Saturday Sports...

We missed the second game last week since we were out of town.  This weeks game was late afternoon so we had plenty of time to catch up on chores, laundry, and shopping.  We even fit in a trip to Swig for a yummy treat.

Time to hit the court and the boys were ready.  Ryder said they had been working on getting physical and stopping the other team from scoring.  I tried to explain the difference of stopping and fouling but I don't think it sunk in.  He told me his coach knows what he is doing.

Let the game begin....

Where's the ball and what do we do?

In motion
Get back here I am guarding you.

Ryder made a basket and was all smiles.  They needed a few more to keep up with this Little Valley South Team,

They were hot, sweaty, and tired,  Yet still smiling and eager to give each other high fives.

 There will be one more practice before Christmas and then a break until January.

3rd Grade Project

The 3rd Grade this year was asked to make ornaments for a local banks Christmas Tree.  Ryder was excited to participate even though it was a mad dash across town and he was wet from swim team practice.  

Look what we made!!!
Have to love that face.  His face may stick

The main man even showed up.

Telling Santa what he wants.
Santa kept asking what else do you want?
I guess one item isn't acceptable anymore.

The poster telling who had done all this work.

Asking Ryder what was inside the bulb of green?  Paint!!!!  What happens if you drop it?  Ask Mrs. Guynn?  It hasn't dried and makes a big mess.

The kids all had fun running around and even checking out the bank vault.  The sugar high could be felt in the room.  It was time to have dinner.

Weather....

Morning arrived and with it SNOW!!!!  We had been so lucky to avoid all the awful weather predicted so far.  What is a little snow???

Winter Wonderland

SNOW!!!! Let's go play.

Dave shoveling the walks
for Grandma & Grandpa early for them to leave for church.

Girls gone wild?
Maybe not wild but full of smiles playing in the snow.
If only for a few minutes.

Time to head home after a great weekend.  As we traveled South the snow faded away and the sunshine took it's place.  It was an uneventful trip home.

Unpacking, getting ready for another crazy week  The kids kept begging for food.  Oops!!! only one planned meal a day is not acceptable.  This from a fourteen year old.  She didn't like it when I promptly told her to find something to eat and fix it herself.  My mom points dropped dramatically.

Family Weekend Part 2

Traveling across the valley we could see weather starting to move in.  We have been really lucky so far this trip and avoided meeting any rain or snow.  A quick trip on the side to Walmart to pickup any last minute items.

Party time arrived and it was time to eat.

Larry & Jackie 

Darryl getting his plate
before everyone devours all the food.

Playing with cousins

McKade, Jason, Camille, and Amber
Getting ready for presents.

Present time
Grandpa Chris needs to speed up his delivery.
The natives were getting restless.

Playing together
Grandpa Larry, Charlie, and Danica.
Grandma Carrie holding Benjamin

The grandkids and great grandkids all playing together having fun.  Slowly everyone began calling it a night.  It was a fun night and we missed those who couldn't be there.  Hopefully next year everyone can be together.

We were all full, tired, and ready to sleep.  We have a long ride tomorrow.

Busy Family Weekend

It is the second weekend of December which means time for a family road trip to visit family.  There were reports of bad weather a long I 15 that we made the decision to take the hummer.  We were off and surprise dinner plans in Cedar City.  Dave decided to surprise the kids and avoid hopefully the arguing and fighting.  Appleby's it was and everyone was hungry.  They devoured their dinners and were ready to get back on the road.

Saturday lunch with the Waters Group at Chuck A Rama.  There were grandkids missing and we did miss them.  Time to eat and of course visit.

The Waters Family - 2016

Stuffing our faces

We hope everyone had a great time visiting and catching up with each other lives.  The food was yummy of course.  Goodbye hugs and it was time to hit the road for our next party.

I had to make a pit stop with Reganne & Ryder.  Before we got to the door Ryder came running with Uncle Mike trailing after him hoping that we hadn't left him.  A quick snuggle was the quick fix and we were out the door.

New Sports Season...

Ryder agreed to play basketball this year if it didn't conflict with his swim team practice.  There were a few scheduling conflicts that I needed to resolve.  After one practice completed it was time to play ball.

Wrong sport but with extra time
a little climbing warm up was arranged.

The Raptors were full steam ahead.

A little hand wringing

A lot of running back and forth.

Defense kicked in.

