SLC Lights

This year we went to SLC to see the lights with the Young Men organization of the ward. We took the train down and had a great time. We usually don't take the train and I'm not sure we will make that apart of our tradition but it was fun this time. The kids liked sitting up top. The way down was easy and quiet. The way back was a little bit crazier. The train was packed and it took us a bit to find a seat. 

Our first stop was the church history building. This was pretty cool but by the time the kids took a potty break we only had about 30 min. before they closed. What we saw was pretty cool though. We did find the kids play area and they enjoyed the 3 min. there before we had to leave again. 

Looking at the Angel Moroni statue and then looking out the window to see it on the temple. Pretty cool!

Walking through temple square to get to our dinner A choice. We should have just taken time then and there to look around because after dinner Temple Square was crazy busy! It was a little stressful keeping track of the kids and while the kids may have been looking at the lights I did not see that many this year. :) Dinner choice A would have been an extra 45 min. wait. So we decided to head to the food court for dinner for dinner choice B. Not sure that was a better idea. It was packed! We eat and stayed warm though so no complaints. 

Buddy got a headache and laid down on the ground to watch the narration of Christ's birth. Bro. Corbet went and laid on the ground with him. Buddy thought that was pretty cool.  

Thanks mom for watching the Em-A-Nator! Having her would have been extra stressful with the crowds, a stroller, and the train.

Waiting for the train to come so we can go home. MJ started a game of Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum. If the number landed on their foot it was out. They played the game about 3 times and it was great! The kids were entertained and we knew where they were at knowing they were safe! 

We had a great time on our adventure to SLC. Long day but another memory we can talk about for years!

Tree Decorating

Decorating the tree was good. The kids can do a lot now and that makes it fun. 

Ms M wearing the stockings. What a silly girl!

That nights sunset. Beautiful!

The only bad part was the sickness finally arrived. MJ didn't want me to leave for two days. She was content to sleep on me. The part of me that didn't like that was my sore bum.  

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Annual Tree Cutting

This years tree cutting extravaganza went well. No major mishaps. The weather was great and we had a great time. RB's brother fell off a ladder and had to have elbow surgery. So we took their son and the kids were happy with that. They got to see cousins and they loved it. 

This is the kids after hiking the first 5 min. This is about how far Buddy and Ms M made it too. Then I turned around with the three youngest and headed back for the van. Thanks James for the help with that! 

MJ dragged the tree back and loved doing it. I'm glad RB got video of Lil and MJ cutting the tree. One day we will all make it again as a whole family. Right now there are too many little ones. 

Back at the van this one napped...

these two played games like move your arms up and down as fast as you can...

And this one made lots of faces from the van. 

Once everyone was back two things happened. One, sledding and two, hot dog roasting fun. It was a great time and RB got the perfect tree this year! It was smaller and pretty full all the way around. 

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving

Well I finally am making myself sit down and catch up before the year ends. So here we go.

First, Thanksgiving. Both Buddy and Ms M had fun Thanksgiving activities. They love their new outfits. 

We headed to WY for Thanksgiving again this year. It seemed small with just my brother and two sisters. Ne's kids were not able to come and Ki was not either. It was still good to see Ne, Amy, May and her kids though.  

The Em-a-nator's (AKA Jellybean) new trick. 

Good family times to reflect on all of our blessings!

School Happenings

Lil's picture was chosen to be in the district art fair. The tree is made of fingerprints. She did a great job. 

Two nights later we went to Frindle night and saw the picture she drew for that too. 

MJ came home with this medal and certificate for 1st place in photography for Reflections. She was pretty excited. She did a great job!

For MJ's school's Frindle night they had each grade put on a skit about the book Frindle or about the seven habits. Fifth grade did teamwork and the chairs were pulled out from underneath them yet they still stayed up. Pretty cool. 

The girls are doing great in school!