So, Jasmine has yet again said some funny things that I have to post because I want to remember them and share the laughs with you.
About a week ago, I was sitting at my desk trying to get some work done and Jasmine comes marching into the office and puts her hands on her hips and says in a loud tone, "Don't upset me Mommy!" and then turned and walked out of the office. I sat there stunned and chuckling!
It has begun - and a bit early I might add. A few weeks ago, Lorne was telling Jasmine that she needed to sit still and finish her food, and he was being stern with her. She looked at him with her wide eyes and said, "Why?"
Last night I performed some concerts at the Visitor's Center (post on that later). Jasmine and Lorne arrived and Jasmine was mesmerized by the 450,000 lights that were displayed on the temple grounds. She looked up at Daddy and said, "Daddy, are we going to see Santa?" Lorne replied, "No sweetie, we are going to the Visitor's Center" (think of how he says it with an Australian accent Center pronounced "senta"). Jasmine instantly got excited and said, "Oh! We are going to Visitasanta?"
I had a stark realization that my little girl was growing up today. I took her to a local library because they were doing a story time and activity for children 2-3 years old called Gingerbread Tales. As we were sitting there, a mom and a cute little girl walks in and Jasmine gets all excited and says, "Mommy look! It's my friend Gracie!". I looked but didn't recognize the girl and thought she was mistaken. I asked Jasmine where her friend was and she again pointed to this little girl. So I thought a minute and realized that maybe the girl was in Jasmine's preschool class. During a break, I asked the mom if her daughter went to Epiphany and she said yes and that her daughter was in the 2 year old class - just like Jasmine. I then explained to her that Jasmine had recognized Gracie when she walked in and the mother said that it cleared up a mystery she had too because apparently Gracie was telling her mom, "Mom, there's my friend." The realization is that my daughter now knows people I don't know. It made me a bit sad but it was bound to happen sooner or later - I just wish it was later.
After my concert last night that Jasmine attended, Lorne brought her down to the stage to see me and she threw herself at me and gave the biggest hug and kiss and said, "It was so beautiful Mommy!" I melted.
My favorite Jasmine line lately is when she feels loving. She will put her hands on my cheeks and pat them and say, Mommy, you're my sweet!"
Jasmine and the first ornament placed on the tree - this year's Mount Vernon Ornament!
When we were done, we lit it and Jasmine was so mesmerized. She has also learned to leave the tree alone once it is up and hasn't been taking off the ornaments like she did last year. It is amazing to see her and how she views the holidays - it makes me young at heart and brings back the purity of the spirit of the holidays as I gaze into the beautiful eyes of my lovely daughter. Her excitement and wonder and joy fills my heart and makes me want to do everything I can to give her all the magic of the season.
We decided to take Jasmine to meet Santa and braved rush hour traffic going south on a Friday to make it happen. We arrived with enough time to stop by The City Square Cafe and say hello to my uncle and aunt (who also happen to own the restaurant - for those of you who may not know!). When we walked in, Jasmine was not pleased. She tugged on my hand and said, "No Mommy, I want to see Santa". I told her to be patient. We had a small chat and then off we went to see him arrive.
And see him we did! We had front row standing positions on the train platform as the train rolled up and Santa waved at us from the conductor's window. It was really neat and Jasmine was super excited to see him. Alas, we weren't standing close to where he got off the train so he quickly disappeared into the crowd. Jasmine got upset and I promised her that we would see him that night. She said she wanted to give Santa a big hug and kiss! She also said she wanted to ask Santa to bring her a train and a hat and a toy. 
We walked over to the lawn of the Manassas museum and enjoyed the tree lighting festivities. They announced that Santa would be sitting in the gazebo across the street for all the children to sit on is lap. Jasmine and I hurried over to stand in line. The line was not short.
We waited in line for an hour and a half. Jasmine was so patient. She had managed to make friends with a newspaper photographer for the Manassas Journal Messenger and she took many pictures of Jasmine. Much to our joy, she was in the paper the next day and I have bought a copy of the picture to frame. I will post it below!
As we got closer to Santa, Jasmine grew a bit nervous and I was afraid we would have a repeat performance of last year when she went hysterical when she sat on his lap. Luckily, Santa had his missus with him so when it was Jasmine's turn she began to get upset and I suggested that she sit on Mrs. Claus's lap first. She did and she warmed up to Santa and eventually sat on his lap and gave him a big hug and kiss. She was even more excited when she got candy from Mrs. Claus.
We went over to the restaurant afterwards and had dinner. It was so nice because Tio & Tia were able to sit down and eat with us. We had the most lovely time. The food was delicious, the conversation was great and we were all smiles. It was the nicest night and Jasmine went home asking when she could see Santa again! 
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Marcia and I got pictures by a few of the Christmas trees that they had decorated in the Visitor's Center in our choir dresses! What a priviledge it is for us to sing in this choir!
Saturday we had another fun time. We got up and after breakfast, took Jasmine to the YMCA to go swimming. The house we rented came with a membership and so we tried to take advantage. Jasmine had a great time in the water and kept telling us how she was a mermaid. After swimming, we met the crew at the Bodie Island Lighthouse and took some pictures. It was nice but a bit windy. This was the only lighthouse we got to this time around, but there is always next year!
The afternoon was spent relaxing and Lorne went to play racquetball with Jeff. I hear it was a good match. Before dinner, we headed down the street to see some flying kites that were decorated with lights. We saw them very briefly as they began taking them down as we approached. After dinner, we packed up as we were leaving the next day and then watched a movie.
Sunday, we finished packing and went to church. It was nice to visit another ward. Afterwards, it was time to head home. We all said our goodbyes. I was carrying Jasmine and we were skipping happily towards the car across the parking lot when I lost my footing and fell - HARD. Jasmine landed on her back and luckily was not hurt. I was another story. I skinned both of my palms, both of my knees, and my inner right elbow. I haven't fallen like that since I was a kid. Everyone was great, they all came over to help out and Lorne bandaged me up. I was very grateful for everyone, even though I felt absolutely foolish for falling down. That's what I call ending your trip with a bang!
