Gilbert Temple

 The Gilbert Temple

 

We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to walk through the Gilbert Temple before it was dedicated. What a neat experience to have my children go through a temple. We met up with the Platts and the Goodmans. We had a tons of kids and a lot of chaos but I really think we all felt the spirit and had a peaceful feeling walking through the temple. The kids all liked the chandelier in the celestial room. It is incredibly big and beautiful. I loved watching my kids stare and smile at all they saw. I am grateful for this opportunity to take my children to a House of the Lord. I can't wait to do it again at the Phoenix temple. 

Prescott Valley

 We got to go up to Prescott Valley for Hannah's baptism. It was so neat to head up and stay with Karrie and have most of the cousins together. Hannah got baptized on a Sunday and there was no school on Monday so it was a perfect time to take a little trip. On Monday we hiked up Glassford Hill with the kids. It was a nice little hike that all the kids could do. I love being outside and having my kids be active. We had a great time and I'm glad that we are healthy enough to hike.

New Year's 2013

Happy New Year's!!!!
We had a wonderful 2013 and can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for us.
We got to party it up at the Funk's house and then Ryan and I went to the Turley's party which ended in fireworks. Good times had by all.

Christmas Season

We had a great Christmas Season. I love all the activities and fun times. We are truly blessed and I am so grateful for the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ. I love this time of year so I can be reminded of all that I have and all that has been given to me.

 

We got to go see "Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus" one night. It was a cute little play with great music and so fun. I love taking my kids to plays. They always complain but end up really enjoying it.

Jack, Jay and Kate with Madeline and Morgan Riggs.

Another great time is the Temple Christmas lights. We went one Saturday and walked around the temple with our friends the Hess', listened to 259 and then got ice cream. I love taking my kids to the temple. It's something I should do more often. 

Christmas Eve took us to ice skating. I told my kids they had to try it and they did. I think they may have gone around three times. But they did it and we will try again. 

 Jay hanging onto the side of the rink. He never let go and would get so bugged if someone was in his way. But he did it.

Christmas Eve, looking at lights with great friends.

Christmas Eve jammies. My kids are growing up way too fast.

I love that they pretend to be asleep. I wish it were this easy to get them to be on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning. The boys got new blankets and Kate got her big Barbie house. The Ricedorffs came over for a yummy breakfast and we had a great time.

Christmas night at my parents. This picture doesn't do the chaos justice. It is so fun to watch all the kids run around and play with their cousins. I can't find the pictures of all the boys and girls. All the girls got dolls and the boys got pocket knives. And we had a great white elephant gift exchange.

The day after Christmas we had the Ricedorff Christmas. This is the only picture I got. Jay loves Duke and had such a great time with him.

ASU games

 This year we got season tickets to ASU basketball and Ryan was still able to get tickets to all of the football games. Needless to say we have been cheering on our Devils a lot and having a lot of fun doing it. ASU has been winning and it makes for some fun times.
This picture was sent to me from Kate's school teacher, Kris Burton, the kids dance the entire basketball game and get on the jumbo tron a million times each game.

Steven Smith, Jack, Jay, Kate and Rathen

 Kate and Lyla Driggs. I think these girls are going to be good friends.

Pac 12 championship game. ASU lost to Stanford and missed going to the Rose Bowl but it was a great season and a lot of fun to watch ASU have a winning season.

Kate's dance recital and Kindergarten program

Kate is becoming quite the little dancer. She loves it and loves performing. She was in two dances this time and has really improved. I'm excited to see what she can do.

Kate's kindergarten class has a Christmas program and it was so dang fun to watch. It is my last kindergarten program and I enjoyed every minute of it. I love the shirts that they make and listening to all the kids sing.

Kate and Ava, best friends. I hope they are always friends. 

Jack's Birthday

 Happy Birthday to my now 11 year old. Where does the time go. Jack is a great boy and such a great helper. He is becoming quite the babysitter and is the most adventurous, friendliest, kindest and most fun boy. He has such a sweet heart and is a leader and great example to Jay and Kate. They both look up to him so much. Jack makes sure Kate has someone to walk to and from school with and never leaves her alone. I'm glad that I have this boy in my life.
Happy Birthday, Jack!!! I sure do love you.
Jack got an iPod touch for his birthday, I'm a mean mom and made him pay for half of it.

ASU game

 Ryan got the trip of a lifetime. He got to travel with the ASU football team and watch ASU beat up on UCLA at the Rose Bowl. Ryan has some friends in high places. Through Kevin's work Ryan, Kevin Wolfe, Ryan Driggs and Brian Ricks all got to go. Ryan said besides the game where he got to be on the field, the travel was so great. It took them two hours total to leave ASU, fly to California, then drive to their hotel. Police escorts to and from the airport. They travelled in style. He had a wonderful time and I'm glad he got this chance to go to the game. Go Devils!!!
ASU 38- UCLA 33

This is his key card to the hotel room. Hilton had these made for everyone. 

Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love that I get to spend the day with my family and being grateful for all I have. I am truly blessed. I didn't take any pictures this year but we had a great day.

Here is Kate's class all dressed up and learning about the first Thanksgiving.

 

Durham, Jack, Ty, Jake, Wyatt and Jay. The boys playing football at my parents.

 

 

 

I am thankful for: Ryan, Jack, Jay, Kate, my parents, my sisters and brothers, my in-laws, friends, great ward, atonement, Jesus Christ, prayers, scriptures, washer and dryer, health, good running shoes, and so much more. I know I am truly blessed and grateful for all I have.