Come on Over!

Don't have plans for New Year's? Come on over!

Christmas Eve

With one day 'til Christmas all the stockings are hung, the presents are wrapped, the goodies baked, and now it's time to relax.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Survivor

I just survived 8 hours with 55 elementary kids hyped up on Christmas crack. If any one ever deserved a Christmas bonus I've decided that I do. Hurray for two weeks off!!!

Now excuse me while I go fill my body full of asprin and lay down for a long winter nap.

Traveling Home

After the wedding was over, we set out for home late Saturday afternoon. A few hours had pasted when we reached Las Vegas. As the strip came into view I said to Dave, "Just for fun we should cruise the strip and then head back out toward Phoenix." Then half jokingly I said, "it's only 6 o' clock we should get a cheap room, hang out on the strip, and stay the night."

As Las Vegas came more into focus the idea sounded better and better.

One night stay at the Best Western: $60

Visiting Italy, France, and New York all in one night: very tired feet and legs

Two Ben and Jerry's ice creams: $8

Watching the famous Bellagio fountains: free

Being spontenous with the one you love: Priceless

Grateful Day: Part II

On Friday, when many others were getting a head start on their holiday shopping, we had a wedding. A year ago Dave's Dad married a wonderful women name Estella, and on Friday November 29th they were sealed in the Saint George Temple.Estella is amazing! She made the dress she is wearing in this picture. They were so happy and cute.I for one really liked the scenery. All weekend I kept commenting on all the beautiful trees.
After the sealing we headed over to the club house for lunch.When I say Estella is amazing, I mean really amazing, she also made their wedding cake. Turns out she used to be a professional cake decorator. We eat cake.

And we danced. It was a wonderful time and so great to be with family.

Grateful Day: Part 1

I've decided that one of the things I am most thankful for about Thanksgiving is that it is not commercialized. It is just a truly simple holiday. It's all about being with your family and chatting over a good meal. And then of course, there is family football games and city Turkey Trots. This year I missed out on the Drain Family Turkey Bowl and the City of Mesa Turkey Trot, but I still got to be with family and have a good meal.

For the first time in my life I spent Thanksgiving without my immediate family. This year Dave and I drove to Saint George, UT to spend the weekend with his family. After a 7 hour car drive we arrived in Saint George just in time to help finish fixing the dinner. We had a wonderful dinner with Dave's brother Brent and his wife Andrea, Dave's Dad and his new wife Estella.

Friday we had a great time with Brent and Andrea. We took a drive to Snow Canyon where we hiked around and the boys a little too much fun throwing rocks. What is it with boys and throwing rocks?!

Not just any rock will do. You must find a rock of the perfect weight and size.

Brent had to have a target in order to throw rocks. A rock on its side, hanging over a cliff qualified as a very good target and supplied timeless entertainment.

I'm not sure what's going on in this picture but it cracks me up.

My beautiful sister-in-law, Andrea, proudly hit the each target before the boys. Way to be Andrea!

We had a great time at Snow Canyon. After our rocky throwing escapade was over we headed home for some of Estella's turkey soup, yum yum, and then off to the Saint George Temple to see the Christmas lights. It was beautiful.

I especially like this picture. I was so happy to see fall leaves! It made it feel so much more like Thanksgiving.