CHRISTMAS 2016

For Christmas we were fortunate to have Brandon, AJ and Max in Utah. Katie, Bryce and Josie were going to travel to Utah from Idaho but weather permitted that from happening. We were also lucky to have Grandpa Dutch join us. And of course Ed and Karri joined us. We received snow on Christmas morning which made the day that more magical for the kids. Jude received an Amazon Kindle. Both Abbey and Penny received a Critters doll house set. And of course, they were all spoiled rotten. We did a Christmas Even Party where we had a photo booth set up. Below are the pictures from that.   

I also put together a little Christmas video

Brandon and AJ

Brandon, AJ and Max

Abbey

Jude

Grandpa Ed and Grandma Karri

Grandma Karri with her Grandkids

Grandpa Dutch

Shauna and Ren

Ren and Sampson

EASTER

Today we celebrated Easter. With me and Shauna's siblings out of state it makes for quiet family get togethers on holiday's. Shauna did a great job at making the day special though, she's good at stuff like that. We went to church and all the kids wore clothing made by their Mother. Some of Shauna's best work in my opinion. At church Brayla Rose Harvey and Carol Bell spoke, both of them recently returned from their missions. It was a refreshing to hear their testimony's. When we came home the kids got to do a scavenger hunt instead of the typical easter egg hunt. It was a great success! We played at the park and then my parents came up. We enjoyed a wonderful salmon dinner with them. They brought the kids a nice spirograph set as an Easter gift. We went back to the park and spent the rest of the night there. The Marvell's were there so the kids stayed busy playing with their friends. We are very grateful for our family and for our friends who help fill the lack of cousins close by for our kids. All in all it was a fun and happy Easter. 

Taken before we all went to 9am church! 

Jude's shirt, Abbey's dress and Penny's dress all made by Shauna. 

Went and said hello to my two friends in the ward Brayla Rose Harvey and Carol Bell. Brayla served in Uruguay and Carol served in Georgia. Both of these girls have brothers out on missions as well. I formed a really good friendship with all of the youth in my ward when I moved in and we've all kept in touch since. 

Marisa made beautiful chalk art for Penny. Penny adores Marisa and we are grateful they are part of our lives. 

SUNDAY WALK

This past Sunday (3/20/16) we went on a walk at Bridal Veil Falls. Over the past several years this has been one of our favorite places to go when we want to get outdoors. It's up Provo Canyon, has a nice walking trail and a beautiful waterfall(s). When we started our walk the sun hadn't completely made it over the mountain. We walked in the shade and the kids were struggling to stay warm. By the time we made it to the waterfall the sun was on our backs and we started to warm up. Of course by that time the kids were hungry and needed to use the bathroom. 

Snack time.

The kids had never used a porta potty so they thought it was funny. After using the it Abbey said "I got to pee on a juicy poo."