Spring Break with my Sister!

Just another week in paradise!!! Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

Mi amigo, Francisco!

I missed this last year...I promised myself a massage on the beach this year for sure!

Yep, those are my toes...

Our adventurous spirit took us on a busride to Bucerias...Karen had been there 20 years ago, and had been charmed by the unspoiled beach...20 years makes a difference, but we were still charmed!


I wish you could see the gold flecks in the sand...I've never seen anything like it!

Sand sculptures beyond beautiful!
Sunset on the Malecon
Our final night...our farewell dinner at Los Tules.

Our singing waiter..."Besame Mucho!"

My Favorite Planet!

Last night Reed and I accompanied our church youth group to the Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park and Observatory. The Bruneau dunes include the single tallest sand dune in North America...it is a WONDER! Then, when the sun went down, we checked out the billions of stars through the huge telescope at the observatory. As we were leaving, there was a group of people using one of the smaller telescopes outside the observatory...I overheard someone saying they were looking at Saturn...well, I've always thought that Saturn was my favorite planet...with those rings and all...but I never expected to actually SEE it! I took my turn and nearly did a happy dance right there! I saw beautiful Saturn on a beautiful night in Bruneau, Idaho!!!

What is a Core Fair?

McKena's elementary school presents a "core knowledge" fair each year to reflect the learning that has taken place across grade levels and curriculum...this year's theme was American History. What a fantastic display of creativity and facets of learning. Each guest was presented with a program map and questions to answer as one moved throughout the school hallways. Teachers were dressed as famous Americans from history...Abe Lincoln got by me before I could get out my camera...we nabbed Betsy Ross between stitches and a Colonial soldier (who was a member of Sons of the American Revolution). We all had a wonderful time. Thanks McKena!

Valentine Winners

I am doing a long-term sub and had so much fun at the class Valentine party! I wanted to share the creative masterpieces that won the box decorating contest. Can you guess which won: Most Unique...Most Creative...Most Beautiful...Funniest...and Most Inspirational? The kids voted.

Snow is NOT my favorite!

But Christmas is! We gathered at Jay and Christa's, driving through a nasty snow storm...Brooklyn came in sick, threw up...cuddled up on the couch for a while. Bellamie was covered with hives...Eden had taken her to the doctor on Christmas Eve day. BUT, we celebrated and we were TOGETHER!

A Favorite Tradition!

I started taking Bailey to see The Nutcracker when she was five years old, and had just begun taking ballet lessons. It quickly became a tradition. Mia asked to go along last year, and this year we invited Brooklyn. McKena and Missy go as a mother/daughter tradition, so McKena doesn't go with us. We are all enchanted by the beautiful sets and costumes, enthralled by the music and dance, and excited to have our very own nutcrackers!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a fun day for the fam. Eden and Dan hosted...everyone contributed their specialty: I made pumpkin and chocolate pies, a pumpkin cheesecake, a turkey, Aunt Lura's pineapple rings with a dollop of cream cheese and pecan mixture in the hole; Christa made turkey, stuffing and gravy; Missy made mashed potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce; Eden made her pear and prosciutto salad, special yams, rolls, and ham. DELISH! We ate, drank and were very merry! The kids all wanted to feed Willy the calf after dinner (probably next year he WILL be dinner!) and the adults played Apples to Apples, resulting in much hilarity!

Why rake?

So you can jump into the big pile!!! And imagine the leaves are hats and cups!!!

Happy Halloween!

Hurray for Melba Elementary School! They still celebrate Halloween the old-fashioned way...with a costume parade and a party! I love being able to take part in the grands' fun. I went to Brooklyn's class party...then decorated my doorway in preparation for trick-or-treaters...we attended the 3-Ward "Trunk or Treat" party...drove out to Eagle to catch the last half of the Meridian vs Eagle football game, and see McKena's costume (good job, Missy!)...then, on to Star for Bailey and Mia! Whew! What an exciting night!

We love the Pumpkin Liner!

Missy always organizes a family train ride to the pumpkin patch. We love it (I am crazy for trains) and the kids love it. We look forward to it every year.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...in October!!

The earliest snowfall recorded in Boise!

September Birthdays and Bishop Bates!

We gathered to celebrate Reed's and Christa's birthdays with dinner and cake. Then we went to a special meeting at the Stake Center, at which new ward alignments were announced and Reed was called to be the first bishop of the newly-formed Shoshone Ward. We will be leaving many friends, but "we will go, we will do" and all will be well.