Temple Lights

We went to see the Christmas lights at the beautiful St. George Temple. I just love this temple, not just because it is the one I attend, but because of its pioneer heritage. How amazing it looks with all those colorful Christmas lights up against that striking white building. It is quite breathtaking. Abby was a little upset when she found out that we weren't actually going in the temple. The visitor's center just wasn't going to do it for her. I am sure she feels the special spirit there, and I hope that she will always have a strong desire to want to go there.
The reason that Kaylie isn't in any of the pictures is because she was our photographer. She loves to take pictures and she is getting really good at it.

Christmas Light Parade

I am really pathetic when it comes to this blogging thing. Here are my Christmas pictures in January. Anyway, this is from our annual Christmas Light Parade that we have here. We have lived here 12 years and this is the first time we went to it. Reason probably being that it is just too cold, but the kids were asked to be in it, so we made it a fun night. We have a dear man in our ward that has put together a train pulled by his Ranger. He goes around our neighborhood offering all the children rides, and they love it. He asked the kids to ride on the train in the parade. We bundled them up in their foam clothing. They couldn't move, but boy were they warm.

While Dawn was here, we decorated Nicolas' grave for Christmas. She had picked up some cute items. I was grateful because the only thing that we have had there is a pathetic bouquet that blew off someone else's grave...sad, I know. I just wasn't sure what to put on it. I think it turned out nice.

The highlight of the weekend...Bret Favre jerseys for the whole family compliments of Dawn. What do you think? We love them and we love Dawn. Thanks Dawn for a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Please don't look at my formatting. I am still trying to figure out how to do this blogging thing. One day I will get it.

Our Friend Dawn

Our friend Dawn came to visit over the Thanksgiving holiday. Her and I have been friends for almost 19 years. We met while attending SUU. It is always a great time when she comes. She let the children experience their first "Black Friday". They went to stay at a hotel in St. George, got up at 4:30am and hit the town. She basically gave them an early Christmas, and the kids loved it. When the shopping was done, it was time to play, so they enjoyed themselves at the Fiesta Fun Family Center. Brian and I decided to bypass the crowds and go to the temple instead.

My New Calling

I knew this call would come when Wes turned eight, and sure enough it came. It was one of those callings that I never wanted, but surprise, surprise, I absolutely love it. I am the Wolf Den Leader to seven active, excited and sweet boys. So far I have experienced taking a trip to the police station, making Indian drums and our newest adventure this month...building book ends! The greatest part is being able to spend time with Wes doing things he enjoys and helping him to earn his badge. Cub Scouts...I love it...Who would have thought?!

Abby's Haircut

Well this is Abby's fourth unscheduled haircut. She had cut her hair twice in the past. Her hair was finally growing out and looking so pretty. But it got in her eyes so she decided to cut it. We took her to the beautician, and she fixed it by giving her a shorter cut and some bangs, and it looked really cute. Well on Monday, Abby decides her hair is in her eyes again and asks her friend to cut it for her. They are certainly not in her eyes anymore. Not quite sure what we will do with it on Sunday for church. It kind of reminds me of a mullet from the '80s. Bless her little heart!

HALLOWEEN

This year for Halloween we spent the evening with our friends, the Cravens and the Frees. The kids were able to go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, something I have tried to boycott for the last two years (I really don't care for Halloween). Obviously I didn't win. We enjoyed dinner, playing cards and eating our year's worth of sugar.


Abby dressed up as the blonde version of Snow White. She didn't last very long in those shoes. She had to trade them in for tennishoes before the end of the night.



Wesley was supposed to be Indiana Jones, but his costume ended up looking like a fisherman instead. Dad saved the day with this version of a US Marine...HOORAH!! Wesley was pretty upset that everyone kept calling him GI Joe.


Maddie and her friends, Ashlyn and Wendy, all wanted to be the Barbie Three Musketeers. We ended up finding them these three wedding reception dresses from the DI, then Sister Free added the sashes and tiaras. I think they were pleased with how their costumes turned out.





Sister Free also had these darling coats to complete the ensemble. I think they turned out adorable.



Kaylie didn't really dress up, but enjoyed going out to help her younger siblings with the trick-or-treating.