Singing With Daddy

On the 12th of December our church had a carol sing. Chris and the girls sang "One King." This is the first time the girls sang up front at Sonrise besides being in a group of singers. They did a wonderful job; it's a beautiful song.

South Utah

This spring we had the opportunity to go to the Saint George area for an extended weekend.  We were able to stay at one of our church family member's vacation home.  We had a great time, although it started with a delicious ice cream stop about an hour south of Salt Lake City, it wasn't until four hours later when we stopped for dinner I discovered that I left my purse at the ice cream shop.  Let's just say that I wasn't able to relax as well as planned, but had numerous conversations with staff that my purse was safe until our trip back.  Had a couple of other minor things happen, ending with a call from Dad informing us that Mom had fallen.  Despite all that, we had a great time...

These next 11 pictures are taken at Zions National Park.  The weather was beautiful, so we were able to enjoy some hikes.  Emma was my go getter on the hikes.  She was bold and usually walked ahead of us.  Those that know Emma, know that she is my more cautious child, but apparently not in Zions. 

I cherish these family times where we are enjoying God's creation and having a restful time...

As I started to walk through this mud behind the waterfalls, I decided I should take a picture.  My shoes got worse and still to this day have red stain on them.  It was fun to look at other people's feet to see who walked the whole trail and who turned around at the mud.

These are Madi's shoes near the end of the red mud, although you can't see it, she had mud up her pants as well.

Mule dear we saw on a trail.

We enjoyed playing family games and eating treats.  We even splurged and bought Stewart's Soda (sitting on the table).




The next 5 pictures were taken in St. George...

The Other Side...

Yesterday Madi was having a grumpy day.  While her and I were on the way to the store, I asked her why she was grumpy.  She said that she was up in the middle of the night and didn't get enough sleep.  Then she said, "I guess I got up on the other side of the bed."  Thankfully we were in the car and she didn't see my laughing smile.  I waited a few seconds and then asked, "You got up on the wrong side of the bed?"  Yes, she replied.  Too cute!

Then later that day the whole family was in the car on the way home from church.  While the girls were having their own conversation I told Chris the story.  He then asked Madi if she got up on the other side of the bed.  She smiled and said, "yes."  Then Emma, not understanding the inside joke, questioned, "you got up on the other side of the bed?"   She was confused since Madi's other side of the bed is against the wall.  I then explained the story from earlier that day.  I love laughable moments.  

August Time In The Mountians

While my parents and brother were here in August we went up in the mountains...

Olympic Park...                         

Went swimming (and skating)...

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

Although there wasn't any snow on the ground for Madi's Snowflake Birthday Party, there were flakes coming down as her friends left.  She had four of her friends over and then afterwards we went to Red Robins and Cold Stone as a family compliments of b-day clubs and gift cards.  We usually don't do both on the same day, but they wouldn't bring her a desert at Red Robins.  She was crushed; I should have said something, because Emma got a half order of mud pie in October for hers.   She still had a special day!  I can't believe my baby girl is 9 years old! Here are some pictures from her party...

Hot chocolate and cake, yum.

Emma taught everyone how to make snowflakes out of paper.

I think she likes the earrings from Uncle Rusty.

A Tale Of Two Wisdoms

Chris preached this week at church.  If you would like to listen to his sermon go to: http://www.sonrisebc.org/Media%20Archives.html


There's also a sermon from July and one from August I never posted.

Emma' Slumber Party

This year for Emma's Birthday I surprised her with a slumber party with her three friends from school she has been missing.  Chris took some youth camping, so it was an all girls weekend.  I was exhausted, but we had a blast...

 

We played a Squinkies Game that one of the girls gave to Emma for her birthday.  We also played Hide and Seek and Sardines for almost two hours.  One of the times we couldn't find one of the girls forever!  I was trying to figure out how I was going to explain to her mom how I lost her in my own house.

We also decorated pencil boxes and notepads and filled the pencil box with goodies. I have to say that I got the pencil boxes for 5 cents each.  I love good deals.  The girls seemed to enjoy them.

One of the girls had to go home at 10PM, the rest settled down to watched Tinker Bell.  They all slept well and we had Dutch Pancakes (Emma's favorite breakfast) for Breakfast.  

Emma's Birthday celebration lasted awhile since in addition to the slumber party, we took her to Red Robins, had some friends over, and had a extended family party in Oregon.


Note:  Emma does not wear glasses, she just went through a phase of wearing glasses with no lenses.

Oregon/Washington Trip 2011

Our family went to Oregon and Washington this November.  It was chilly, but beautiful with all the autumn colors surrounding us.  Here are some fun moments of our trip....

The girls and I met my friend from high school, Shanna, and her four kids at the park.  It was a beautiful day.

My friend Jessica and her kids (Hannah is in this picture with the girls) were able to spend the afternoon with us on the day Hannah had piano lessons from my dad.

Emma always looks forward to seeing her friend Kate when we visit Oregon.  Kate got to have dinner with us at Grammy's house.  Emma and Madi also had fun attending AWANA with some of their friends.

My friend, Jackie's daughter, Sabina and Madi reading a book.

Emma and Chris (not my Chris, but Nicole's Chris) playing Phase 10.

We were able to stop in Portland to visit my friends, Jackie and Nicole and their families for lunch.  We had a wonderful time catching up, unfortunaltly we couldn't stay longer.

Jackie and her daughter, Sabina (Jaun had to work).

We were able to make another stop in Washington, visiting our friends (Aaron, Stephanie, Ellie, and Brady).  They blessed us with a wonderful dinner.  The kids had a blast playing while the adults chatted away.

My friend, Sandy and her husband Bryan opened their cottage to us to stay while visiting with my brother and family.  Emma and I were able to attend Sandy's baby shower.  Sandy had her baby at 30 weeks; I was able to go with Bryan and Sandy to the hospital to meet their adorable baby, Sydney.  Sydney is doing great, continuing to grow.

Sydney

The girls helping Grandma bake cookies.

Aunt Debra and Madi

Playing Rumi (Debra, Me, Lance's hands, and Madi's head)

Grammy and Emma

Grampy and Madi

Debra bought these cute hats for the girls.  The girls love wearing them.

Didn't get pictures of everyone on the trip, but got some pictures of the dogs.  So funny.  The girls looooved playing with Opie (above) and Mekia (below).

Emma and her cousin, Samuel (2 months old)

More Samuel pictures...

Emma and Madi had fun playing with their cousin, Alice.  

Darryl and Samuel playing Dominos, watch out for Darryl, he cheats (smile).

Madi and Alice looking at a book Alice got for her early Christmas present from Emma.