Candy Windows

On Tuesday evening we found ourselves with a little bit of time and an intense desire to get out of the house, so we decided to check out the decorations downtown. Each year, some of the businesses along center street create window displays made entirely from candy. We're not sure if Ainslie realized that they were all candy, but she seemed to think they were cool.

After seeing all the windows, we ventured a little further - waving at cars and enjoying the Christmas decorations.

Ainslie was excited to touch every tree that we passed . . .

And she insisted that she be the one to push the button for the cross walk.

By the time we got back to the car we were all pretty frozen. Ainslie wasn't very good at keeping her mittens on, and she loved walking in the crunchy snow (getting her feet wet).

But when we got home we warmed up quickly with some delicious hot cocoa.

It may have been really cold, but it was lots of fun.

Christmas Activities

On Monday, Josh took his last final of this semester. Janae still has more work to do, but the end is in sight. On Saturday, we decided to go do something "Christmas-y" for a little break from the studying, so we headed down to Spanish Fork for the Festival of Lights.
If you've never been, the Festival of Lights is a fun way see some good ol' fashioned Christmas scenes illuminated in thousands of small, twikinling lights (some of them are even animated!).









They've got everything. Even Santa's there, staring at cars as they drive by.
There were also a few unique displays as well. Not sure what Rams butting heads and cowboys mid-rodeo have to do with Christmas, but they did have a certain charm.









There were also a few reminders of what Christmas is really about.
Ainslie loves the lights.
But, you don't have to go all the way to Spanish Fork for great Christmas lights. Just like last year, we have been scouting out some of the impressive houses in Provo. On our way home Saturday we stopped by a house in the river bottoms that has the brightest trees we've ever seen.
The pictures can't quite do it justice. The trees look like they've been dusted with candy canes. They're incredible.
So, if you're looking for something fun to do or just a way to entertain your toddler, we recommend the lights.

Pea Candy

When Josh was little, his mom successfully convinced him that frozen peas were a special treat - pea candy. Even now, eating peas right out of the freezer is something Josh loves. These days Ainslie is getting to be a pretty picky eater, and "candy" is becoming a new favorite word. Inspired by Josh's mom, Janae has successfully convinced Ainslie that frozen peas are really just little, green popsicles. It's great. Ainslie loves to eat candy, and we love it when peas are candy.

Curlers . . .

On Friday, we were invited to the annual Christmas party at the firm where Josh will be working next year. While Janae was getting ready, Ainslie wanted to get in on the fun. As you can see, Josh isn't too experienced with putting curlers in, but Ainslie didn't seem to mind the haphazard placement. They definitely had the desired effect . . .
Curlers are fun!