12/9/16 Trees and Tickets

This morning Papa asked us to help pick out and set up a Christmas tree. Joseph and Peter got right into this project. We found a lovely tree that they kindly sized for us so that it will fit in the park model.

The next stop was the theater were Papa picked up tickets for Rogue One for next week. Papa prefers to be prepared. The boys occupied the time running around the ring that others may incorrectly feel is for sitting on.

While Becca B, Papa, Joseph and Peter and I ran these errands Heidi, Gram and David took care of things at 430. Heidi helped prep the spot for the tree and helped Gram hem a pair of Papa's pants.

This evening Heidi and I were blessed to attend a Christmas party with members of the Stake Presidency and High Council. It was held at Matt St. Martin's home. The food was delicious and the conversation was lively. There was a white elephant gift exchange that resulted in quite a few laughs. Apparently there is a vase that has made an appearance at this annual gathering under three stake presidents. Heidi estimates that means it been changing hands for at least 20 years. Humorous gifts included a dancing snoopy toy, a cleaner tool for the microwave and a basketball hoop for when you're sitting on the potty. We gave a board game called Imagine If and ended up with a device that allows you to use your smartphone to find your keys. Heidi is stoked. She's wanted one of these for years.

If that wasn't enough we wrapped up the evening visiting the concert of "James the Mormon". He's a Hip Hop rapper from Utah who tries to put an uplifting message in his lyrics. Admittedly this music is not our usual style. Still, the concert was put on by our friends, and clients the Alcantar's. They gave us free tickets so we decided we should give it a chance. Clearly there are many people who enjoy his style of music. As for me and Heidi we'll stick with or usual music. The good news is that the concert was able to raise over $9,000 to help needy families who otherwise would not be able to afford Christmas presents.