Temple Lights

We were supposed to see the lights last week after Jake's soccer game, but the rain got in the way.

So we grabbed the opportunity to go see the lights with these guys tonight.

 

This good sweet little missionary was out doing the Lord's work tonight. And Jamie was quick to think of that one neighbor he could contact. And when she realized she didn't have their number Jon was quick to come in with the save.  Elder Bird come on down!

Ummm Nik I think you were in my favorite picture of this event last year, but I'm gonna go ahead and give it to you again this year.

Love it.

And believe it or not I think I love Brit even more than Luke does.

Possible?

She (Tyler too) was amazing with all the kids tonight. Especially Luke.

He thinks sun rises and sets on her. 

Pulling Dylan's Rudolph trick from last year. I do hope they wash those lights.

If these women take one more picture, I'm gonna have to run an get me a PB cookie.

So many lights. So many people. Next year let's make it an early Tuesday in December!

Snapshots of a Sick Weekend

Bree was sick. Luke was sick.
Our car smelled sick. 
But at least we got some fun games in;)
And of course, there's nothing like just hangin out as a fam.

And you might not know it, but these people, well, they're all about love.  

And that just might be why I kind of like them.

Especially the one in purple.

First Finals

 Oh the joy in our house the past week preparing for finals. The kids haven't ever had final exams (and please don't call them tests) before, so there were plenty of moments of I hate science. I hate history. You get the idea.  Love of learning was just oozing from our pores.

 She was just pulling a face before it's actually been all smiles around here. Especially going to lunch with mom yesterday and an early breakfast at Dennys with Dad this morning. See there are a few perks to finals:)

As Jake put it, "We're in the Big Leagues now".  The kids studied hard. I quizzed them. And stressed them out. And on occassion even brought them to tears.  I did exactly what the teachers told us not to do. I suppose that means I failed my final exams.  Must do better next time. On so many levels.

I can't wait for the next two weeks of stress-free worry-free fun!

CHRISTMAS VACATION HERE WE COME!!!!

Ho Ho No...

I did everything short of sitting on Santa's lap myself to help Luke warm up to him, but it wasn't happening.  As we walked away from Santa, Luke said, "He's not the real Santa, mom".

Probably trying to convince himself he hadn't blown his one and only chance to chat with the big man.

This little girl on the other hand was ready to pour on the charm.
Is it my imagination, or is she holding Santa's hand?
Just try taking the believer out of her.

As for Jake, he was at his soccer game so he didn't get to see Santa.

And for some reason he's pretty okay with that:)

But we were missing him and Jer bad.

My friend, Lynnette took all the pictures and she did such incredible job!

Thanks for capturing such sweet memories for us!

And sorry again for the white chalk handprint Luke left on the back of your brand new black backdrop!

Starburst's Soccer Season Finale

 Breanna throwing into Georgia who would later score a GOAL!

 Coach James workin the sidelines.

 Trophy time!

 Bree with the assistant coach.

 Sarah coming through with the ultimate cupcake.

Such a fun season (did I mention it ended on a 80 degree day in Dec.?). It was complete with Breanna's appendicitis, Coach James' motorcycle injury, and meltdowns over forgotten soccer balls and water bottles. Jer realized how much he loves the role of assistant coach the few times James was out of town:).  

Georgia and Macie, so glad you were there with Breezy

and that undying determination to win a game or two:)! 

You girls all played your hearts out and we're so proud of you!

Tree Trimming

If I'm being honest, the night started off a little rough with our annual "discussion" about where the tree should go and if we really needed to move the couch in order to put the tree up.  I think the neighbors could give you a play by play of our discussion.  Man I love this season and I think Jer might even love it more especially all the decorating biz (not!).  But once we got the couch moved (yes it really needed to be moved), the tree up, and a bit of Christmas music going to set the mood, it was a jolly good time. We let the kids take charge. Jer and I snuck in a few ornaments too. I think the combo of the kids ornaments and my ornaments from the past 2 year's fabulous ornament exchanges made our tree perfect.

Now comes my favorite part...the days before Christmas when we all seem to find ourselves drawn to the living room with a good book or a fun game and cup of hot chocolate just hanging out and spending time together.
I think that tree just might be a little piece of magic!

Legoland

Back in October, we decided to go to Legoland but Breanna's appendix wanted out.  So we came back and hit it the Monday after Thanksgiving and lucky for us, there were only a few others who also thought it would be a good day for legos. 

The park was ours. No lines. No crowds. It was a blast.  

Thank you Norma for hooking us up with free tickets for all of the kids! 

 Tiff and Bree

 Scary Dinosaurs

 And look what you get to do while you wait in line.

 Troy Makayla and Tyler

 Funny how Luke did not qualify to ride the horse ride (picture Toad's Wild Ride at Disney only slower), but after they put a life jacket on him and made Breanna remove her stud earrings Luke was good to go on this one. The arm of this ride stretches out over the water where the riders get dangled while being twisted and twirled.

 And in the case of these two, thrown upside-down over and over again while being spun.  Troy is prone to hurling on these things, so I think he just might've secured the fave uncle spot in Jake's book.

 What kind of mom blocks her kid out of the pic?

 Not Jaimee.

 Luke is not the only one who got a little thrill from this ride....

 Riding double on the camel's neck, so fun.   

But those Legos can't be the most comfortable things now can they????

 Kaley, you were smart to take the hump!

This is one of the wet rides where the people who are watching the ride can push a button and make water shoot up from the pool and spray the riders. Even though it was getting late and a chill had set in, Bree and Tyler went for it.  We covered the buttons so they would stay dry, but after they got off,  Jer and Jake soaked some poor kid who was was dumb enough to tell them they couldn't hit him. 
Don't mess with my boys. They're all about precision.

The Perfect Day at Legoland with some of my favorite people in the world!

And you know the best part?

Everyone who came with an appendix left with one.

Then we hopped in the car and made the 6 hour drive home!

Boy do I love my satellite radio!