THREE KINGS DINNER

On the second Sunday of January we get together and have The Three Kings Dinner. This year, we had to postpone for a few weeks because one of the camels had a lame leg. My good friend Lisa had knee surgery a few months ago and things still aren't healing right. She will have to endure another surgery again next month. Lisa is a goer. I don't think I have ever known someone with more energy and enthusiam then her. She wanted to keep the tradition going even with her condition.

This dinner has become a tradition (this is our fourth year) for our family and a few families in our neighborhood. The children look so forward to getting together. The tables are set formal and the children are so involved from setting up, to serving and cleaning up. Of course...there is always time at the end to play.
Part of the tradition includes the different age groups of children clearing and serving the different courses. They really enjoy it when it is their turn. Lisa read the story of The Last Straw and everyone got to take home a white chocolate camel.
The children act out in full costume the nativity with the kings arriving at the end. We again reflect on the Savior and decide if we haven't already done so what we will carry (promise) for our Savior this upcoming year.
It's a great evening to visit with wonderful friends and a great chance to celebrate again the birth of the greatest King of all.The younger girls
Lisa and MeThe teenage guys

The Very Best Pie Ever!

This pie is found at the Flying Star Cafe in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our friends just ate there on Tuesday and sent us this text picture. Now, our mouths are watering and we are filled with envy. Well, we're glad they are having a good time. Hands down it really is the most delicious Rhubarb!

Jazz Reading Contest has begun!

Lately, my younger girls lives have been consumed with reading. Not a bad hobby. They are found afterschool and into the night reading like crazy about 100-180 minutes a day. Group reading is allowed and probably the most fun at this age. Their school has participated in this for 3 years now and they have been awarded a Jazz Player every year so far. They must keep up with the tradition. Lets hope they rack up enough minutes so one can come again this year.Along with the contest the school planned an evening party from 5:30-8:15 to come when you can and read with parents and in groups together. During this time they would hand out tickets to readers to put their name in for prizes and Sara won! The party was so FUN. There was a magician that came in between the different reading sessions to entertain the kids. He was Amazing! With each trick he encouraged the kids to love reading. The magician made a real live bunny appear.
ALL the kids cheered!

girls on wheels

The girls were picked up the other day and raced off to the park. Even with the cold temps...it's fun to get outside once in a while. And it's really hard to wait until spring to use your new set of wheels.

a fun day with Grandma

After a great sleepover, Grandma took Sara and Madi to the Discovery Gateway Museum. I drove down and met them for a day of fun. We explored the museum, went to lunch at the gateway food court, shopped at Justice, and then ended up reading books at Barnes and Noble. Such a fun time!!
Creative Crazy Collages. The girls spent over an hour just in this one area.

Thanks Grandma for spending such an awesome day with us! We Love You!

New Years Celebration - CRAB SHACK style

Much concentration is needed to take out the crab.
Girls Hug!! Madi dancing to the music!!

We celebrated early in the evening by eating dinner at the Crab Shack. Later on we went over to our good friends...the Hayters for games, visiting, and a little cannon shooting to bring in 2010!!NEW YEARS DAY - Playing games and enjoying family and friends. Sharmione is from South Africa (love her accent) but, currently living in England. She is a sweetheart...so gracious and kind. She is a delight to be around. Also, Roger Chu (from Taiwan) came over as well. He was staying with Sherm and Judith for a few days. Roger is finishing high school here and is so pleasant and happy. The kids loved playing ping pong and teaching him new moves in Halo.Kelsey, Madi, Sharmione & Britney

Disneyland - Holiday Magic

We left 2 days after Christmas to spend 3 wonderful days at Disneyland. It's even more magical at Christmastime. Sleeping Beauty's Castle was incredibly decorated with thousands of winter white lites which made the castle change colors looking completely different at night. Ohhhh....and when it snows after the fireworks... So AWESOME!
The three day passes really helped us not stress about the crazy crowds. We had plenty of time to get everything in. One day Disneyland completely sold out but, California Adventure wasn't that crowded. We had so much fun with our kids. We would get there early and stay late...til our legs and feet hurt with pain...it's the "Butters Way". The weather was a little cold but, we had double sweatshirts and gloves. Sara loved tower of terror and proudly told everyone how she rode it 6 times.





Haunted Mansion - taken over by "the nightmare before christmas"
My CUTE little BuGz.
We all learned how to draw M-I-C-K-E-Y at animation studios.
Hang on...launching in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...SCREEEAMMMM------
Can you see Kayli's reflection? This happened just by coincidence.
I love to watch how nice Jacob is to his sisters. He is the greatest brother!
Such Happy Faces!


We're having FUN but, where is the SUN?
The Jail in tOOn tOwN.
9:40pm - Waiting for the fireworks to start...Sara and Madi are completely exhausted!
Taking a little hot chocolate break.
DISNEYLAND really is all FuN & GaMeS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Can anyone relate?
Cheers to all New Year's Resolutions.
I have much hope for this upcoming year.
Here's to a wonderful happy and healthy 2010!!
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