Schulthies Nativity...

Our Schulthies nativity looked a lot different this year.  Grandma Joan went to Tara and Tommy's house and their family dressed up at Mary and Joseph while grandma read the nativity and everyone that could joined in on a zoom call.  A lot of the kids dressed up too! 

 

I love what Brandon and Ashly's kids did.   She said when she asked her kids what they wanted to dress up as one said an angel, one said a wise-woman, and the other hay.  She said when I think of a nativity, I usually think of baby Jesus, Joseph & Mary, shepherds, angels, and wise-men, but not the hay.  Happy and grateful this daughter cheerfully agreed to participate I frantically glued her hay costume.  As I was gluing, I thought does hay play any part in the story of Christmas?  If it does, what is it?  Hay is used to feed: cattle, horses, and other farm animals.  Hay provides nourishment or what is needed for growth, health, and good condition.  Similarly, Christ provides the spiritual nourishment we need.  Ephesians 5:29 teaches Christ cares for his church.  He cares for us, wants us to turn to Him for strength, peace, and comfort.  We learn from 1 Timothy 4:6 thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.  Our job is to search for His good doctrine, then share the joy, peace, and love of that doctrine.  Incorporating hay into our reading of Luke 2 is going to be one of my immediate families' new tradition.   

It was fun to see so many family members.   The ones that live so far away enjoyed being included in this fun family tradition that we have been doing since Trevor was our first baby Jesus.

Mother's Tea...

Aunt Barbara would have a mother's tea with all her granddaughters every Christmas and so this year they invited Mom to join them to take her place.  So cute!

I love this stocking that mom made for all of them filled with some candy.  

The note she put was pretty special.

 

Caroling...

Brady and I had fun going Christmas caroling with all the Schulthies cousins.  It felt weird not having Vaughn and Barbara with us and at times we all felt very tender.  I love this tradition.  Scott didn't get back in time to go with us from his hunting trip.

Our trusty bus driver!

Have to have hot cocoa and donuts....

Coyote Hunt...

These three had a lot of fun coyote hunting together.  

They got some big dogs down in the Jordan Valley area.

 

Las Vegas & Chad's Baptism...

Thursday, December 3rd Scott, Brady, and I headed to Logandale for the weekend.  Friday the three of us went exploring Las Vegas and our usual hangouts.  We first drove down to see the overlook of Lake Mead and Interstate Highway i11 during the daylight hours.  Last time it was dark.  We then got some lunch at Raising Cane's.  Reid met us at Nelson's Frozen Custard after that.  We were happy we were able to dine in and enjoy our custard...so yummy!

We drove to the strip and were shocked when we pulled into the Bellagio parking lot and saw how empty it was.  This was a first and all because of Covid-19; however, we were not complaining about free parking and small crowds, haha!  We tried to visit the garden but they were still in transition so we had to look from the outside.  We then saw some of the water shows before we drove up and down the strip.

Las Vegas's new million-dollar sign...I think they could have spent their money a little bit wiser if you ask me.

Raiders jersey and a mask.

The strip was even bare...unbelievable!

Saturday was Chad's baptism.  He asked me if I could play the piano.  

He is so cute!  We are so happy for him!

After we had a yummy dinner with different kinds of soups and garlic bread.  I made some of my peanut butter bars.  It was fun to visit and hang out with family.

Sunday the three of us took the long drive home.  

It was a fun trip!