Goodbye 2016

New Years Eve has been fun.

We went four wheeling again and played lots of games.

The kids played lots of electronics and we played some card games and board games.

This year has been a good one.

We're looking forward to 2017.

Four Wheeler Fun!

The sun was shining and the snow was crisp and calling for us.

So we dressed in winter clothing and went four wheeling.

Everyone has so much fun either driving the four wheeler or riding in the sled behind it.

So much fun!

Soft, Warm Jackets

I got new jackets for Joyanne and myself.

They are the softest jackets ever.

Grant loves to snuggle up right next to me.

They are softer than any blanket and they keep me just as warm.

Yay! for soft, warm, cozy jackets!

Joyanne and I stayed up talking late.

It was nice to bond and just have some girl talk.

Amy's Wedding

I was so happy to see my niece, Amy, marry Matt in the Salt Lake Temple.

They make such a cute, happy couple.

They are moving to England, where Matt is from and has a job.

The ceremony was beautiful.

While it was cold, the snow looked sparkly and spectacular.

Jack Rabbit Hill

With the freshly new snow, we all went sledding with our new sleds to Jack Rabbit Hill.

Daddy had the most fun taking the kids down on the double tube and going further and further each time.

You could hear Daddy shout, "Woohoo!" as he sailed down the hill with a smile plastered to his face.

We bundled up in so many layers, only to find ourselves hot and shedding those layers shortly after we started sledding.

Grant was amazing as he went down the hill by himself over and over and over again.

After an hour and a half of fun times, we finally headed home for some warm hot chocolate.

A couple days ago Daddy buried Joyanne alive after shoveling the snow.

Merry Christmas!

We had a Merry Christmas.

The kids were so excited to see what they received and see what others got too.

We always open stockings first.

We got a few new games and some other cool stuff.

The day was spent enjoying our church meeting and remembering the true meaning of Christmas.

We relaxed all day, tasting treats, playing games, and just being together.

Remembering Christ

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve.

We have our last gift for the 12 days of Christmas.

The present was wrapped in over 10 boxes.

I'm sure they had fun unwrapping box after box until they finally got to the last box.

We watched Christmas movies, ate a delicious dinner, and opened the traditional present of pajamas.

We also had a special devotional of singing Christmas songs and watching the nativity.

We love Jesus and are grateful he was born.

Ice Skating

We had a blast ice skating at the Weber Ice Sheet.

The kids have been excited all week knowing we were going tonight.

Noah, Hiram, and Joyanne were great right off at ice skating, but it wasn't long before Jaden, James and Grant had it down fairly well.

This is one activity we definitely want to do again.

By the way, Happy Birthday, Joseph Smith!

Christmas Orchestra Concert

Joyanne played her violin in her school orchestra concert.

Mr. Dunn directed tonight.

He's the reknowned director of the Northern Utah Youth Symphony.

The Christmas songs were fun to hear, and the orchestra played beautifully.

I'm grateful my kids use their talents to bless other's lives.

Sliding Around

After doing preschool and piano with Grant, we took a walk out in the fields and found all this ice.

We broke lots of ice just by walking on it, but this long stretch of ice was awesome for sliding on.

Grant took the piece of ice he has home and watched it melt inside on a cookie sheet.

Aunt Becca and Uncle Bryon

The kids were so excited to have Aunt Becca and Uncle Bryon come over yesterday.

We built and decoated 2 gingerbread houses and decorated sugar cookies.

We all had fun together!

Our Sabbath day was nice as we attended church, and just relaxed together.
We also took some family pictures just with our phones at the church.

Reflections Christmas Choir Concert

After a wonderful singing season, we had our choir christmas concert.

I sang as a 2nd soprano, which was a challenge, but I enjoyed it.

I learned a lot about singing parts.

We have many wonderful ladies, some excellent pianists and a fabulous director, Beth Lefgren.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my talents with others and bring the true Spirit of Christ into people's hearts.

May the "Sweet Songs of Christmas" touch your heart and remind you of the reason for the season!

Do ya wanna build a snowman?

Daddy spent his day off building some snow men.

Here's his 1st one looking a bit like Olaf.

Don't you just love the bunch of little snowman at the bottom?!

This snowman below comes from a "Calvin and Hobbs" book.

Daddy actually looked up the cartoon and built it.

The poor snowman has been hit by a cannon in the back, and you can see the hole in his belly.

James took after his daddy and built his own snowman all by himself, with no help at all.

Fundraiser

Joyanne took her electric piano to the grocery store, Kent's, and played Christmas music for the customers as they were coming and going.

She raised some money to go with Northern Utah Youth Symphony on tour to Southern Utah.

She also plays the violin beautifully.

I have been performing with the Bear River Valley Reflections Choir in nursing homes and for small groups.

It has been fun to share my singing talent with others.

Second day of Christmas was fun as Noah sneaked up to their door and then sped off super fast after knocking, and they almost instantly opened the door.

They were surprised and pleased to receive yet another gift.

Christmas time is the best!

Big Bubble Bath

I appreciate good visiting teachers who came and shared advice with me that I will apply.

I asked them what they did well in raising their kids.

One responded with having her kids report back to her that they completed the task she sent them to do.

The other told me how she taught her kids about the Atonement and Christ.

The 12 days of Christmas started and we are secretly giving to someone.

Tonight they received a nice ornament for their Christmas tree.

It's fun to give.

Jaden, James, Grant and Hiram enjoyed a big bubble bath.

Now they are squeaky clean!