Happy 34th!

Thirty-four years, six children, four marriages, and ten grandchildren later, Wayne and I are still going strong. For our anniversary we drove up to Sedona and stayed for a few days. It was nice to be away together, but the middle of December is a lousy time to get married. I felt like I had so much to do that I was making myself crazy. I took as many things as I could and played Santa's elf and Wayne was a great help when we got back home.

It is beautiful in Sedona but a bit cold. It was rainy most of the time we were there. Here we are outside our condo.

On our anniversary we went to Talaquepaque. I don't think I spelled that right but anyway we went there to look at all the shops. Wow! What an artsy place with things to buy for big bucks! We ate at a wonderful Mexican restaurant. Happy Anniversary!

When we got home Travis had come from Buffalo. Stephanie and Collin had come earlier in the week and we got to see them before we left for a bit. What a fun little guy Collin is. I just wish that he lived closer so we could get to know him better and he would feel more comfortable with us. He only lets me hold him if he is going to give me a hug and a kiss. Well, that will work at least he wants to give me a hug and a kiss.

Love this funny little guy!

Flagstaff in the Winter

We went to Flagstaff for a few days because we needed to use up our points before the end of the year. I thought, "how can I go at such a critical time of the year, with so much to do." It actually turned out quite nicely. We had a wonderful condo with a fireplace and a beautiful view. When we got up there snow was still on the ground from an earlier storm. It was fun to be all cozy and look at the snow. Actually, the weather was really nice during the day.

I was able to be very productive and get a LOT of sewing done in a peaceful atmosphere with Christmas carols playing.

This is the view out our back. There was also a jacuzzi on our back patio. How fun!

Brendon, Carrie, and their kids came up on Friday evening and stayed until Saturday evening. They also brought Ruth and Neil. We had a great time.

The snow around the condo had pretty much melted away by the time they got there but the kids found patches and gathered up crusty snow and thought that was a great treat. Carrie and Brendon took them up towards Snow Bowl to play in deeper snow. They didn't last long. They came home and jumped into the jacuzzi and then off to Wendy's we went to each lunch.

The kids playing out in the back of the condo.

Here is Sawyer with her crusty treat.

Neil all dressed up for the snow.

Ruthie and her treat.

Abby in her boots looking for some snow.

All toasty and warm watching a movie and waiting to eat lasagna.

The fireplace was a hit.

I think we all had a good time and I would do it again. When I got home Aubrey had already started putting up the Christmas decorations. What a help that is.

FHE and Flautas

Thanksgiving Tradition as much as the Turkey feast on the actual day is Flauta Day to use up the leftover turkey. This year I had an epiphany about my flautas. I decided to add cilantro, minced garlic, and green salsa to the mix. It turned out quite yummy.

Brendon helping my fry the flautas. NOT a fun job! Thanks Brendon.

Reddin mixing up the quacamole. He made some really good salsa this year

For the finished product and what it looks like jazzed up go to Aubrey's blog or Trevor's facebook. We missed those who were not with us this year, Marcus and the NY Evans.

Thanksgiving Recap

Thanksgiving dawned early with the Turkey Trot. This year it was a little chilly with a bit of wind, much nicer for the runners and the walkers than last year with the 80 degree weather. Here are the two milers. Aubrey and Brendon ran while Carrie and I walked with Abby and Matthew in the stroller.

On your mark, get set, GO!

Trevor is getting ready to run the 10 K

Reddin and Karen with their girls. Both Reddin and Karen ran the 10 K

Marcus and his family got there a little late but walked the 2 mile

Grandpa got to watch the Evans girls

Sawyer stayed with Grandpa to help entertain Payton and Kayda. Here they are feeding the ducks, which is always a highlight with the kids.

Here we all are waiting for Trevor to finish the race

Finally, here he comes!

He did well but his feet hurt for about a week afterwards. Here are the brothers who sort of ran together.

The runners!

Boys and trees!

We got home from the Turkey Trot and started fixing dinner. This year Marcus and his family ate with us since the Bradshaws celebrated on Wednesday night. It was so fun to have them with us. In the evening everyone came over and had desert and rolls. What a great family I have!

Woo Hoo and Tender Mercy

I have worn a sweater three days in a row. This is wonderful to finally get below 90 degrees. We are actually in the 70's. That is the Woo Hoo. The Tender Mercy is not hurting at the Temple. On Saturday I tripped on my flip flop and crashed into the counter/cupboards badly bruising my side/back. I was okay on Sunday and then on Monday it started to hurt quite a bit. Tuesday morning is our early shift at the Temple. It was so hard to get out of bed and to move. However, when I got to the Temple and started my shift I did not even notice that I was sore. That lasted the whole shift. When I went to get into my car the pain got me. That has happened countless times to me. I don't feel great because of an ache or pain and when I get to the Temple I'm able to work without any problems. I love the way Heavenly Father takes care of us when we are in His service.

Sawyer and Soccer

Here it is the first week in November and it was finally a nice Saturday to watch Sawyer play soccer. Her other games were reminiscent of watching Little League in June or Swim and Dive in July and August.

Sawyer is doing well playing soccer. She is more aggressive and even kicked a goal today.

Her team won their second game of the season.

Brendon is very proud of his daughter and here he is cheering her on. Matty is not really excited about the whole thing.

Mom and Grandma are into watching the game. Abby was just enjoying the candy she found in Grandma's purse.

Conundrum :)

Okay, I'm in a quandary about the weather. It has gotten nice since it has dipped to below 90 degrees. Where else can you go enjoy America's past time in shorts and flip flops in November! However, I am a sweater girl. I love sweaters. I love to wear sweaters. I miss my sweaters because it has been to dang hot to wear them. I would love some 60 degree weather or I would even go for low 70's.

Aubrey and I went to a Fall Ball Game. It was so great. We sat on the first row just to the side of home plate where the baseball players come to do their little warm ups before batting. Did I ever tell you that I LOVE LOVE baseball. I passed that love to Aubrey but she has since surpassed me big time. Anyway we did have an enjoyable outing in the high 80 degree weather.

Did I ever tell you that I LOVE catchers?

Here are the two catchers--one batting, one catching.

Only five more months until Baseball Season begins!

Ghosties and Ghoulies--NOT!

Halloween on Sunday! It turned out really nice. Everyone in the family had their Halloween festivities on Saturday and then came at their leasure to our house to show off their costumes and frolic in the front yard in our nice weather and then to have soup in the pumpkin bread bowls. It turned out to be really nice and I didn't have to deal with the trick or treaters (just turned out the porch light). It was great!

Love our weather!

The girls

Toothless

The Last Aerbender

Ruthie the Fairy

The White Queen

What a Man!!!!

Matty the Pirate--aarrgghh!

The Cowgirl and the Pirate

White Queen, Belle, and Matty the Pirate

Belle and the Piratess

Reddin trying to scare the girls with Wayne's Wicked Witch costume

Matchy, matchy

The End