4 December 2016 - Perot Museum, Home and Nativity.

Stephen sleeping on the bench.

Emeri about the brontosaurus fossil in the back
ground.

Monday was a lovely day and Liz and Jenna chose to go to the Perot Museum in Dallas. The kids loved going to the different floors and playing the games and chasing around. Joshua kept heading for the stairs so Jenna was always on the alert. Stephen sat down for a minute and was fast asleep until Kathleen came to wake him up. There was a ride in a "make-believe" oil fracking drill. There were displays of gems and fossils, stars and space. It was wonderful.

In the ride into the oil rig.

  It was dark and late when we got back to the homes. Jenna's mother, Susan had to leave that morning so she missed out on the fun but her sister Sarah was there helping with the kids and having fun of her own. There was a stop at Dallas Temple where pictures were taken before and after the sun set. There was a nativity set up at the temple and a new fountain in the front of the temple. The kids loved running around and posing for pictures.

Dallas Temple in full frontal view.

Seeing the Nativity at the Temple.

Moroni on the temple

Selfie

The whole gang with Sarah Furniss taking the pix.

Crotchet Nativity by Rebekah

 Tuesday was the flight back home to Seattle but it left at 7:00 so the whole day was spent finishing up the project Stephen was working on putting up shelves in the pantry/laundry area for Liz and Austin. The flight home was uneventful and Rebekah was there for a pick up.
  Wednesday was a late start day so there was no Seminary but there was an in-service meeting at 5:45 AM. That meant Kathleen could sleep for an extra 45 minutes. Samuel made it to school and stayed after for Basketball practice. That evening Stephen made his meetings and spent the night at the church. Samuel had missed the temple trip for Priests and Laurels so there was no activity for him. Rebekah had made a crotcheted Nativity set for her parents. Kathleen set it up in the house to start off the Christmas festivities.

Seahawks Tree.

  Thursday was a trial by fire for Stephen as he worked as a para-educator for special needs students at Cedar Heights Middle School. It was his first foray into teaching. It was an eye-opening experience with kids who would spit at anyone who came close, kids who tried to jump on other kids and students who would try to leave. Kathleen spent the evening sitting at the house of Kappy Baranet with her father who was in bed while she and another new convert sister went to the Maple Valley Nativity.

Maple Valley Nativity

  Friday, was Stephen's second teaching experience but this time it was with Kindergarten children at Meridian Elementary. The teacher had left a detailed schedule to follow but there was so mix up as to where everything was. One little girl hid under the desks so she couldn't be found. Stephen came home without a voice and got sicker as the evening went on. While he was busy at school, Kathleen had a special day with Rebekah. She and Rebekah went to the Victorian Christmas in the afternoon at the Puyallup Fair grounds. There were lots of things to look at but it was sooooo very cold that it was hard to get around. Stephen picked up Samuel at school after the BBall game at Kentlake for the JV and C team. Their team lost by 2 points and Samuel was disappointed but alright.

Rebekah wants to do this idea.

  Saturday Kathleen had to work during the day and in the evening she was able to go with Rebekah to the Maple Valley Nativity where Rebekah played the piano for two sisters who were singing as part of the program. We were able to stay for a little while to see the displays but Rebekah needed to get back to her place to finish some homework that was due. Stephen was sick and stayed in bed most of the day and most of Sunday. He has a bad cough but he was able to start a fire in the fireplace to warm up the house since it's suppose to snow this week. Jon did send a text about his adventures in the Wild Pig Hunt...it was history so it's being added here. Congrats Jon on your success.

Three pigs for the freezer.

  Sunday was Fast and Testimony meeting which is always nice even when the same people get up and say almost the same thing each time. The music chosen was the beginning of the Christmas hymns and after the meetings and choir practice it was nice to come home and catch up on the blog and listen to the Christmas devotional by the First Presidency. It was a beautiful message of Peace, Joy and Hope. A beautiful way to start off the season.