December Happenings

Gavin turned 12 years old on the 21st of December. He keeps referring to himself as a teenager, but is reminded that he hasn't earned that title yet. I have accepted that he is 12, I just haven't gotten used to him going to Young Mens and passing the sacrament. He is about a whole head shorter than the rest of the young men, but as they say "good things come in small packages." A few words that describe Gavin...competitive, math wiz, athletic, funny, short, happy, procrastinator, mellow, practical joker, entertaining, and lovable.

On Gavin's birthday this year it had snowed so much that they made it a snow day, and canceled school. Gavin is having a great birthday playing in the snow, and I think that is McKade next to him.

The girls could hardly believe that the snow on the back steps almost came to their waist.

Christmas 2010 HOHOHO

Gavin asked Santa for Harry Potter Lego on the Wii.

Jade asked Santa for a moter scooter.

McKinley asked for a camera and some clothes.

Lilli asked for American Girl doll clothes and a play horse.

Ward Hay Ride and bomb fire.

This year the bomb fire was right behind our house.

The kids love this tradition, even though it was single digit temperatures.

When McKinley came in from the bomb fire she had picked up a new hair accessory.

Christmas Eve 2010

Happy to be celebrating another wonderful Christmas together.

Our kids started the tradition to sleep in McKinley's room on Christmas Eve 4 years ago, and they have a great time together.

Here the kids are waiting to go downstairs to see if Santa stopped by....

and it sure looks like he did.

Gavin's School Election Skit

Check out Gavin's school election skit

Halloween Fun

Las Vegas Ragnar

In June I participate in the Wasatch Ragnar with a team that Ryan and Charlyn put together. It was such an awesome adventure and I have lots of fond memories. Well our team captain (Ryan) thought that we should continue the adventure and do the Vegas Ragnar so we could get the sinner and saint medal, and I jumped on board. Matt experience the Wasatch Ragnar by being our driver and team support, but decided to be a runner in the Vegas Ragnar.

I was so glad when Cassie decided to join the team. Here she comes to hand off to Matt.

Matt did an amazing job!

Here it is the Sinner and Saint medal, and I don't think that I need to do again.

Mom and Dad even came down to cheer us on.

Great job Matt!

Almost the entire team, we had two more very important members on our team and I am so sad to say I didn't get a picture of them. Thanks for all your help Katie and Bonnie, and Katie NOW is when the Ragnar is fun.

Jade's Special Day

On October 9th, 2010 Jade was baptised. It was such an awesome day! Gavin said the opening pray and McKinley spoke about the Holy Ghost. One of many paydays for me.

Matt had asked Jade earlier in the week if she had any questions, and Jade wanted to know how long he was going to have to hold her under. I think she was a little nervous, but Matt practiced with her and she did great.

When I see this picture I feel SO blessed.

I am so proud of you Jade. I love what a beautiful young lady that you are turning into. I love how you love to teach your little sister and cousins, and always concerned about those around you. I love your zest for life and attitude that you can do anything you set you mind to. I hope that you can always remember the way you felt on this day.

Love Mom

I didn't know that I married a redneck.

So about a year ago Matt started pointing out old trucks everywhere that we went. It moved to shopping on KSL and eventually buying one. His dream is to have all the time and money he needs to fix it up, but for now he loves just having an old truck. His truck came with a gun rack and it finally got used this summer. Matt and Gavin got the chance to shot clay pigeons with the ward.

Notice the sweet flame down the side.

Boys and there toys.

Payson Jr. High Spirit Day

Go Payson!