Best Time of the Year.

We have been busy around here as is always the case during Christmas time...the excitement acute for the kids.  We have been going to lots of bball games on Tuesdays as Joaquin's team is undefeated and making it to a few Utah games as well.

Laney also had her dance recital and did a great job singing "Let it Go" stealing the show.  Shauna will have to post the video since I was not close enough to get a good shot.

Joaquin got an award at school for his success in the class room.

Joaquin's class also went to caroling to a retirement home near the school.

We have had parties and also headed out see the lights a temple square.  We went late in the year and managed to avoid the massive crowds that are around during most of December.

As always, have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Tree is up.

Utes playing.  

Nana and Ruby at the recital.

Ward Christmas party with Santa.

Going to school all dressed up.

JJ receiving his award.

The lights at the Temple.

Happy kids.

Merry Christmas and Wow!!

Just had to drop by my blog and say Merry Christmas to all those feeling the joy- and especially for those that may not be feeling so much joy.  Maybe this dunk will cheer you up.  All I can say is that kid is a magician.

Also, Joaquin has been playing J Jazz the last month and working hard to get better. He has been dribbling the ball around the house...and I just let him.  Guess I know where my priorities are.  Keep it up Joaquin and you may end up like Delon.

Home for the Holidays

Again we find ourselves on the cusp of another holiday season.  It would be nice to slow down and enjoy this more, but not only is it the most wonderful time of the year--it is also the busiest time of the year.  It could be that it just seems that way with the shorter daylight we have.

Sometimes it is just nice to kick back and sit for a few minutes and enjoy the scene rather than feel like if we aren't doing something every second of everyday we are missing out.  I think you can start to see a theme in my posts about how sometimes I just like to enjoy a night at home.  Don't get me wrong, I like going to parties, concerts, family dinners, and the like, but taking a second to let it all sink in is nice too.  It gives a chance for reflection on Thanksgiving and Christmas and what is important about these holidays.

If this one creeps you out, try the one below.

Here's to another special and wonderful holiday season.  Let us enjoy and give thanks for all the blessings we have and not neglect a thank you that needs to be shared.

Joaquin's Baptism

Our first born is growing up into a smart, talented, and wonderful young man.  On November 1, 2014, he followed through with his decision to be baptized and receive the holy ghost.  It was a fine day with family and friends that came out in large numbers to support this great young man.

He wore a new suit for the occasion and cut a fine figure.  We love this young guy and hope and pray the best for him.  He is a joy to have in our family.

 

Eight Years

Hard to believe that eight years has gone by with awesome, nice, smart, good and loving son.  He turned eight this month and will be baptized November 1st.  It makes us happy to see him getting excited about his baptism and tries really hard to read his new scriptures.

I would like to take some space here and let Joaquin know that he is a blessing to our family and he has brought so much love, goodness, joy and adventure into our home.  You are a smart, kind, energetic kid, who loves his family.  Thanks for the wonderful eight years!!  We love you.  This is to many more years of wrestling, clash of clans, building Legos, riding your bike with out shoes, and generally keeping life interesting around here.  Happy eight my son.

Oreo and milk accidents.

Hanging with famous literary figures.

Carving awesome pumpkins.

Funny face paint.

Working hard on Christmas list.

Swimming.

Photo bomber.

Go Utes!

Only time he has ever taken a nap since he was two.

Happy kid.

Loves vacation.

Wants to drive.  Not yet.

Knows how to kick back.

Again.

Skier.

Cute kids.

Buddies.

More Pictures of Teton Relay

Just got a bunch of pictures from Cami that she took of our team during the Grand Teton Relay.  Enjoy.

Start Ashton, Idaho

As I said in my previous post, we were in last place at the start of leg five.  That is a lonely road.

Sarah finishing leg 5 and Todd ready to start.

See how many people we had passed by this point.  That would change.

Todd in the heat.

         

Thad on a long 9 miler.

Dusk on leg 8.

This was a brutal climb of 900 feet in about 4 miles.

John blazing on leg 9.

Aubrey and Blake piloting the ship.

Blake looking good on leg 10.

Cami and Shauna.

   

Shauna's leg in the early morning.  Beautiful.

Not sure what is happening here.

Team headed into Wyoming.

Bunches o' kills now.

John heading up Teton pass.  Another brutal climb of 800 feet in 2.6 miles.

Blake coming in from the downhill 900 feet.

Finished.

Grubbing in Ashton.

See all of those kills?