Festival of the Nativities

A couple of months ago I was asked to be on the committee for our ward's 

Festival of the Nativity

I declined but it didn't seem to matter.  I had no idea how big of a process this event was but quickly learned that it's HUGE!

We began the process on Monday, December 8th at 10am...tree day.  Those who had signed up to provide trees came and set up their trees (or the committee set them up).  All I know is that I set up, fluffled and lighted a lot of trees. 

Thanks to the seminary students, the tables were in place by Tuesday morning so we began to get tablecloths out, risers up and trees moved into place.

We then got the BIG nativity set up, fluff placed around it and got it lit.

 

Lamp delivery and placement started Wednesday.  I'm surprised we didn't blow up the place with all the cords and lamps we had running through the gym.

 

Thursday was a big day!  Members of the stake brought their nativities and set them up.  Last year there were 300 of them!

 

We also had many pictures of Christ displayed...just to make sure people here in the south knew we were Christians.

 

This is the total number of nativities!  It was a shock!

Louise, our fearless, classy, talented and crazy leader!

 

The committee:

 

At 9:05pm on Saturday, we commenced the take down of the event.  

 

Sunday night-even more take down

 

By Monday, the only thing left was to gather and distribute the many tablecloths that were on loan from other wards.  I brought home a bunch to wash.

It was a great community event.  We had over 1000 people walk through and enjoy the Christmas spirit.

MAJOR re-cap!

 Here is a massive catch-up!

Abby participated in our neighborhood swim team, the Kedron Cruisers!  She had so much fun at the practices and meets.  It was a great way to meet new people.

 The Snow family came to visit...we're trying to get them to move here...hint, hint.

We got a new golf cart in June. Are 2 golf carts necessary?  Kind of...one is old and slow and one is fast and new.

 

We ran into our dear friends, the Turbyfield's at the PTC fireworks on July 4th.  It was a fun surprise!

 

These cuties spent a lot of time together this summer.  Riding bikes, swimming, exploring, sleep-overs, wearing matching bandanas, crafting, etc., etc.

 

Abby had the opportunity to go to 4H Camp, even though she's not even in 4H.  She went with these girls from our ward and had a great time at her first sleep-away camp.

 

Sam took some private golf lessons this summer.  Some at the shop and some at the course.  He enjoyed hitting the links and sinking 10 putts in a row...a new record at the shop.

 

Sometimes you just need a nap!

 

We enjoyed a week at my in-laws beach house in Amelia Island.  We also took Carly with us and the kids had a great time.  The weather was great during the day and cool storms rolled in in the evening.

 

This girl turned one!  We had a party w/a few neighbors which included: cake, illegal fireworks from Tennessee, 4 phone calls made to the police department, a visit from one of PTC's finest.  No tickets were issued.  We really know how to celebrate!

 

Abby was kindly invited to go to Jackson with her cousins to spend time w/G'ma & G'pa at the cabin.  A week of adventures ensued: fishing, hiking, eating, horse riding, tram-riding, waffle-eating, etc.  She had a wonderful time!

 

Sam was invited back to his old baseball team's Brave's Fantasy Camp.  He got to meet some Braves players and practice his skills and see old friends.

 

August 10th was National S'more day so we celebrated with friends and neighbors but having s'mores!  We like to honor all holidays.

 

 

Abby's first day of 6th grade!

 

Abby planted tomato seeds and we enjoyed these hybrid jellybean grape tomatoes!

 

Best friends are the best!

 

I got to spend a long weekend with these lovely ladies!  Lazette, Teresa and Mindy (who flew in from Idaho) and I had a great time at the beach!

 

The Easterly's invited us to their lovely lake house at Lake Burton.  We had so. much. fun!  The kids loved boating, tubing (with the exception of the major flip), eating, fishing, gaming, jumping off the dock.  It was perfect weather and we loved it!

 

Sam working hard at Heritage Assisted Living.  He loves his job and the sweet people he gets to visit.  We are so grateful for this experience for him.

Sam actually drove the golf cart.  He is not a fan of driving.

 

I took Abby, Katrina and Bailey to the Shakerag Arts Festival and we had a lot of fun!

 

Cousin day at the Temple!  I'm so grateful to have my cousin Laurie live so close!  

 

Abby turned 12 on October 11th and we had a firepit dinner, s'mores, outdoor movie and a sleepover.  The girls had a good time...I was tired!

 

Sam went to the PTC Special Pops Fall Festival and it was a fun activity for him.  There were different stations where he did different skills.  He got fun prizes and Chick-Fil-A food!  Win-win!

 

Sam has had the opportunity to be more involved w/our ward's YM program.  On this particular night, they YM were helping a lady in the ward clear out her back yard of debris.  They started a fire to burn the debris and a neighbor called 911.  Cops and the Fire Dept showed up.  You know it's a good activity when 911 is called.

 

Now that Abby is free of casts and/or braces, she is back to her piano events.  This was Music Day held at Clayton State.  She plays two pieces by memory and gets feedback from professionals other than her piano teacher.  It's a really good opportunity for her and she did well!

 

Halloween was fun and these two "color bombs" are too cute!  It's so great to have your BFF live on the same street. We enjoyed the Halloweenie Roast at the West's house and thanks to my fun neighbors, we had a firepit party in the cul-de-sac.  It was so awesome that a cop showed up just to tell us how awesome it was.  It was awesome.  I love our neighbors!

 

Sam:  announcer

 

Todd was a Toothpick (??) and I was a peacock

 

So that about wraps up the last few months!

Phew!