Saturday, December 19, 2009

Checking out the Christmas lights

Last night we went down to temple square to see the Christmas lights. They're pretty amazing, but so freakin' cold we don't go very often. This was the first time I'd been in about 5 years. The last time was the year before my dad passed away. This year they had a nativity spread out over a larger area, with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus on the water. And their big nativity with narration is in a separate area. Noah and Reagan had a great time running around. Reagan kept yelling "ooohhh, lights!", "Polar bear!!!" (don't ask. we have no idea why she calls some lights 'polar bear'.) and "Merry Christmas". Noah was happy for about 15 minutes and then he was ready to go get the hot chocolate we'd promised him we'd get on the way home. Like father like son.


here's Reagan and Noah. Reagan so thrilled we made her sit still for a picture.



here's all of us, Reagan wondering why she is still sitting there.




Here is the nativity with baby Jesus on the water. It was actually very cool. I'd make some comment about His ability to walk on water at such a young age, but that may be pushing the sacrilegious line too far. still - loved the picture.





Reagan loved this nativity, so i tried to catch in on video. sorry the lighting's so bad.







Aaron and Noah were champs waiting around while Reagan took her sweet ol' time going from one thing to another. I think it was the promise of hot chocolate AND a cookie that helped keep them happy.




Here's a shot of the other nativity. It's come a long way since I saw it five years ago.




This is my favorite picture. Reagan was on Aaron's shoulders, listening to the narration of Jesus' birth, with the Salt Lake temple in the background.






This Christmas will be different from any we've had in the past, as far as presents are concerned, but the spirit of Christmas is stronger than ever. Instead of giving presents, we've given service. We thought it would be a good experience for Noah, and us, to have a month where we tried to think of others more than ourselves. We never imagined the kind of love and support that others would show us. So many people have gone out of their way to serve and help where they can. Someone brought over a meal, another paid for Noah's tuition for the play he was in, someone else gave us a gift card to the grocery store and others have sent money to help where it's needed. Many of these things were done anonymously, leaving us no way to thank them. it has been an overwhelming and very humbling experience.

This difficult time will come and go. Eventually Aaron will have a job and the stress this has brought will be gone. But the love and support we've been shown will stay with us forever. Thank you to all of you who have been there for us, near and far. We love you all.


Merry Christmas.

3 comments:

Alisha said...

Merry Christmas Walkers!!!

Sara Walker said...

How fun!! We love you guys and are thinking and praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, Walkers. 2010 is going to be a great year for you.