I love to see the Temple

Parker went to the temple for the first time on Saturday January 21st.  On the way there I explained the details about doing baptisms at the temple.  Parker had many questions and was really looking forward to going inside.

It was such a special day being there at the temple with two of our kids!  Parker had a great experience.  Our neighbors the Hallams were working in the baptistry that day.  It was memorable having them there with us.  

We went and got some dessert afterwards at The Baked Bear.  It opened up recently by us.  They are fancy ice cream sandwiches.  I got my ice cream in the middle of two brownies.  The kids and Kev tried theirs with cookies.

I love seeing the happy faces of my kids!  Parker immediately asked when we can go back to the temple.  He also got up and shared his testimony of the temple in fast and testimony meeting.  I am so proud of my Parker boy.

The cabin with friends

On Sunday January 15th we went up to the cabin overnight.  It was a beautiful, sunny day as we drove up Provo Canyon.  I really wanted to stop and take a picture.  Kev didn't want to stop so I rolled down my window and took this as we were driving by.

Our friends the Houpt family came up with us!  I loved having my bestie Brekke there to enjoy everything with me.  I introduced her to snowmobiling.  I even convinced her to drive one by the time we left.

Mckenna's cute friend Abby Udy also came up with us!  We loved having her come too.  She was so cute and helpful with all the kids.

Phillip took this picture of Mckenna with Arwen.  I thought it was the sweetest.  We were watching movies that night.

The next day there was lots of snow to play in.  There was about four feet of snow piled up by the barn door.  Halle wasted no time in making a snow fort.

Parker hangin out with cute little Anders.  Anders favorite thing was the snowball makers.  He played with them every time we went outside.

Brekke having fun making a snow angel.

She and Phillip even got take out the new fast snowmobile for a ride.

The kids all enjoyed sledding.  I can't believe my baby is old enough to just take off sledding down the hill by herself.

I caught this moment of Abby and Arwen wrecking on the sled.

Kev pulled us girls around on the big tube.  We were screaming, laughing, and having the best time!

The girls wanted to stop and have their picture taken by this "snowwoman" on the way home.  It was definitely unique and gave us a good laugh.

Parker's priesthood ordination

Parker was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood on Sunday January 8th.  It was a day that I will never forget.  It was extra memorable because all of Parker's living Grandpa's and Great Grandpa's were able to be there.  It made me emotional to see all these priesthood holders in our family all together.

We took many pictures with all the family to document this big day.  We were glad Grandma Sue, Grandpa, and Uncle Spencer were there.

We were also glad to have Grandma Loni, Grandpa, and Aunt Kayley come.  Mike, Amy, and the kids were also there but had to leave right after the ordination.

Parker with Great Grandpa and Grandma Grant.  Parker is there first great grandson to get the priesthood.  Grandpa Grant brought family names for Parker to take to the temple and do baptisms for.  It was one of the best gifts that he could give him.

Parker with Great Grandpa Rosen and Mable.  My grandpa got married again in August to Mable.  Parker now has a bonus Grandma.  It was Mable's first time coming out to our house.  A big thanks to my Dad who picked them up in Provo and drove them to our church and back home again.  My Grandpa shared with Parker how when he received the priesthood his Mother was the only one in attendance.  He remarked on how wonderful that Parker had so many family members there.

We had a delicious lunch for all the family at our home.  It was nice to break our fast a little earlier that day.

Grandma Loni took this picture of all of us and I love it!  We were all happy, smiling, and looking at the camera.  I am so happy with the good choices that Parker is making.  I am glad that he was worthy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.  It makes me happy every time I see him passing the sacrament, setting up chairs before church, and doing fast offerings.

The twin's baptism day

My twin niece and nephew turned eight in December.  Brady and Hailey were baptized on Saturday January 9th.  We are so glad we were able to be there for their special day.

Hailey was peaking her head out to see everyone.  I wasn't sure if I was allowed to take pictures by the font.  But my Aunt Janet leaned over and told me that, "If any one asks Aunt Janet says it's okay"!

The spirit was strong during their baptism and confirmation.  Mike and Amy's bishop shared how impressed he has been by both of them since they moved into the ward.  He also commented on the righteous father that Mike is.  I was also so proud of my brother for being worthy to baptize and confirm his kids.

We took a few cousins pictures.  These kids really know how to strike a funny pose!  We had fun at the luncheon afterwards and hanging out at Mike and Amy's house.

Celebrating the new year

On January 2nd we had a family party.  Dad, Loni,and Kayley had been out of town for Christmas so we celebrated after the new year. It was like our third time celebrating Christmas but who's complaining.  We had a yummy ham dinner at Mike and Amy's.  Dad went out and bought some pie because I really wanted some.  We took a picture of us all enjoying our pie. The favorites were chocolate and Key lime pie.

We opened more presents.  Halle and Hailey were opening their gifts from each other.

I loved seeing the excitement on Loni's face as she opened her presents.  Grandma is also looking at the calendar that I made for my Dad.  It is tradition that we give him a calendar every year.

Kev was smiling proudly when he saw that Mike and Amy gave him this BBQ spatula.  We can now brand all our burgers with the Y.

We gave Kayley this California hat for Christmas.  It is a fun picture that captures the excitement of the day.

I let Hayden take pictures with my camera for awhile.  He took may selfies with this snowman.

It was amusing going through the pictures and seeing what caught his eye.

He got some good pictures too.  I really liked this one of Addy playing with her new Elsa playdoh set from her grandparents.

We all enjoy playing games together.  We always play this game called fib-boozled on their apple T.V.   Everyone logs in with their electronic devices and answers random trivia.  You want the other players to believe your lie and vote on it.

I love this picture Hayden captured of Grandma, Kayley, and I.  We were all laughing together.  We are so glad that Grandma braved the snowy roads to celebrate with us!