Christmas Bowling and SNOW!

We went bowling on Saturday due to Christmas Eve being on Sunday. It was probably the most enjoyable year to date. The minis could bowl all on their own. Taggart loved it. He knew Lucy was before him and he watched for when she bowled and then he was all ready to go. Sienna was there for the socializing. She hung out with my cute Thatcher cousins and then would run over and bowl and then go right back. Lynnlee and Lydia were glued at the hip and Kaden and Tanner were the ball security. They only left the ball return area to eat lunch. James had fun with all of the cousins.

I had the high score for the women with a 136. I won a Kneaders gift card, yum! My dad had the high score for the men with a 173! He gets to have the trophy for the next year. James won the kids with a 101. He won a kendama.

One of my cute Thatcher cousins, Stacey. She loves kids and is so good with them.

There is finally some snow. Not at our house but at grandma's house. 

Some of the kids didn't have snow clothes so my mom made disposable boots out of green bags and duck tape. They worked great. I think she is on to something!

Family Picture

We had a family picture taken this summer. It's always stressful doing family pictures but then it's all worth it when you have the picture to enjoy. Thanks mom and dad for the beautiful picture!

School Break!

I love having my kids home. I am just as excited for a break from school as they are. We had a cousin day on Thursday. I loved it because everyone played with each other and got along so well. It makes me so happy seeing everyone being kind and happy. At one point we got out play dough and everyone got their creative juices flowing. We had a play dough city with a ice cream store, bank, candy store, baby station, etc.

Gingerbread Houses

We have simplified a lot of our holiday traditions this year because of all the sickness. Marshall has been so busy at work and neither of us have had energy for extra activities.  We didn't make it to the Alpine Nativity but had a family night lesson about the nativity. We didn't see Santa at the Riverwoods but at least we got to see Santa at Mountain Point. Seven Peaks didn't have their North Pole activities which is ok with me. I don't feel like I've missed out by not doing certain activities and it's been nice to focus on the things that matter most.

I put together gingerbread houses with some melted sugar and graham crackers. I didn't burn myself which is a big improvement from last year when I burned myself so many times.

I filled a ziplock bag with royal frosting for each child.

James, Lynnlee and Kaden decorated on their own. Marshall helped Taggart and I helped Sienna.

It was a nice simple night and they kids were so happy.

Lynnlee's Arts and Crafts

Lynnlee's class has been learning about money. They had a class store to practice what they've learned. You could make things to sell or bring something store bought. Lynnlee made some pictures and also some creations out of melty beads. She sold them for five cents each. The minis and I got to help. The store lasted about an hour and by the end she was all sold out.

Marshall's Birthday

We split Marshall's birthday celebrations into two days. We went out to eat at the Peanut Place aka Texas Roadhouse. Marshall and I were both under the weather and had no appetites which is unfortunate when you are at a place with such yummy food. Marshall was a good sport and rode the birthday saddle for the kids.

The kids have been earning nickels each night during scriptures and prayer. So after dinner we went to Nickel City. 

Watch out Papa Kelly, Taggart is going to beat your high score pretty soon and he is also left handed. 

 On Marshall's birthday morning we had an early breakfast before he went to work.

He was still feeling under the weather when he got home from work that night. He has been sick for about six weeks. He went into the doctor after four weeks but didn't have much relief with the prescribed antibiotic. We took him to the doctor after we had birthday dinner. The doctor diagnosed him with atypical bronchitis and he got a better antibiotic and other medicine to give him some relief. We spent some time playing with toys at Walgreens and waiting for the medicine. Then everyone went to bed early. Not quite how he planned to spend his birthday.

Neighborhood Food Drive

Five years ago my neighborhood held a food drive in place of neighborhood gifts. In November I decided I wanted to make it happen again. My aunt Pat helped me write a poem for the flyer. I posted it at the beginning of November so everyone could plan ahead. Then we took flyers around the weekend before.

 I made three batches of cookie dough and we had over 100 cookies. I wasn't sure how many to plan for and I wanted to be prepared. I also had two large jugs of hot water, Stephen's hot cocoa powder and mini marshmallows. We had lots left over but at least we had plenty.

My neighbor Lindsay let us gather around her fire pit. Some people dropped food off and had to leave, others stayed and visited. It was a really fun night.

Lindsay kept the back door of her car open for people to put their food donations in. Then she took it to the food bank. We donated 240 lbs of food!

Thanksgiving Weekend

 We saw Santa Claus over Thanksgiving weekend.

 It was fun for the kids to see Santa but it was really fun for me to see my old boss from Lakeview Hospital. She is the CNO at Mountain Point and it was so good to see her. Also our bishop's wife was Mrs. Claus and also works at Mountain Point. She used to teach Lynnlee's primary class and Lynnlee loved seeing her.

We spent Thanksgiving with my family in Heber. My uncle Joe and aunt Kathy were there as well as two of their kids and their spouses. We haven't spent Thanksgiving with them before so it was a lot of fun. The weather so so nice that the kids spent most of the day outside. They wanted to have a Thanksgiving picnic because it was such a warm day.

I didn't take enough pictures but we spent time with cousins on Friday and Saturday. We saw Coco on Saturday and then hung out at Ali's. The girls put on a really unique fashion show. 

 The Santa Parade in Lehi is the fastest parade and has the most candy.

I took this picture Friday morning. I'm so grateful for all of the beautiful things we get to enjoy.

Turkey Trot '17

The turkey trot is a much anticipated event at our house. James took 4th place. His friend Ryan placed right after him.

Lynnlee came in around 20th or so. Her athletic ability is amazing but she isn't competitive and was just happy to participate.

They both had fun and had good attitudes about it. James was hoping to be top three but maybe next year he can run some races before to get him ready.

Books and Buddies

James's class had Books and Buddies. The minis came with and James read some picture books to them. I read them some books too while they ate a donuts.
The minis have come a long way in the last few months. At the end of summer through October they were very emotional and needy anytime we went somewhere. I'm happy to say they have done a 180. I can now take them with me to help at the school, go to appointments, shopping, etc and they are happy.

I included this picture because Lynnlee doesn't love reading and she thought it would be more fun to read if she was in a fun place. It was definitely more fun.

First Piano Recital

James and Lynnlee had their first piano recital. They started taking lessons in April and really like it so far. Lynnlee played Deck the Halls and James played We Three Kings. They were a little nervous but did a great job.