Thanksgiving Week

For Thanksgiving this year we had the entire week off!  It was fun to have a little break from school.  One of the days we headed down to the Springs Preserve to play and see the new exhibit.

We were lucky enough to have Rich's parents and Lisa come visit us for a few days.  We enjoyed watching movies, playing games, and hanging out.  Lisa even attempted to play William's trumpet.

I love Thanksgiving because it gives us an excuse to remember the things we are grateful for.

We had a great Thanksgiving feast and I'm grateful we could share it with family this year.

Daily Sunshine

Henry is such a creative boy.  I thought that writing his name with these blocks was pretty clever!

And I loved this portrait of Lydia that he drew during a game of telestrations.

Priesthood

The main reason for Rich's family coming to Las Vegas was to be present when William had the priesthood conferred on him and was ordained a Deacon.  It was really nice for them to come out for such a big event in William's life.

We were able to do it at our home since they weren't here on a Sunday.  It was a special evening.  William is such a great example to his younger brothers who will follow in his footsteps before we know it.

Southridge Reunion

Over the Veteren's Day weekend we drove up to Heber, Utah to spend the weekend with some college friends.  During our glory days of living in Southridge we dreamed about owning a cabin together and meeting up there often. And because Ryan makes dreams come true he found a great place for us all to have a little reunion.

We stopped for a picnic lunch in Scipio.  There was a "petting zoo" at the gas station!  Weird... but fun!

On our way up the boys requested that we stop at the Creamery for ice cream--which we were happy to do!

We also stopped at Grandma Fisher's house for a little bit.  We had a nice visit with her and are so glad that she let us stop with our restless kiddos.

And just as the sun was setting we arrived at the cabin. It was a fun-filled few days.  There was plenty for the kids to do which allowed the adults to talk and catch up.  There was foosball, air hockey, a hot tub, and fun things to do outside as well.

A few of the kids even found some animal bones around the property.

They all loved the animals hanging on the walls of the cabin as well.

During our Southridge days it was a special treat to head to Heber and get dinner at Dairy Keen.  So, of course, we had to go while we were in town.

My favorite thing was just sitting around and visiting with some of the best people I know.

I also loved that our kids all got to know each other and all got along so well!

We will have to do it again sometime and not wait so long to do it!

Birthday Celebrations

Poor William wasn't feeling great on his birthday.  He came home from school and laid on the couch for most of the evening.  He felt well enough to lounge on the couch while he opened presents.

I think this big sword was his favorite gift.  It came with a framed scripture: I seek not for power but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country. (Alma 60:36)
Hopefully this will remind him to be worthy of the priesthood at all times and to use it as a blessing to other people.

I even made his requested cake: Chocolate Mint.  But he was so sick that he only enjoyed a small little slice.

We are so glad that we have William in our home.  He is so helpful, likes to learn new things, does his school work without me asking or nagging, loves to read, and just wants to be good.

Happy, happy birthday William dear.

Every year I am in shock that my children are another year older.  But 12 is big.  It is a milestone year.  William has moved on from elementary school and now has graduated from Primary.  He worked hard to earn his Faith in God award.  Now we will focus on Duty to God and Eagle Scout.  In a few weeks he will get to pass the sacrament.  That is huge.  I'm looking forward to taking him to the temple as well.  William is such a good boy.  He's our frequent babysitter.  He is good and responsible.  He is an incredible big brother--especially to Lydia.  He helps her at night and sometimes on the weekend I'll hear her wake up and yell for William instead of Mom.  I am so excited to see the wonderful young man he is becoming!

What is your favorite...
color? red
food? pizza
toy? playstation and football
show? Studio C and Teen Titans Go!
animal?  wolf
book(s)? too many to pick just one
song? 
primary song? 
What do you like to do? play football
Who is your best friend?  Gage, Luke, and Brayden
What do you want to be when you grow up? video game designer

I am - 12

I am afraid of - I don't know

I like - oreo cream filled donuts

I like to eat - chocolate

I don't like - brussell sprouts

I know - how to play football

I want to be -  a video game maker

I like to watch - Star Wars and Studio C

I like to go to - Disneyland and Oklahoma

My hero is- Dad

I cry when - I break an arm

Mom gets mad when -  I hurt my brothers

Mom is happy when - I finish all my homework early

Dad gets mad when - I hurt my brothers

Dad is happy when - I don't anger him

I can't wait for - school to be over 

Something Mom says to me - "goodnight"

Something Dad says to me - "goodnight"

My favorite place to go is - Oklahoma and Disneyland and the cabin in Heber

My Mom and Dad make me laugh by - tickling me

I know my mom loves me because - she didn't kick me out of the house (???)  **

I know my dad loves me because - he does not punch me (???) **

**William thinks he is super hilarious.

Flag Football--Second Season

Rich was asked to help coach flag football again this Fall.  This time James and Alex were on the same team.

The boys had a lot of fun playing together and they both had some really good plays.

Here is Alex making a run nearly the entire length of the field.  He was so happy!

James was one of the best players on the team.  He's so quick!  I think he made at least one touchdown during every game.

The Lions really had a great season and in the end they finished 2nd overall!

At the championship game you could guess what the final score would be.  William and his buddies all made guesses and agreed to split the candy bucket if they won.  William made a great guess (24-20) and won the prize!  The final score was 24-21.

Everyone was pretty happy to get trophies this season!

I'm glad that James and Alex could play on the same team and have so much fun!