We had many family events this holiday season starting with Thanksgiving and ending New
Years Day. How grateful I am for the sacrifice my kids make so that we can create memories that keep our family close. During this month my parents have gone through great health trials from Dad's congestive heart failure to Mom getting a hip replacement. Again I am grateful for tender mercies that happened and am happy to say that they are now home and the future looks bright for both of them. Here are pictures that tell the story of this past month!
Thanksgiving afternoon at our Stake Center
We celebrated Lily's 6th birthday. It is hard to believe my little angel is that old!
On Dec. 11th we celebrated Todd, Dan and Andrew's birthdays How I appreciated these men and the good fathers and husbands and sons they have become. Todd shares my love of german chocolate cake so I get to make it on his birthday (Dec. 12th),
Dan and Andrew taking turns blowing out the candles on the ice cream cake. Andrew's birthday is on Dec. 6th and Dan's the 7th.
On Dec. 17th we were able to continue a much-loved tradition of going to Spaghetti Factory then see the lights at Temple Square. In spite of some sickness we were able to have a wonderful time. To top it off the weather was perfect.
Miles held by big brother Owen
What a good-looking group!
The old folks
Levi happy! Zack, not so much. Maybe next year.
Cash, not so much. Again, maybe next year.
Miles a little hesitant, but okay. I did not get pictures of the other kids but they had fun telling Santa what they wanted. Lily was very certain about getting a guitar.
Andrew, Kim, James and bundled up Cash enjoying the lights.
Julie, Kellie enjoying time together.
Christmas Eve with our traditional Hickory Farms Beef Log and other finger foods.
Jeni and Lily have to stick together now that they are out-numbered in their home.
Kim with her Cash
Grandkids opening presents from grandma and grandpa. Levi, Owen and James were quite happy with their airplanes. Cash, Zack and Miles received a car track with cars. Lily got a full set of books by Beverly Cleary. I made Emmery an apron to go with food for the kitchen McKay built for her. Last but certainly not least Mack got a bag full of soft dinosaurs to chew on.
Krista and Lily are such good friends. Lily loves to have Krista play dolls, color, or play on the piano together.
Dale decided to make each family a dresser for their Christmas present. This was a huge task which took him a couple of months to complete. As you can see he is pretty happy with the results. Hopefully they will fill a need in each home.
New Year's Eve Party at our house.
Levi and James enjoying juice together.
Kim getting Cash ready for bed so the adults could play some games.
An impromptu talent show by our extremely talented grandkids.
Where did James learn such awesome dance moves!
Emme and I were very good buddies during this time. My heart melted everytime I would feel someone tug at my pants and say, "Gramma come".
Dale getting the fountain flowing. This year the fountain did not become a volcano and spray all over the kitchen and those close by.
Again, what a group. Does anyone else have such a good looking family!!!
Todd with his Owen and Lily. They sure love their Dad!
Kellie and Mack. What a sweetheart. He is now 2 months old and such a good baby.
Zack and Julie enjoying marshmellows dipped in chocolate. Zack has such an endearing smile. It is hard to ever get mad at him.
Getting ready to attend Church on New Year's Day. Taking six kids under four was an interesting experience.
James and Levi letting us know that this is the end of a very long post.
