More Holiday Traditions

Last year we started a couple of new traditions that we got to carry on this year. The first is going to the movies for the new Star Wars movies. Last year was the first with The Force Awakens and then this year was Rogue One. The boys (mostly Ricky and Lincoln) were eagerly anticipating this release. Because of the timing of it all we weren't able to go on opening night so we had to wait until Saturday. We watched it at the new Harkins Theater in their biggest screen (which is apparently the biggest in the valley) and with reclining chairs. It was a good movie and we look forward to next years release on the Star Wars saga.

Another tradition we started last year was a visit to the east valley to see the Mesa temple lights. We've been making a whole day of it and just find something fun to do that is in the east valley. This year we stopped at the McCormick railroad park. It was decorated for the holidays and the weather couldn't have been nicer. We spent a few hours there while the boys rode the train three times, the carousel once and we spent about an hour in the model train building. We all had a nice time and the boys loved getting to ride the train by themselves. 

Family selfie on the mini train ride. 

This is the engine on the mini train ride. 

This is the caboose of the mini train. 

When we walked in the model train building where we saw entire model cities and dozens and dozens of trains running through them, Logan tells me, "I can't go in there. That is where all of my dreams come true." He was pretty excited and took in every little detail. 

The is the second year in a row that we visited the Mesa Temple to see the Christmas lights. This year it went much smoother because we went on a weekday and earlier in the evening. We were worried it was going to rain on us so we hurried through but we still got to see it all. We just didn't see any performances this year. It was still a great opportunity for us to be on temple grounds and think of our Savior during this special time of year. 

After seeing the temple lights we headed to Organ Stop Pizza for dinner. We was awesome to hear Christmas music on the amazing organ they have their. Even after we finished eating we hung out and watched and listen to another set or two of the music. We ended with some ice cream. It was the perfect night together.