More Utah vacation fun

Near the end of our Utah vacation we all listed our favorite moments from the week. This is a compilation:

1. Going to a cabin with Grandma and Grandpa Springer and playing in the snow.  And playing Yahtzee. And getting Grandma and Grandpa to play Yahtzee with us.  And running through the snow to get to a hot tub!

2. Sledding in the snow near Grandma and Grandpa's land in Heber on Christmas Eve.

3. Going to a funny play - a parody of "It's a Wonderful Life" at Desert Start Theater.

4. Playing with cousins and friends.

5. Seeing the Up house in Herriman.

6. Going to a tour of nativities from around the world.

7. Seeing the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert.

Here are a few more photos. On the 22nd we attended a presentation of nativities from around the world at the home of the Hyde Family in West Jordan. This family provides an amazing service by contracting with artists from impoverished countries to make nativities which reflect their native culture. Then the Hyde family sells them and return the proceeds to the artisans (which greatly increases their ability to support their families). The Hydes don't take any of the profits, but do it as a service. In addition, they open up their home EVERY NIGHT in December for tours of their personal collection of hundreds of nativities. (Think about that for a minute. I'm not sure we are even home any of the nights in December. I can't imagine hosting hundreds of people per night in my home every night during the Christmas season!) Garrick Hyde gives tours every half hour, and he explains much about the different cultures, people, and the nativities they create. It was a truly inspiring activity, and really emphasized the true meaning of Christmas. If you want to read more about the Hyde Family Nativity Project, click here for a story from the Salt Lake Tribune, click here for a story from the Salt Lake Tribune or here for the Nativity Project's website.

 

 

The tiny nativity set on the right side below was Aubrey's favorite. It was carved from Rosewood in Madagascar. Aubrey's good friend Breanne spent the day with us and attended the nativity tour.

This set, made from cornhusks by artisans in the Czech Republic, was the favorite of both me and Bailey. The detail is incredible!

Just before we saw the nativities Aubrey, Joseph, and Breanne presented their own arrangement of Christmas songs, with harmonized vocals and choreography!

Bailey, Aubrey, and Mianna (our cousin) spent time together on two different days. It's great to see that they are still good friends and as goofy as ever!