Happy Thanksgiving!

My brother, John, and his family and my sister, Linda, and her family joined us at our home for Thanksgiving dinner.

The cousins had a blast playing together.

Aunt Linda and Aunt Stephanie talked a LONG time together.

The cousins favorite thing to do together was to play "Just Dance" on the Wii.

It was a happy day filled with much gratitude for each other and the many things we have.

Forts in the Car

On the way home from Idaho these kiddos put up forts in the car.

They put up their blankets around the Windows and in between the front seat and middle seat of the car.

Crazy kiddos!

Now we're back for 2 more days of school, then Thanksgiving vacation!

Back to homework and chores, then break time.

Can't wait!

Mission Call

On Friday, Daddy realized he had 3 days off and nothing planned, so we decided to go to Idaho and visit family.

We spent the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's in Idaho and had a Family dinner on Saturday.

What was really exciting was that Stephan received his mission call to Buenas Aires, Argentina.

We felt so blessed to be able to come up on this particular weekend.

Grandma was wonderful and made a Thanksgiving dinner for all of us.

We were also able to see Wanita's new baby, Amanda.

Cousin time was so fun.

It's been a long time since we've spent time with Daddy's family.

Grandpa's health has not been very good, but He is doing fairly well now.

Jeni loves holding Wanita's baby as much as I do.

I can't believe Jeni has 4 grandchildren with one more on the way!

Grandma had the kids help her do a few chores like cleaning cupboards.

Then she helped each of them make slime.

What kid doesn't like getting their hands messy and get to play with slime?!

Hyper Hiram

Hiram has so much fun-loving energy and a contagious smile.

He enjoys hands on activities, so the slime he made at Grandma Bills' was awesome.

He still loves legos, The Lego Movie, and often says "Everything is Awesome".

His doing great in school and doing great with his responsibilities at home.

He still likes to be a big tease, and he has a great sense of humor.

Sweet, Sleepy Boy!

Grant looked so sweet sleeping on my bed that I just couldn't resist taking his picture.

Such a sweet boy!

Grant doesn't often take naps, but if Daddy or I lay down for a nap, Grant will come join us.

He is full of energy and loves to test his limits as well as ours.

He loves having stories read to him.

He loves getting in his shorts so he can exercise with me.

He loves bath time, and he recently has loved playing with the Lego spaceships, cars and buildings that Daddy and his brothers have built for him. 

James

A cute little Indian came smiling towards me after school.

James looked great in his Indian dress.

I love this happy boy.

He tries hard to do what's right.

He is happy most of the time.

He works hard at school and is learning lots of Spanish in the immersion program.

His smile is contagious and he is great at serving others.

Noah

Noah has had fun learning the trumpet this trimester.

He has practiced well and sounds great on his own.

He had a concert this evening that we were all pleased to attend.

They sounded good, but, of course, Noah sounded the best!

Noah was tucked back behind the flutes.

Noah is full of smiles and fun.

He likes to talk and joke in a safe way.

He loves fun and is easy to tickle.

He is a determined boy and a hard worker.

The Poem Writer and Memorizer

Jaden has really been into poetry lately, especially the poems written by Jack Prelutsky.

He writes down his favorite poems in his poetry notebook.

Jaden will also check out poetry books at the library for his reading time.

Jaden has memorized quite a few poems that he will randomly share with us at times.

He has also written quite a few of his own poems.

Our Growing Daughter

On the days we dress nice, celebrate by taking a picture.

Joyanne looked so beautiful that I just couldn't resist taking her picture.

She is a courageous, fun, sweet, loving young woman.

I particularly liked her barefeet and had to get a picture of those too.

Someday, some lucky young man is going to be blessed with all this sweet goodness.

I'm so glad we get to enjoy her now. 

Joyanne is keeping busy staying on top of her online school, orchestra at the public school and piano at USU.

she creatively comes up with projects and activities that often include her brothers or cousins.

Multi-Stake Fireside

The Madrigal singing group from the high school sounded amazing at the fireside.

There director looked like a high school student.

Joyanne and I had the privilege of listening to Dawn L. Armstrong who was the missionary mom in the movie "Meet the Mormons".

Hey story of overcoming so many horrible hardships is amazing.

She held the whole audience captivated for a full 2 hours.

I was so glad we were able to go and be so uplifted.

Turkey Trot

Our family ran the Tremonton Turkey Trot.

Daddy, Noah, Joyanne, Jaden and I all ran the 5K.

Then our whole family ran the 1 mile.

We had fun expending our energy in a good way.

Plus we were able to donate food to the food pantry.

Jedi Knights

It's been a while since these were taken, but I don't think I got them in here.

Thanks Uncle Bryon for taking these awesome photos with your Star Wars App.

My kids are Jedi Knights.

They try to be good and get all their responsibilities done.

They are hard workers and do amazing things with their talents and abilities.

I love how they help each other and love each other.

They aren't perfect, but they try to be the best they can be.

May the force be with them!

Jedi Grant

Jedi James

Jedi Jaden

Jedi Hiram

Jedi Noah

Princess Joyanne

Silly Picture Taker

Joyanne had way to much fun when she stole my phone and started taking pictures.

I warned her that I would post these on my blog.

Such a sill girl!