Connor's a Sunbeam (and we got our first snow)!

With the New Year came changes at church.  Connor is no longer in nursery he is now a Sunbeam!!  I can't believe it!  A couple weeks ago the Primary President sent home a letter to all the new Sunbeam parents telling us his new teacher, what to expect, the schedule, etc.  In there was also a badge he could wear his first Sunday in Primary to let everyone know he is a Sunbeam and to make him feel special.

Such a cute Sunbeam!!!  Can you tell he's excited?!!

So I took him to primary, proudly wearing his badge, and found where his class sits and was just waiting with him for things to get settled (teachers to arrive, etc.).   He was just patiently quietly sitting there waiting for things to start and taking it all in.  After awhile I asked him if he wanted me to stay and wait with him or go and he said, 'Just go mommy.  I'm ok.'   Really??  I asked if he was sure and he said he was fine.  So I left.   I didn't think it would be that easy.  I pictured a scene very different from what happened, I really thought there would be more tears involved.  But he proved me wrong.   He is so grown up!!!  I'm so proud of him!!   He did a great job and told us all about it on our way home from church.   He is such a great kid!!

In other news......we got our first snow of the season!  (Well, snow that actually stuck!)   It was freezing outside and the snow was very powdery, not to great for snowballs and such.  Bummer!  But we went outside anyways and played in it.  :)

Christmas Memories

Here are some pics from Christmas.  This year it was fun creating our own family traditions, blending Booth family and Minetto family traditions.

Christmas Eve

Connor and I made these reindeer cookies for Santa and Mrs. Claus.  They were DELICIOUS!!!

 Cutie Briella ready for Christmas in her Christmas pajamas.

 After our Christmas Eve dinner (which was a Minetto traditional Italian feast - manicotti, Christmas jello, rolls, and salad)  we acted out the Nativity (Booth family tradition).  The missionaries joined us which was great because we definitely needed more people in our Nativity.  Matt loved doing this growing up so it was a 'must have' for our new family traditions.  :)  I guess my acting skills will come out one way or another.  :)  (Ya right, acting skills, who am I kidding!)

Connor's letter to Santa, plate of cookies for Santa and Mrs. Claus,
he was always sure to include her.  :)   And his Christmas list,
just in case Santa forgot. :)

Christmas Morning!

 We had church at 9am so we decided to only open our stocking before church.  He was really excited for the Hot-wheels cars.  

Our Christmas family photo

  Connor was really excited (and surprised) to get a camera.  He LOVES taking pictures - maybe we have a future photographer on our hands.  

 Matt enjoying his Mom's homemade caramels. They are DELICIOUS!  (As you can tell!)

Briella 'opening' her Christmas present.  Connor opened all the rest.

Connor was funny about Christmas.  He loved just opening the presents.  Once he opened the gift he would glance at it say something nice and then move right on to the next one.  He just wanted to open them all (which he pretty much did).

It was nice having Christmas here in Ohio with just our family.  (A little more relaxed not traveling and so nice having our own beds to sleep in on Christmas Eve!)  I did miss my family in Oregon, but I guess this means I'm growing up and establishing my own family memories.