How much can you fit into a weekend?

What a weekend! Valerie had a Dr appointment in Harrisonburg after work, then I picked up Asher and we came home. Valerie spent Friday/Saturday morning at her dad's this week. That is taking some getting used to, and we miss her a lot when she is gone, but it means that I am a little more organized in weekend plans- meaning that I try to make plans now, occasionally. Ever since Asher was born, something every 3-6 months was about as much as we have done. There were the issues of traveling with him (and his throwing up), finances, etc.

Friday, Asher and I went to the Church Christmas party where he pretty much ran laps around the church for 2 hours. At the end, for about half an hour, he was interacting with the primary kids by "singing." He climbed right up on the stage, got in the very front and was "singing" and watching the kiddos around him and making the gestures they were making. It cracked me totally up.

Saturday, we were supposed to go to look at rescue dogs- we have applied to adopt a Husky, but Valerie did not get back in time.  While we waited, I dressed Asher up in a suit that I am listing on eBay (feebay) and Matt took him to take pictures with Santa.

Instead of visiting Masi, we went to Tyson's Corner so Valerie and Candra could have a ball and get ideas for how to spend birthday/Christmas money. Matt and I just walked around with Asher. He had an absolute ball. We did not buy a thing, but it really was great to spend time looking and playing.

Afterward, we drove to Shannon and Ernies for dinner (they pretty much rock) and then we went to see the temple lights. I have NEVER seen that many people at a temple EVER. It was truly insane. The lights did not disappoint, however.

THEN, I had to finish my talk for church (post below). I had written it Thursday, but it wasn't right, so I had to start over. I also taught in Relief Society today. I could not sleep last night with anxiety of the talk, but it went well.

It was a wonderful weekend and I definitely am tired, but I am so glad we did the things that we did and that Matt worked 2 twelve hour days last week, so he could have a Saturday off.

The temple- Asher thought it was the Disney World castle and literally FREAKED OUT when we left without going inside to "ride the train."

Dressing up to meet Santa

Modeling his coat and spiky hat.  Asher likes to chase us around and "poke" us with his spikes.  Our fake screams of "OWWW" set him off in a fit of giggles.

Asher looking at the manger scene at the temple.  He climbed up and was looking so sweetly at the scene, that I just let him stand there.  Suddenly though, he ran up to the manger and took baby Jesus out of the manger.  Thankfully, it was just a manequin ;-)

Valerie does not like to smile for me on request anymore, BUT, I think she had an excellent weekend as well

At the very end of the children singing, Asher got pushed off the stage.  It scared him, but he was allllll better once the 15 primary girls aged 8-12 came to love him.  He ate that UP.  What a funny boy.