Pre-Christmas Visit

Fun and chaos were had by all. It's been a madhhouse here since the troops rolled in. We opened presents the minute they raced in the door. They appreciated their toys. The books weren't an immediate hit. I think there has been too much going on to concentrate. We've watched "Open Season" and "The Fox and the Hound" about four times each. Last night we watched "The Wizard of Oz." I love that movie. The boys were asleep before the flying monkeys, thankfully. Those creatures are too scary for me, let alone 5-year olds. Rach and Rick thought the movie was made in the 50's. I told them 1939, and I was right. It's the  same age as "Gone With the Wind." (They just don't make 'em like that anymore. Is that a sign I'm old? Don't answer that...)

The Gunman has been a champ. He's such a happy, contented baby. He rarely cries, smiles continually, sleeps well enough that I don't hear him, and eats like there's no tomorrow. He is definitely an easier baby than the twins were. Two at once was soooo much more difficult. One at a time is a real dream.

Yesterday the boys got hair cuts, went to some yard sales, and we visited a citrus grove and picked our own oranges. That was such fun. We felt like pioneers or early farmers foraging out in the wilderness for crops. The trees were half grapefruit and half orange fused together. Isn't that interesting. There was dried, horse manure between all the trees. (It reminded me of my grandpa and playing in his corrals with Peanuts, the 24-year-old horse.) We picked two huge sacks for $6 each.

Then we ate at a  drive in that had Santa visiting. We ate outside. Isn't that wild. Dining al fresco in December. You don't do that in Idaho, let me tell you. Last night we built a fire for smores. The weather at 7 p.m. was about 65. It was so pleasant. Just delightful. However, for a few minutes here and there I miss snow.

Tonight I think we're driving down to Mesa after church to see the temple lights. I haven't seen that temple decorated for Christmas. I'm so anxious to see them with the boys.

They're leaving in the morning some time and returning to Las Vegas. They're going to California for Christmas. Kes's brother just got home from a mission to Mexico. It will be nice for everyone to get together for the first time in two years. There are three new babies that Jason hasn't seen. Such an exciting time for them.