Merry Christmas

I don't know about anyone else...but for some reason I just really haven't got too excited about the holidays this year. When Christmas Eve finally got here and the grandkids came over it all seemed to be okay and very exciting. One of my favorite things to do is have the grandkids decorate the family Christmas tree. We tell them that Santa won't be able to come to Grandma and Grandpa's house because our tree isn't decorated, so will you help me get it done. They are all so excited to help. Some of the ornaments on the tree are 25 to maybe 28 years old. I just can't seem to part with them...they have a lot of sentimental value.

This was the grandkids favorite place to hang the ornaments.

Hannah...a great little helper.

Livie takes this job very seriously.

Landon really enjoyed helping. He was very picky where he placed his ornaments.

The bottom of the tree looked wonderful. :)

Boston with a handful of ornaments.

All my wonderful helpers. Grandkids...plus my niece Ashleigh.

My parents gave all the kids stuffed teddy bears. I know you don't have to tell me...I have the cutest grandkids ever!!!

Temple Square & Front Runner

Last night we went with Brad's ward to see the lights on Temple Square. I wonder if every year they do less and less lights. I remember years ago when it seemed like every tree was lit. They still were awesome. We had a great turn out, the kids are so much fun to be around. I keep thinking what are we going to do when this calling is over. We have way to much fun. We also road the Front Runner and Trax down and back, it's was a late night, but a great one!

A great bunch of kids.

Brad & I...of course :)

Beautiful!!!

I can't even imagine all the time that went into this tree.

Passing time on Trax. When it goes around a corner the floor moves with it, so I had to see if I could balance myself...I didn't do so good, and it was very late.

Hanging on for dear life.

Landon's Birthday

Landon celebrated his 3rd birthday yesterday. I really can't believe his is that old, time really does go by way to fast. Adam & Jeana had a really fun party for him. He really likes all the super heroes, so that was the theme of the party. Everyone dressed up as their favorite hero, or they made a super hero up. There was Captain Candles, Captain Chaos, Dog Women, Spider Woman, Drama Queen, Super Purple Princess, Optimus Prime...and a ton more, I just can't think of them. These themed parties that my grand kids have for their birthday's are so much fun. A great way to celebrate. Landon we hope you had a fun day...We love you!!!

Blowing out the candles.

Landon got a slide for the backyard...right now it's just in his
playroom, the kids had a ton of fun on it.

Best Buddies

Candle Man...
Birthday Celebrator Extraordinaire

Landon's girlfriend...Bella :)

Opening one of his many, many, many gifts!

Spider Woman

Captain Chaos

Captain Static Cling and Dog Woman!

The Purple Princess

The Big One!!!

Happy Birthday to me! This was a big one...my family tells me that I have to own this birthday, but I can't bring myself to say it. Let's just say it's between 49 and 51. YUK!!! The only thing that brings me some comfort is that in my head I am still 25. I had a wonderful birthday party...everyone came over and cooked dinner, it was awesome. We had steak, ribs, salad, corn on the cob and baked beans. Brad went to a lot of work to make sure this was a great birthday and it really was, we have been celebrating all weekend. Thank you so much for a wonderful day.

Grandkids...they are the BEST!

Boston, Livie, Hannah and Landon.

I needed all this help blowing out the candles.

My new favorite cake...Red Velvet Cake from "Nothing Bundt Cake."

My niece...Ashleigh!

One of my favorite things, caramelized onions...YUM!!!

They guys were really concerned about the ribs...but they were awesome!

I love it when THEY do all the cooking...

what about the clean-up? :)

Flemings...YUM!!!

Tonight we had my birthday dinner at one, and I stress one of my many favorite restaurants in Salt Lake City. It is Flemings right across the street from The Energy Solutions Arena. It was so nice to have everyone there (except Elder Sawyer...of course.) Thank you so much everyone for making the effort to be there. I know sometimes it is very hard with every one's busy schedules, so thank you again. I love you all!!! Can you believe how fast I posted about this? :)

The Whole Gang...minus one Elder Sawyer.

Thank you so much Brad...what a Great night!

My Mom and Dad

Brad and Beckie...sorry about the game :(

I'm glad BYU won!!!

Great picture Adam & Jeana!
This is so rare when Adam is not making some sort of face.

Josh & Bo...what a cute couple!!!
Thanks for getting work off Josh!

Boys Day Out

Brad, Adam and Josh recently went to the Green River to fish. They got up at 5 am and drove for 3 hours, but they say it is well worth it. But all I tell them is who is their right mind would one go fishing, and second who in their right mind would go fishing when there is snow on the ground and the temperature outside is in the teens. YUK!!! But they absolutely love it, and according to them the Green River is one of the best trout fisheries in the country. The best way to fish the River is to have a drift boat and a guide. They were fortunate to have the best guide on the Green...Doug Roberts. It truly is a must see river...beautiful. It was great for Brad to be able to spend time with the boys laughing, talking and just having a lot of fun fishing. I am sure there are going to be a lot of fish stories that come from this trip. I know that Brad would love to make this another tradition...going fishing on the Green the day before Thanksgiving.

Josh and Adam. Great Fisherman!

Josh and one of his many fish.

Lunch Break...

Doug and Adam with his big catch...22"

Great catch!!!

Adam, Brad and Josh taking a break for a hot lunch

and a family photo.

"Lipper Ripper"

A few weeks before Jake left on his mission Brad decided that he was going to have a fishing tournament with the boys. In case you didn't know we are such a competitive family!!! Brad, Jake and I went out the night before, and found this really old trohpy that we brought home, and they transformed it into the "LIPPER RIPPER" trophy. So Brad teamed up with Jake, and Josh & Adam were a team. They went down to the Provo River, and each team was only allowed 1 rod. There was one team on one side of the river, and the other team on the other side. They would cast in their line and catch a fish and then pass it off to the other person on their team. I think the whole contest last 4 or 5 hours. YUK!!! I can't think of anything worse. Needless to say Brad and Jake won...I think it was very close 21 to 19. Everyone had a great time!!! Now... you might ask what happened to the wonderful trophy...well it now has a prominent place in our entertainment center in the family room.

I really wish the other team would have won!!! :(

The winners of the first annual "Lipper Ripper" fishing contest.

The Fishermen