City of Bethlehem

I've always wanted to go to the First United Methodist's City of Bethlehem, but always had some kind of Christmas event going on at the same time. Finally, this was our year! 

We went with Rex and Veronica, who try to go every year.

 Inside the church, people were divided into small groups before listening to a short introduction.

  We then walked outside and strolled through a live Nativity, stopping at eleven different scenes as narrators recited the Christmas Story.

 Mary and Joseph were my favorite,

followed by the Three Kings who's scene actually included a live camel. 

The only down side was the rain, however, most scenes were covered by tarps, and it did cut down on large crowds and long lines that usually accompany this event.

 Once again inside, we listened to live Christmas music while warming up with hot apple cider and homemade cookies.

 We even got a Christmas tree ornament as a souvenir! 

 I just had to take a picture of this cat and dog sleeping under the Christmas tree because they were so cute, and sleeping so sound, which was a little strange considering all the noise. Bending down to get a closer look I realized they were actually stuffed animals! It was crazy--you could even see the movement of their stomachs with each breath. 

We topped-off our date-night with milk and cupcakes to celebrate Brad's birthday. What a perfect way to kick-off the Christmas Season!

Family Pictures

You would think by the time you have grown children that you could actually take family pictures without any issues...but I am telling you, it never gets any easier!

After trying to make it as convenient as possible for everyone in regards to what to wear (casual, similar color scheme), where to take the pictures (Sasha's backyard with her husband Chris taking the pics), and when to take them (right before a Heelis family get-together), there was still plenty of attitude! Like trying to decide where and how to stand.

Then noticing that Breck couldn't even iron his shirt for pictures!

Chris then telling everyone to frown instead of smile (thanks Chris, not helping!)

and Sean missing the memo that is was now okay to smile!

Finally great smiles all around...but Brad's head is cut off.

Okay, this is better!

Some of these have funky lighting, but we'll take them!

Just when everyone thinks we're done, Mom (yes, me) has the audacity to ask if we can take a few pictures on the deck stairs!

Me getting mad at Brad

because he won't move his big feet!

While Sean (who loves taking pictures anyway, not!) tries to keep it together.

Finally we got it! ...except for Merinda, who's eyes are closed!

Okay, this is as good as it's going to get!

Just ONE more picture standing in front of the field?...Please?! (Sean going to his happy place)

Brad pinching everyone, and me losing my cool! (Sean still focusing on his happy place)

Okay, we've almost got it people! 

Just kidding, Sean's losing it!

Brittney trying to console her husband.

I'm determined to smile for the picture, even if no one else does!!

 Okay! We've got it! That's a wrap folks! (Thank Goodness!)

 Merinda's roommate took these pictures of Merinda her first semester at BYU-I. I thought they turned out so cute that I'm posting them (also because I feel bad that she never got senior pictures taken, but with two weddings and two graduations all in the same year, there's only so much one can do!).