TEMPLE LIGHTS

So last year after a photo shoot at the temple I got the urge for the first time ever to head down to see the lights at Temple Square. It was a busy time for us so I had to schedule the night that we would go so that we would actually go and do it. I felt extra motivated because this seemed like the first year that Stella might be able to really appreciate the lights and maybe even remember going to see them when she gets older, so off we went. My crowd avoidance plan was to arrive on a weeknight just as the sun was going down, and it worked out great! By the time we were ready to go home, it was a lot more crowded. It has been months since this night and I don't remember if it was even that cold, but I do remember Stella's excited reaction when she saw the first group of lights with the temple in the background.

We had a really fun time as a family, even if Mommy (me) kept making pictures get taken. I didn't use a flash and I do wish that I had a camera that was better in low light, but that is a $5,000 issue that I just can't accept right now, and I kind of like how blurry some of these turned out to be. Here's to us for finally getting out and seeing the lights!

THAT'S WHAT ELVES DO!

Stella's Christmas performances were very fun this past December. They kept us busy and in the holiday spirit all month long. This year Stella was an elf, and she had a very impressive solo during "Elves Just Wanna Have Fun." The costume was a bit silly, but I think she made it work. She especially rocked those ridiculous shoes which, I can tell you, she was all too excited to never have to wear on stage again, and I was simply relieved that the cotton balls never fell off mid-show. I'm so proud of her each time that she performs--it is so stinking cute every time!

Her first performance was at the Gateway, and I decided to get pictures from that show.

Then a couple of shows later, we took some time before the show to get some cute pictures of our own little elf.