The boys had a good game but didn't score enough points to win.  There were really rough edges on their game but was what they lacked in skill they made up with determination.  There were even a few priceless moments of scoring but in the wrong basket or getting turned around on the court.

It was a fun hour and there are 7 more to enjoy this season.

Dickens Festival 2016

We almost missed it this year due to toooo many activities every night.  Telling Ryder that we would skip it and the tears began.  It was time to slow down and do our best to keep this traditional alive for another year.  Reganne also reminded me that she needed to go to build her Discovery Bank for her choir class.  

Friday was the day and we were off......

Watching a performance
of the Nutcracker.
Racking up those points.

Starting his shopping for the sisters.
He even spent his own money

Secrets

Our crew plus one

The crowds were pretty light and there was only a 5 minute wait to see Father Christmas. This is the first time in 14 years that we didn't have to wait in a long line.  However, there was a slight hiccup when the kids walked up to him.  He had lost a lot of weight and didn't have his usual smile???? Father Christmas had to recruit his number one helper to help out this year.  Due to health problems he was in the hospital and hoping to make a full recovery.

We had a great time and even got started on our Christmas shopping.  We finished in time to get the older girls to GeorgeFest Christmas they were eager to have a fun but freezing cold night.

I guess even though they are growing up and don't seem interested in family traditions.  Secretly down deep they don't really want to let go the silly traditions.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving Break finally arrived and the kids were really ready for a break as well from school work.  Dave & I started the break off by donating blood for the stake blood drive.  This time I was able to donate with my iron levels right on target. Feeling ok this time afterwards it was time to get the turkey ready and make sure the house was ready for our company.

The MacPherson's arrived full of energy and ready to play.  It was pretty warm outside to 7 kids and 3 dogs swarmed the backyard and let the fun begin.  There was one problem Grace wasn't feeling well.  Hopefully, she will feel better tomorrow for the big day.

Kids Table
Sunshine all around but still a little chilly.

This girl doesn't like the food.
She settled for veggies & rolls. 

Adult Table
Peace and Quiet!!!!

Dang!!!
If only I was as big as Ginger
I could have a treat!!!

Friday, another kid down but the good news Grace was feeling so much better.  Ryan headed off to the children's museum and All Abilities Park.  The kids were worn out by the time the arrived back home.

Saturday, another one down to the nasty bug.  The kids were still pretty worn out what could we do.  Movie time!!!! Everyone wanted to see Moana, but could we still find seats.

Waiting patiently???
Nope, but devouring the popcorn instead.

Front Row Seats!!!
The kids in front followed by the adults behind them.
Didn't work out that way.  Dave moved to the front
and sat with the kids.

It was a good show with a great message.  There was no handsome prince to the rescue.  Instead, a daughter and the future chief working with the help of her grandmother to find the solution to save her island.

Dinner @ Taco Bell

Sunday, the final day of the break.  One more sick and awful weather creeping into the state.  They headed out early to hopefully miss most of the storms.

We had a great time with the cousins sickness and all.  The good news for them all but one of their kids had the gomboo.  Now time will only tell whether we come down with the same stuff.

It is now time to leave this holiday behind and focus now on Christmas.  Bring on the Christmas Music and decorations!!!!

Craftiness

Ryder wants to be just like his dad in all things.  He is now eager to get started on the Christmas activities.  He started prowling around the kitchen to find all the ingredients for his project.  When I asked him what he was making he replied wait and see?

Ta Da!!!!
His first gingerbread creation.

Creative Mind at work

This boys mind is constantly working and he loved his candy fort.  Leaving it on the table wasn't an option not with Ginger prowling around.

The fort now resides up high on the docking station to keep big paws and an extra long tongue from tasting it.

Let It Begin....

Its time once again for HalloMerryThankMas.  Where did the year go or rather how did it get here to quickly?  The kick off has been the Jubilee of Trees.  The kids begged to go this year which surprised us since they have told us our activities are for babies.

Early church meant we could go earlier and beat the crowds. 

Eager to explore the trees.

Photo Bombed by Ryder

Dang!!!
When did she grow up?

Sweet pose for crazy boy.
Were you fooled?

Togetherness with
the Snowman Family

Surprise Photo
Courtesy of Reganne
I love the fact her shoes are tied.

The trees were beautiful, but a lot less than last year.  Can we continue the holiday spirit  now that Thanksgiving is this week.  Dave has already turned on the Christmas Music in the car much to everyone's dismay.  Even pleading can't get him to change the station. We will survive the next week by not riding with him.