December

When we came back from New York, a Christmas elf came with us. Clara named him Chess. I didn't take many pictures of the mischief he got into but here are a few. Clara loved him and looked for him first thing every morning. She still asks about him and we look forward to him visiting again next year.

We went a drive one evening to see Christmas lights. This was one of Clara's favorites. There were dancing Santas in window. We saw another house with thousands of lights and music we could tune into but I couldn't get a good picture of it.

Clara was thrilled to meet Santa. Rex was a little more reserved.

New York, New York

This year Ben had a couple of days of training in New York and I got to go along! Audra watched the kids for us, giving her a grand total of 6 kids! I don't know what I'd do without my sweet sister. We stayed in the Marriott Marquis in Times Square and had a great little getaway. We got to New York late Sunday night and Ben was in training until 5 pm on Monday and Tuesday. We had Wednesday morning and early afternoon in the city and then flew out that night. During the day on Monday and Tuesday, I took the double decker tourist bus around the city and really enjoyed it. I got to see some things that I'd never seen before and it was interesting to hear the tour guide commentary. We got to see a couple of shows and walk around to see all of the amazing Christmas decorations. It was a great getaway and we were excited to get home to our babes.

This was the view from our hotel room

Inside our hotel

A cold and foggy day in New York.

Turns out this is the only picture of me in New York. I was trying to get my camera out to take a picture on the bus.

I had to get a picture of this for my Dad. They were having the Heisman dinner at our hotel and he told me sneak in.

Rockefeller Center

I was so excited to see New York during the holidays. It didn't disappoint.

We saw Newsies the first night we were there. It was fun but were bummed that the understudy was in for Jack.

Grant's Tomb

I came back to the hotel room one afternoon to find this sweet note, Diet Coke and some snacks. 

We saw Once on our second night. I loved it!

Inside Macy's, on their Christmas Floor. They told us they started decorating the store in August.

In front of the Empire State building

Panorama of Times Square taken with my iPhone

I watched them film the Today show for a little while. Right after I took this, Hoda stood up and waved at us but I couldn't get a good picture.

Eating at Lombardi's

We got to see some amazing Christmas windows on Fifth Avenue. It was hard to get any good pictures, but this was one of my favorites. All of the shelves turned.

This was one of Ben's favorite windows. They drawings on the chalkboards were animated.

Fearsome Pirate

Clara came out all dressed up one evening. Ben said, "You look like a fearsome pirate!" Clara looked at him and said, "You look like a handsome boy."

Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam

Clara has been so excited to go to primary and be a Sunbeam. She gave a talk in primary her second week. We practiced several times at home and she was very excited. She confidently delivered her first line and the loudness of the microphone startled her. She was able to finish the talk but she spoke so quietly, I think Ben was the only one who could hear her. Grandma and Grandpa Wheeler and Great Grandma Wheeler came to listen to our sweet girl.