Zarahemla in the Snow

Actually December 27-28, 2015

We hadn't committed to going to Zarahemla between Christmas and New Year's because it's so much work to pack everyone and all the gear up---especially when there isn't any snow.  When we got word that the snow was good and Grandpa volunteered to haul all our sleeping and snow gear we decided to go.  We were so glad we did.

Couldn't believe these two sledding down the hill time and time again.  

Flying some of the time.  So fun to watch them.

So happy together!

Lotsa snow!

The tunnel the uncles dug.

Gorgeous scenery!

Here's Grandma, grateful to have grandparents who can still enjoy the activities together.  Grandpa took a few rides and enjoyed sitting on a cooler at the top of the hill watching the fun.

Hyrum

Lyle

Rex

And fearless Sariah who made more trips up and down the hill than anyone.

Christmas

Actually December 25, 2015

Finally!

Months and months of talk and finally they have the uniforms!

The first Christmas we slept until 7 o'clock (besides the 3am short appearance)!

Christmas Eve

Actually December 24, 1015

After several hours swimming at the egg farm pool and eating pizza, we gathered at Grandpa and Grandma's house for the nativity.  Everyone was there although Ada and Genesis aren't in the picture.

 

All went well until the red-headed angel didn't like the competition for her role.  Haha!

Champions!

Actually, December 2015

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I can find of Bryant's basketball season.  He played intramurals at McLoughlin.  His team ended up winning the championship game by 1 point.  Bryant was fun to watch---a lot of hustle and heart.  When he and his friend Nazar were both on the court, they had something going on.  They spent a lot of time playing together at lunchtime.

Santa's workshop

James's projects for Christmas.  Amazing as usual.

For Jennifer

For me!

He also spent hours and hours on the computer formatting a template for a family pedigree wheel. It turned out perfect.  We gave one to Dax and one to Lizza.

Drew's Wedding

Actually December 19, 2015

Although our plans were to go as a family, the stomach flu ravaged through our house and it ended up that only Sariah and Hyrum got to go with James.  Down and back in one day to Portland for Drew's wedding.  We want our kids to know, anything is worth a temple marriage!

James was able to be with Francisca Yoder that day as well.  

She was sealed to her late husband that day.  Francisca loved James's Gospel Principles class and the effort he made to befriend her husband, Richard.

'Tis the Season

Actually December 2015

We decided to do our own nativity for our first FHE in December.  We hoped it would ring in the real reason for the season early on.  Don't know if it worked.  You can't see our disgruntled shepherd.

Shopping with Dad.

Hyrum on Santa's lap.

Lyle and Rex on Santa's lap.

New Baby

Actually Thanksgiving weekend.

James took Bryant up to Royal on Saturday.  Over the break I got to visit with Travis and Meredith and they said that Brandon had a litter of black lab/german shorthair puppies.  We thought it was time to keep our promise.  We told Bryant the night before and it may as well have been Christmas.  He was restless and anxious until he met his furry friend.  

Stopped by Gp and Gm's to show off his friend.

By the time he got home, he had named her Abby.  He took his sleeping bag out to the garage and slept with her the first night.

Thanksgiving

Actually, November 2015

With it being an "off year" there were only 9 adults around for Thanksgiving so we decided to have it at our house.  Mom and Dad, Dax and Jen, Vard, Kioa and Blaire and James and I.  We also let Talmage sit at the adult table.  We fed the kids first, and sat down to a nice quiet meal.  Thanks to Lizza touches, it was beautiful too.   

Sariah and her art.

Veteran's Day

It was windy and cold but our veterans are worth it!

Bryant wasn't feeling well and Lyle fell asleep in the van.

Rex on the nearby Playground of Dreams.

Hello Hyrum!

Laughable Lawnmower

To laugh or cry?

James miraculously kept this piece of junk running all summer, but while he was gone on Fall Inservice it took it's last breath.  Maddening at the time, comments from the neighbors and the UPS man.  I'm sure we will laugh about it someday.

Vard's Birthday

While I was painting at Vard's place the wheels started turning and I got excited about dressing the place up---Vard Style.  So I solicited the family's help and we all started on projects for Vard's birthday.

I sanded down and repainted Gp. Rex's end tables.

Ordered some canvas prints of the fam.

Vard's Favorite

From Vard's Facebook page.

For his birthday, we got together to shoot, eat pizza and open everybody's surprises.

Dad and Dax made a coat rack complete with the "flying W" in rifle shells and railroad tie hooks.

Taneil made a shotgun shell wreath.  Haley supplied the guest bathroom with man style towels and accessories.  Mom gave him a picture of the Savior.  You can see that Rex and Lyle put their time into coloring one of Vard's favorite rides, a Dodge Viper.

Keeping A Promise Before It's Too Late

With the river so close the kids are always asking to go down and something seemed to always be going on so I kept promising.  Well, summer was winding down and even though the daylight was short, we had to go.

The sunsets are just breathtaking.

And so are the muddy boys.

Halloween Time

Carving the biggest and the best of the harvest.

We didn't have Dad's artistic help this year, but we got by.

This came to mind as a visiting treat...heeheehee.

Off to Kami's party.

Ninja's after church.

Rex playing football with James but it kind of looks like a costume!