Polar Express Symphony

Every year we try to hit a few concerts or musicals for Christmas. Something really special. This year we went to Utah Symphony Polar Express Concert. It was really neat! The kids loved jingling their bells in the audience and there were some really fun songs and narration. The music was beautiful. Addy was very scared of Santa, but like most loving parents, we forced her to stand by him for the picture! The tree on the last picture is blown glass. They had lots of fun activities for kids before in the foyer. May become a tradition!

House updates

Wood flooring done, paint done, brick is half-way done, Some of the tile is done and the cabinets are coming this week. We've been working away downstairs while the workers are working upstairs. This is quite the project- one that I don't want to do EVER again! I'll be excited for a house to live in though! We will be in the house the middle of January we hope! A few weeks past the original date because I have such a hard time making decisions!

Funny girls!

Addy and Ashlyn had so much fun playing at my sister, Erika's. Erika and Greg were the perfect hosts when we had to stay there last week. Addy and Ashlyn came around the corner with their doll and strollers, and when I looked closer, this is what I saw:


Toilet paper wrapped around them! When I asked why, they both said they couldn't find blankets, so they had to use toilet paper. I think I'll wrap up a couple rolls of toilet paper and put them under Erika's tree!

Working on the house

We got the kids down to the house a couple of times to sand and work on the house. Sometimes it was harder than it was worth, but it was good for them.

Nathan's Christmas program

Nathan had a Wonderful Christmas program for the elementary school. He is on the front row by the microphone. He sang his heart out. The teacher leading the singing told him if they could clone him, they'd have a PERFECT 3rd grade class for the song. They taught them to smile while singing, and he really did! I loved the fact that they sang some fun songs, but also sang songs of the birth of the Savior like, "Let Him in" and Christmas hymns. I didn't think they could do that anymore. McKenzie was asked to play flute to accompany. It was so fun to see all the kids dolled up and singing so well.

McKenzie's Senior Ball

McKenzie and her friends had so much fun at the Senior Ball last week. She looked beautiful. When I told her date he looked nice when he came, he emphatically said, SHE looks nice!" I thought it was cute!

Sydney's piano recital

Sydney had her first Christmas piano recital. She just loves her teacher, Sister Barclay. Can't wait to see her progress in piano. I've tried to teach her myself over the years, but we weren't consistent. So here she goes with a real teacher!

Bradley scouts

Bradley got his Life awarded in scouting. Next up: Eagle!

Mckenzie's flute concerts

McKenzie was invited to be in the flute choir at Snow College. (3rd from the left, playing the base flute and the regular flute) It is a great opportunity for her and she loves it. Makes up for not having marching band here, which she was really dissappointed in. She is at the college 3 days a week in the afternoons (sometimes it makes for 14 hour days- which she doesn't mind- as long as it's involving music! She was in 3 concerts last week- busy girl, in addition to playing in the high school musical orchestra, community Messiah, College Symphonic band, and 2 bands at the high school. Tried to upload a short video sample, but maybe later, it's not working.

Sydney's Halloween Performance

Sydney is in a musical theater/dance group and they did a fun performance the night before Halloween after Trunk or Treat on Main street. It was fun to see her perform! She absolutely LOVES it!

Addy's 3rd Birthday!

Addy shared a birthday party with her cousin, Steven. She wanted a Tinkerbell cake and had so much fun with all the attention of the family. She is so much fun to have around. LOVE HER!

Family Halloween party.

Drywall done!

The house is coming along nicely, although there have been a few glitches. I went over tonight to take a few pictures and ended up with white powder all over my black skirt... We have all the finish work to choose now, countertops, paint color, flooring, etc. This first photo is from my refrigerator view:

This picture is standing at the fireplace looking at the dining nook and kitchen:

This is the front...ready for brick!

This will be a busy week for us...we are doing some of the work in the basement...So much fun to see it come together, though!

House updates- getting there!

Fireplaces in: check!


Tubs in: check! Plumbing and electric: Check!


Windows and outside doors in: Check! (This is a curved dining nook- it will look nice when finished)



Insulation: Check!



This week: drywall and roofing finished...YAY! We may be in by Christmas after all, we'll see! We can't wait!

Class Halloween parties...

Addison had a preschool Halloween party and they even trick-or-treated down Main Street to a few places. (She's the Tinkerbell!)






Nathan had fun at his class party and the entire school paraded up and down the sidewalk on main street while we all watched. It was fun. Just like when I grew up!

Day at Willow Creek

We made a last-minute decision to head up to family property at Willow Creek on Saturday and make a dutch oven meal. We had T-bone steaks, Dutch oven potatoes, Greek veggie salad, fruit and soda (or should I say "pop", now that I'm in Utah.

Nathan LOVED climbing this tree while we prepared the food and talked:



Then Granpa, in his mischievous mind, decided it would be fun to duct-tape the grandkids to trees. The kids LOVED it! CRAZY Grandpa!








We had so much fun in the mountains. We'll have to make it a yearly fall activity (all except the duct tape, of course!)