. The concert itself was fun, though the conductor inserted a few too many vanity pieces for my taste. That evening we headed to SMS to hear the Junior Raiders sing with the other South Choirs in their annual Holiday Concert. It has quickly become my favorite concert of the year. The Junior Raiders sang "Somewhere In My Memory," from Home Alone and "El Gato Blanco." 

December 6

We celebrated the Finnish Independence Day with our traditional meal of Salmon Soup, pumpernickel bread and blue berry pie (Mustikkapiirakka). After dinner we headed to Union Station to watch Elf on the big screen. We ran into Lauren's friend Hailey and her family while we were buying popcorn. Elf was hilarious, as usual. We have hit a lot of things on our "Christmas bucket list" this week.

December 7

Miles and classmate Oliva worked on gingerbread art at school this week. Olivia has quickly moved to the top of Miles' list of "favorites."

December 8

Miles and I ran a few errands on Friday afternoon, including a stop at Michael's. Miles looked so cute when he tried on this Santa hat. That evening Anthony and I carpooled with the Olson's to the Stake Council Christmas party. For the second year in a row it was held at the Messner's home in Edwardsville. We had a fun time. 

December 9

Elliott continues to enjoy his flag football classes. His favorite position to play is RB to buddy Townes' QB. They do seem to work well together. It was another busy Saturday. Lauren hung out with Ariana Olsen. I went to Jenny Mitt's baby shower. That evening Anthony and I went to Charlotte's 50th birthday party at SERV. We played a little pickleball, which definitely whetted my appetite to play more once it gets warmer.