Cakes I made for our annual Halloween Block Party. 
Nicholas showing off his handywork. 
Nick's class sang several patriotic songs in a concert at the school honoring our Veterans.
Mom came to visit for 3 weeks over Thanksgiving. We had a great time minus a few bumps.
Mom with Yukino and Makoto. Yukino and Mom developed a special bond very quickly. By the way Yukino did paint Mom's toenails hot pink. I wonder what the ladies at Marigold Manor will think of that. 
Nicholas playing with some of his second cousin's after Thanksgiving dinner. Kate, Andrew, Nick, Gracie, Addrianna.
Nicholas on his 7th birthday looking all cool. His birthday was 2 days after Thanksgiving this year. 
Our friends the Reeves moved back to AZ from Utah in the summer. We enjoyed having them over at Thanksgiving and Christmas. 
Nicholas with Grandma and Grandpa Boice on Christmas Eve. 
Silly picture in front of the tree on Christmas Eve.
A more serious pose. 
Nick's new haircut. He has been begging for a mowhawk for months. I finally gave in but told him he had to cut it all off before school starts. He said to me the other day that he knew why I let him do the mowhawk. He said it was a way to get him to cut off all his hair. I told him you're right. I am tired of taking care of his fro (especially when he gets sand in his hair from the school playground).Monday night for family home evening we went to the Mesa Temple to see the Christmas lights. As usual Nicholas was bouncing around and we had to remind him that we were on the Lord's property and that it was sacred. We had a fun time walking around and even saw a short film in the visitor's center. While we were driving away I asked Nicholas what was his favorite part. He then said, "My favorite part was when I felt the spirit." I could hardly hold back the tears. Later that night when Nicholas was being tucked in bed we talked about some of the scriptures that we heard in the visitor's center. Nicholas was able to quote some of the scriptures with no help. It proves to me that children are listening and feeling the spirit when you don't expect it. I am grateful for this reminder of how precious our children are. We think we are teaching them when in reality they are teaching us. This has been a wonderful holiday season. I am grateful for wonderful parents who raised me in faith. They both had such great testimonies that never waivered and were both a wonderful example to me. I am most grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He lives and I am so thankful for my testimony of Him.
