A Caroling We Go

Wednesday, December 15, 2015

Another snowy day. The kids have been loving the snow. They get home from school, bundle up and head straight out to the backyard to sled/ski/snowboard for hours.  They’ve built a jump at the bottom of the hill on the side yard and are having a great time trying to do tricks on their skis and snowboard. Today I couldn’t even get them to come in for dinner. I didn’t fight it too hard even though it meant we were late for some things. They were playing so well together. Big flakes were slowly falling. It was cold but there was no wind. We put Christmas music on the speakers outside and the kids laughed and played with each other until well into dark. Having the flood lights on the side of the house make it feel like night skiing. All of this outside play hasn’t been good for homework getting done. But I can’t help but let them do it when they are getting along so well and playing outside.  It feels productive.

Tonight the little boys went caroling with Jeff and the 16 and 17 year old young men. They delivered plates of cookies and sang songs to families in the neighborhood. I couldn’t resist and I joined them at a few houses before heading to Kira’s choir concert. With the snow softly falling and a fresh inch or two blanketing everything, it was a picture perfect night to go caroling. After a hot cup of cocoa the boys headed back out to doorbell ditch goodies at some other houses in the ward…probably their favorite Christmas tradition.

Tonight they were all tired after a long day. When I was putting the boys to bed Mikey said “what about hugs and kisses?” So I leaned over and gave Mikey and Isaac hugs and kisses and said “I love you.” After a minute Mikey rolled over and said, “I love you Isaac.” Isaac said “I love you Mikey Pikey”  ….  “I love you Mike Wazowski”   ….   “I love you Mikey.” Mikey rolled over and closed his eyes with a huge smile on his face.  I just sat and watched him beam with happiness because his big brother had just told him that he loved him.