The New Years Scene

New Years was a HUGE adventure and bucket list checkoff for Jonas and Zildy. They went to NYC for the ball drop in Times Square! It's something they had been dreaming about and talking about for years, and they finally decided to do it. So on New Years Eve eve, they hopped on a plane to New York with anticipation in their eyes. 

They arrived at about 6am, rested a little, or tried to, and then headed out to the subway. On the way, they happened to meet Maria and Laura, who have the distinction of being the only locals they met all day! They became great friends and stayed together the whole time. 


Then the 13 hour wait began. They met people from all over the world including Taiwan, Australia, Japan, Ohio, Atlanta, Honduras, Italy, and many more! The weather was ideal, considering it was January. Jonas even had some layers he had to take off.


It was long, and boring with sporadic moments of excitement. To keep spirits up, Zildy would blow her horn on the hour, every hour. It was nothing like you see on TV, however it was all 100% worth it for the magical, indescribable moment when the countdown started and the ball dropped.



An unbelievable amount of confetti streamers burst out of everywhere imaginable and they started playing "New York, New York," which makes sense, but was still so unexpected and magical! It was just the most perfect moment ever!!

Afterwards, Maria’s husband hooked them up by letting them use the restrooms at the Renaissance Times Square (where he works) and that was a priceless gift, after not going able to go for so long!



And then they got to eat delicious Colombian food with their new found friends at a place called Pollos a La Brasa Mario in Queens. They were there until 4am! Finally they said their goodbyes and headed off to the airport, both starry and sleepy eyed.

What a way to ring in the new decade!


Zuri and Taye spent New Years with Jenny Williams and family, and she sent some pictures of the party they were at. Shayden hung out with friends and Jasmine went to the stake dance with friends, but neither of them took any pictures.

The Christmas Scene

It was so cute, in the middle of Relief Society the Primary kids all came in and sang songs dressed up in the nativity scene clothes. It was Taye's last time, as he was moving on to Young Men's in January. Taye was a sheep every year, and this time Zuri was the donkey. 

Zildy did some face painting at Breakfast with Santa at Chick-Fil-A.



Christmas Eve Pache dinner at the Browns. Always such a fun night. 

Opening presents is chaotic but fun. 

The performances were impressive, and Shayden, Cee Ryle and Eric did a hilarious skit. 

Casey got an arcade game and the boys had to break it in. 

This was the picture for our virtual Christmas card. 

Stockings and presents from Santa. I didn't get any good pictures of the kids opening presents. 

The scene in December

In December mom and Zuri went to a gingerbread cookie decorating party at IKEA.

 

Zildy had a mom's night with all of her homeschooling friends. 

 

We took our annual trip to see Christmas in NYC and this time we went to Boston after, instead of before. When we got the airport, we were surprised to see that the entire terminal was decorated like Whoville!


When we got to the city, we went to Santaland. Then we walked around the shops at Bryant Park and had some yummy treats and hot cocoa. 

In NYC, you never know what you are going to find. Such as a bunch of pink statue of liberties. 

We did see the New Years 2019 ball and the Rockefeller tree, and went to Dylans Candy Bar. Then we rode the Roosevelt tram at dusk which was very pretty, and headed to our hotel. We rented an Airbnb in Queens, and after a few mishaps, made it there and relaxed to watch a movie. It was a nice change from having to rush to the airport after sightseeing. In the morning we got on a plane and went to Boston to see our family there. Aunt Catalina made us a delicious Guatemalan dinner! We hung out at Alex and Courtney's new home. Jasmine and Ellie made tiktok videos. Zuri and Taye played hard with Kujo and Max, and just enjoyed time with family. 

We did see the New Years 2019 ball and the Rockefeller tree, and went to Dylans Candy Bar. Then we rode the Roosevelt tram at dusk which was very pretty, and headed to our hotel. We rented an Airbnb in Queens, and after a few mishaps, made it there and relaxed to watch a movie. It was a nice change from having to rush to the airport after sightseeing.




In the morning we got on a plane and went to Boston to see our family there. Aunt Catalina was so kind and made us a delicious Guatemalan dinner! We hung out at Alex and Courtney's new home. Jasmine and Ellie made tiktok videos. Zuri and Taye played hard with Kujo and Max, and just enjoyed time with family. 

When we got home Mom, Taye and Zuri had to repack for another trip the next day: sunny California! We got to go to Disneyland because the Browns had a free trip and an extra ticket, and Gracie invited Taye to come with her. Because of that, they invited Zuri and Zildy to share their hotel room. We were so grateful and it was a great time!


We hit the ground running once we got there and headed to California Adventure on the first day. We stayed until they closed at 10pm!

The next day was Disneyland and we wanted to get our money's worth, so we got there before they opened, and left after they closed at midnight. 

Best picture ever! This says it all. Zuri is fearless!

The parade was pretty spectacular.

There were so many delicious confections to choose from!

We were there for a total of 16 1/2 hours! We were SO tired!

Sister time is always fun! We both had cute hats to wear. 





These are the professional pictures that they took at the park. The turned out great and were fun to see on the app.


The last day we just hung out at the shops before flying out. Taye flew with the Browns. 



Taye played bass guitar with the advanced band class that he was taking. They got to perform at a Women's Basketball game at SLCC. He did a great job!



Zildy had a company party in Ogden so she decided to take the kids to see the Christmas Village lights. Some of the Browns came too.

Walking around the lights at Temple Square is always a tradition.