Christmas Eve

We just got back from a wonderful
Christmas Eve at Mimi and Papa's.
It was so great being
together with Mimi, Papa,
Neana, Rick,
T, Rhett,
and a surprise visitor......
Santa!
First, after braving true winter roads,
we enjoyed a delicious dinner of
ham, potates, Mimi's famous orange rolls,
wassil, rosettes, T's wonderful Rocky Road fudge,
and Neana's delicious divinity.
We then enjoyed an outstanding
performance of the Nativity Story by
Neana, Rick, and the boys - narrated by Papa.
T and Nan entertained the crowd
with the stunning duet Sleigh Bells.
After which everyone sang
Jingle Bells so loud that
Santa Claus had to stop by for a quick visit!
Since the boys had been
so good this year he gave E Uno Spin,
Alex Ants in the Pants,
Drew Cootie,
and Peyton Lucky Ducks.




The boys are now nestled all snug in their beds
under super soft animal blankets.
(Peyton has figured out
the tiger blanket is not real
and insisted on only
sleeping with his new
"soft blanket.")

My Lifesaver!

Can I just tell you how wonderful E is....
Tonight I needed to give
Peyton a bath.
E volunteered to watch him.
Not only did he watch him, but
also play with him.
When I came to check on them
I told E I had lots of laundry to fold.
E replied,
"Can I fold the laundry?"
Well, I certainly couldn't turn
down an offer like that.

E proceeded to fold and put away two loads of laundry!

Then when it was time for family prayer
he managed to get all his brothers
standing at attention for a picture.

I am so grateful for E!
He is the greatest!!
I love this boy!

It Snowed!

Yesterday was the first "real" snow of the season. Drew woke up thrilled that it snowed, so that it could finally be Christmas. From the minute Peyton woke up he wanted to "play outside." Off to the store to get Peyton some snow pants and Drew some gloves. The minute we got home the three raced outside and played for over 1 1/2 hours!

This cutie would have played outside all day if we let him!


Working on some snowballs!


Making a snow angel....


More snow angels.

While E missed out on the snow fun
he was busy having a blast at basketball camp.
He came home, cleaned up,
and headed to Jump on It
with some friends!

What a fun Saturday!

Brothers

These two have become quite the buddies. As we were making Ethan's Indian costume these two turned two pieces of card board into a very fun game. Just take a look and keep in mind this game kept them occupied for literally an hour..........

Happy Thanksgiving!

Drew wanted to wish
everyone a
Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Program

The third grade put on a great Thanksgiving Program. Mimi and Papa were able to come down which was great and actually allowed me to watch the program. Papa and Mimi entertained Drew and Peyton while Alex photographed and videoed Ethan. Ethan was an Indian. He made his own costume and did a great job dancing the Minuet.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

A Budding Artist

This afternoon Ethan said to me,
"Look what I drew."
Take a look....



I was so impressed!
Ethan proceeded to tell
me that he checked
out this book


from the library
and just followed
the instructions.
I can't wait to
see what he draws

next!

A Typical Day

Drew had a great day

at preschool
today.
He made a hat and
was absolutely thrilled about it.
I think he looks darling!

Peyton enjoyed preschool
today too.
His favorite parts are
bringing his lunch box,
coloring, reading stories,
and playing at the park outside.


After a long day of school
what better thing is there
to do than play a little
Guitar Hero.

Alex is ready to relax too.
After finishing up his
homework, he worked
on his career in Guitar
Hero also.

Another great day!

Happy Halloween!

Ethan decided to be a dentist
which was an easy costume
to put together.
However, tonight he's thinking
of being a
football player.
He looks good in those scrubs.
I see a future in medicine or
dentistry after his career in the
NFL of course.

Alex's costume changed a couple
of days ago from a hockey
player to a wizard when the school
said no warm costumes.
We'll see what he is tonight.
He's definitely the cutest
wizard around!



After much deliberation,
Drew decided he was going to
be a Green Dragon soccer player.
Go Green Dragons!
He had a fun party at
preschool and can't wait to
trick or treat tonight.


Peyton loves his fighter pilot costume.
He loves telling everyone he sees
that he is a "Fire Pilot planes."
Say Cheese!

So far today
the weather is beautiful!
Hopefully, it will
stay that way!

Silver Lake

One of my favorite memories of autumn as a kid
was going to Silver Lake with my family.
We would drive up the canyon to the very top,
walk around the lake,
and then pick out a candy from the
ski store.
This year we decided to make this one
of our traditions and took the boys
to Silver Lake.

We had a wonderful time.
The boys loved it!
There is now a path that goes around the entire lake.
All the boys loved throwing
rocks into the lake,
watching the ducks,
seeing a beaver dam,
and seeing squirrels.
It was very peaceful, the weather was nice,
and we can't wait to go back
next fall.

Morrissey, Morrissey, Morrissey!!!

So, once again Ethan and I went to see Morrissey. This time no drunk gay guys to try and destroy the enjoyment of the concert. Actually, it was the best Morrissey concert I have been to (#5). It was at "The Barn" at Thanksgiving Point. He opened with some great classic Smiths songs and some of his earlier stuff. We had a great time, I can't wait until next time!!!

Let the Party Begin!

Yesterday Jeana was able to fly in from the OC for a quick visit.
In honor of her visit, T hosted
an amazing Halloween party at her new house!
We had so much fun!!!
The decorations were so festive!

The food was absolutely delicious!

Lots of characters attended......
a hippie, a witch, a boxer, a doctor,
a hockey player, two fighter pilots,
Harry Potter, and
many more.

There was a fish pond where the fish
seemed to always be biting.

There was a cake walk and musical chairs.
Alex even hosted
his very own scary spider game.

Good company and great food!
What a fun Halloween party!
Best of all...
We thought Rondalay was not going to
be able to attend, but it turns out
that he made it!

Relaxing Sunday

Yesterday was such a nice General Conference Sunday. Anne forwarded us a Conference Activity Packet. It had over 32 activities to keep the boys busy. Ethan and Alex actually watched the entire morning session! Alex's favorite activity was the color the tie. There was a picture of each member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve next to a tie. When they spoke Alex would color in what their tie looked like. I was really impressed with how well they all paid attention. Aaron and I actually got to listen. What a nice Sunday!