Reindeer Games at Boise Towne Square

Brian was out of town, so I decided I'd better venture out with the kids to get us out of the house. We went to the mall to start off the holiday season with crafts and games.

Hugs for Santa!

The spirit of Santa and the holiday season does make me a bit emotional...

Selfie of Ruth and me.

Wes, with his reindeer hat that he colored, posing like a reindeer.

After a long wait in line, it was finally Sydney's turn to get her face painted.

Winter princess face paint.

Wes didn't want his face painted, so he got his hand painted instead.

A snowman.

For dinner, I took the kids to Smashburger. (I think it's the only hamburger place that I think is actually really good.) Ruth enjoyed the spoons. :)

Chief Jo Academic Excellence Award 2013

On November 21st, Wesley was given the Chief Joseph Academic Excellence Award for the first trimester for his 1st grade class. He was given the same award in kindergarten a year ago. Here's what the principal, Mrs. Hart, said about Wes when she announced his name (I'm pretty sure it was written by his teacher):

"From Mrs. Johnson's class, our Academic Excellence winner is Wesley Hanks. Wesley's doing an amazing job in both reading and math. He has moved two reading levels since school began. In fact, in math, he only missed one problem on the math pretest. Mrs. Johnson, I bet you have to find ways to challenge Wesley!"

Ruth is very attentive (for the 2 seconds it took to take this picture) while on her daddy's lap.

Wes with his award. The other two kids in the picture are actually in our ward as well.

Good job, Wes!