Christmas

We had a little pre-Christmas with Olivia and Eliza. It's official...I'm in love.

Olivia loves to climb on Grant.

On Christmas Eve we had our traditional Hawaaian Haystack dinner.

Cubby loves to bat the candy cane ornament.

Kevin got books.

Ken got his very own "Yankee Blankie"

Christmas Day David and Kami stopped by.

We ate AGAIN...the turkey dinner on Christmas Day.

It was a very nice Christmas.

Next, we're off to Colorado to see Michelle's family for another mini-Christmas.

David Archuleta and the MoTab.

Last night we were blessed to be the holders of the hottest ticket in town. Yes, many people really tried hard to get tickets to the annual Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert, but our tickets just fell into our lap. Corinne's brother in law had tickets and just gave them to us. Since David Archuleta's billing on the program led desperate fans to buy the free tickets from scalpers, we really felt fortunate. Then, when we were there attending the program we were even more delighted. The program was one of the best productions I have ever seen.

David Archuleta was absolutely amazing. His voice is incredible and he has really become a great performer.

We were not allowed to take photos during the performance, but I snuck in a couple of pictures before and after the show.

The sets were gorgeous, the choir was wonderful and there were dancers. Michael York narrated in his typical Shakesperean style and it was great.

After the performance we walked through temple square and enjoyed eating at the new Blue Lemon restaurant across from the new Deseret Book. Downtown Salt Lake City was beautiful and very festive and we all felt very lucky to be a part of it all.

Autumn Update

Here, out of order, is a picture of some of the pies I baked for Thanksgiving. Will someone please tell me why it is so difficult to move a picture on blogger once you've put it in?

In November we were fortunate enough to spend a very restful weekend at a friend's vacation home in Midway.We went for a walk, sat and looked at the mountains

and drove to Daniel's canyon for lunch.

For Thanksgiving we joined the Malo-furr clan.

Not a very exciting post, but at least now I am caught up.

Fabulous Fall Fun

I've just lived through the second annual fall babysitting marathon. Yes, once again Blaine and Michelle left their kids with us while they went on a cruise. It was nine days full of fun for them as well as for us here at home. Every time they come I try to have a few new toys.

The kids love to dress up and Kimberley rarely wears real clothes while she is here. The boys get into dress up also. Asher is "going to shoot you" with his laser gun.

Oliver felt comfortable exploring his feminine side.

Whenever she could, Kimberley enjoyed playing girl stuff alone.

Before Blaine and Michelle left on their trip we enjoyed their presence for a day.

My favorite dress us item...

Groucho Marx glasses.

Michelle's friend Naomi took Evie for the week, so although we missed her, we were able to actually survive the week.

Bims' favorite thing is to color and cut and create fun decorations for the room.

Most of the week, our walls were perked up with happy pumpkins.

Even Ollie had his chance to color.

It's fun to play camp out in a play tent.

No October is complete without a trip to the pumpkin farm.

This year my friend Betty came along to help. I could never have done this trip without her.
Thanks Betty!!!!

I couldn't get Ollie to look at me, he just kept looking at the ground. I'd say, "Ollie, look up!" and he would just look down.

They had lots of animals to visit.

Play equipment and bouncy room were great fun.

When we got home we painted our pumpkins.

The next day we made rice crispy treats.

The day after that we went to Springville for a play date with Justin and Jenny's kids.

Her we have: Kimberley,Asher,Ollie,Michael,Wesley and Francesca.

While in Springville we called Grandad and visited the ducks near his office...

...and enjoyed a treat at McDonald's.

After a hard day of playing, the boys enjoyed getting clean in their favorite shower.

Uncle Grant was more fun than me. He could throw the kids up high then toss them into the bean bag chair.

Again this year, Bims designed the pumpkin which we carved.

Spooky!

Since Halloween was on Sunday, the kids went trick or treating on Sat.

Julie and her kids were here and we had a super cute bunch of kids.

Asher, Olivia, Oliver, Eliza, Kimberley and Grandad is holding Evie, who came home to us on Saturday morning.


Eliza as Belle.

Oliver as Superman.

Olivia as Tinkerbell.

Asher as Buzz Lightyear.

Kimberley as Cinderella.

Unfortunately, it began to pour down rain so the outing was cut short.

Sunday morning we had the special treat of having Evie's blessing at our home.

Michelle forgot to pack her blessing dress, so she was resplendent in her apple green dress.

Much thanks to Naomi for taking taking of Evie all week. That was a lifesaver for me.

Grant and Julie. (Possibly the nicest young woman, ever!!)

The real reason Evie wore green was so she could match her Grammy.

We are very proud and grateful grandparents.

It doesn't get any better than this!!