Thanksgiving 2009

We had a different Thanksgiving this year. We hung out with family in the morning and then headed into the fire station for dinner with Steve. All those he worked with had some family there. They had the barn cleaned out and had set up ping pong, basketball, had tennis rackets, and kick balls out. The kids had a ball playing with everyone. It was nice to meet everyone he works with and their families. They had 5 calls while we were there, so that was fun for the kids to see them leave and come back. We had a delicious dinner and the best part was that I didn't have to cook or clean up!! They did it all for us and did an awesome job. We missed all the family but had a great time meeting and getting to know the families there.

Football State 2009

Sawyer's state football was in Reno this year so Steve and I went with out any kids (Thanks to Mary and Shelley) on the 8 hour drive that was so beautiful (not). It was nice to be able to drive with no kids though. We had a great time. The game didn't end up so great though. It was beautiful weather for Reno but got a little chilly after the sun went down. The boys didn't play well at all so it ended in a loss. Sawyer stayed to come home with us the next day so he got to join us that night when we went to see the New Moon. It wasn't that great and really was bad for Sawyer and Steve. It was nice to spend some one on one with Sawyer and Steve and I had a wonderful time too.

Horse Parade

Horse Parade
Shaylee wanted to have a horse parade and Steve's Aunts and Grandma were here with their kids. So the loaded up the horses and had a horse parade around the house. It was so much fun!! Classy is the kids new best friend. G & G got classy from a friend and now they all want to ride all of the time and they love to run barrels on her. She is wonderful!!

Merrill and Mary's 40th Wedding Anniversary

We thought it would be fun to surprise Merrill and Mary for their anniversary and have everyone come down and go to dinner and get our family pictures done. The surprise didn't go so well, other than stressing Merrill and Mary out that something was terribly wrong with John. So they found out about it, but it always works out for the best. It took a little more planning and I think Mary was glad she knew she was going to have extra guest for Christmas too. We went bowling and Aunt Wendy showed everyone up. Then we had family pictures taken and after that we had babysitters for the kiddos and headed to Vegas for dinner. We had a wonderful time and they sang happy anniversary and brought them shots of Tequila (is that how you spell it?). They just about shoved it down Mary's throat. It was pretty funny. We had a great time. We are so thankful to have them in our lives and to have their examples for us in our marriage. I am sure both of our parents have gone through their hard times but both of us feel so blessed to have parents that are such great examples and hold marriage so sacred. Merrill and Mary thank you for the wonderful examples you are to us and for the wonderful heritage you give to our family. Happy 40th Anniversary!!

BYU at the Vegas Bowl

BYU made it again to the Vegas bowl. We were excited because that means that Uncle Shane and Aunt Carrie come and usually some more visitors. We went in early and went to the Belagio, and MGM to see few sites before we headed to the game. The game was freezing cold and miserable. The game went great but me, Tyson, Makenzie and Addie (Shane's niece) went home at half time. It was so cold windy. BYU won and they had a great time trying to rush to the field after the game. Drake and Sierra were so excited and had a great time. Thanks for the fun, freezing, exciting memories.

Christmas Parties

We had a few Christmas parties this year. We had our ward Christmas party, a party at the firestation, and the kids class parties at school. They were all a lot of fun!!

Sierra Clog, Clog, Clog

Sierra had 4 performances in Dec. (3 in Vegas). She danced in the Boulder City parade, at the Pomegranate festival, Galleria Mall, and had a performance here too. She did an awesome job and loves to clog.

LEAVES

The kids had a great time playing in the pile of leaves Steve raked up at Grandmas. He was going to help clean up but it ended in a great time had by all. The kids each took turns jumping and then had a leave fight.

Christmas tree and Lights

We love to pick out the perfect Christmas tree every year. We have a great time running around the lot for the perfect tree and we found it again. The kids had a great time decorating it and finally were able after crazy schedule and cold weather to get on the roof with dad and put up the lights. Scares me to death but they have a great time and think they are so cool.

Sawyer Christmas Performances

Sawyer stayed busy performing a number of places in Nov. and Dec. He is very talented and is fun to hear play. Here are a few pics. from some of those performances. He got to be Joseph in a live manger scene at the Festival of Trees too.