Dating Dennis

Dennis and I got to spend a whole day together on Saturday, January 3rd. For Christmas we got tickets to go see the play The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Utah Children's Theater in SLC. One of my missionary companions, Brooke Wilkins, played the White Witch.  It was so fun to see her again! She was my last companion in the mission field.  She had long red hair and seemed to trip all the time!!  She does a lot of work in theater these days. She's not married but very involved in other interests and pursuits. She is just beautiful!! I decided to read this book again. I really appreciate the symbolism of the story.  It makes me happy.

Dennis and I had such a wonderful day together. We had dinner at Chili's and then made our way up to visit Dennis' brother and new baby.  On the way home we stopped at Cold Stone and got our favorite ice cream.

It was a good day! It was like a "dating" date. You know, from back when we were just dating and we would spend all day together.  It felt good to have so much time alone together. It's nice being in a place where we can leave our kids and still have the house standing when we get back.

Another Teenager in the House

Isaac is now 13 years old. It's been a big transition year for him. He got his dog, going to a new school, a deacon, a great year full of baseball and basketball. He's physically grown a lot this year as well. He's probably as tall as I am now and when I look at the boys passing the sacrament and he isn't one of the shortest ones anymore. He's smart and determined and so stinkin cute!!  I sure love that kid!!

In the Air there's a Chillin

On the 29th we went to see the lights at temple square with some of the Marker family. The Williams were in town so it was good to see them. We met at Crown Burger (a Marker favorite) then walked around temple square for a bit.  It was extremely cold!  I couldn't feel my chin after a while.  It's funny how that will affect your speech! It was beautiful!!

Lillian, Khora, Emma, Gabe

Drayden, Ashlyn, Lillian, Emma, Isaac(behind), Khora

Gabe, Bonnie, William

Bonnie

Afton, Adell, Audrey

Williams and Marker Families 

Grandpa Steve, Bonnie and Dennis

Christmas Time is Here

Happiness and Cheer.

 We went to the Peaks Ice arena for FHE on December 22, 2014.  It's been such a long time since I've put skates on. It was also Bonnie's first time.  She was so excited!  When we got on the ice she was a little nervous, but as we got going, she was ready to go on her own.  She was  a little upset that I wouldn't let go of her arm.  Finally I did and she actually did really well. (There is probably a HUGE life lesson in there somewhere, but I'm just not ready to let go of my baby yet.) Khora did really well on her own and Isaac was skating backwards!  My feet paid for it though . . . OUCH!  

"I'm tired from all the ice skating."

When I got back to put my shoes on there was a gold dollar in one of them.  Do you remember the story President Hinkley told about the boys who put the money in the mans boots.  That's what I was thinking about. I actually keep that coin in the coat I wore to remind me to think and be aware of others around me. It was a good Christmas moment! 

Merry Christmas

Halloween 2014

Our pumpkins all lit up on the front porch Halloween Night

Bonnie made an adorable little Witch!

Khora our own beautiful Alice in Wonderland

Afton . . the Super Spy

Jacob did his own make-up this year!

We have entered into that place where Halloween is less of a family event. .. at least the night of.  Both boys were off with their friends all night.  I didn't even get a picture of Isaac at all, but he was in his typical sports get up. As usual Dennis took the kids out and I manned the door at home and made chili and baking powder cheese biscuits.  The chili was hotter this year, (I actually followed the recipe) but the girls loved it!  

So goodbye October. . .you have been very nice to us this year!

Down in the Pumpkin Patch

This is my favorite family Halloween activity! Had a fun afternoon out at the pumpkin patch on Wednesday. We went right after the kids got out of school. There was no crowd whatsoever! Perks to early out days and Dennis working in Santaquin. The Red Barn has added a few new features this year. Apple launch on Fridays and tractor bikes, so fun!! Then the usual giant slide and apple crate maze. . . . and you can't beat free pumpkins. . . sometimes it works out not going out there until 2 days before Halloween, they just want to get rid of them at that point! You take a risk, but hey it worked out this year.

I also love their apple cider doughnuts and fresh apple cider! We carved pumpkins on Thursday night. They looked pretty good all lit up Halloween night,.