Festival of Trees

Another family tradition...slightly modified to meet the needs of our growing family.

We came and saw the trees that are decorated by family members of those who have passed away.  It is always emotional for Aubrey, especially seeing the trees dedicated to young children who have passed away.

Makai the Elf

Every year, the boys love to Dial-an-Elf, just like Brenna did when she was younger.

Brenna talking talking talking to the Elf

The boys told the elf what they would like for Christmas -something Spidey and something Mario.

We spent the rest of the time in the Kid Zone - fishing, making crafts, and eating snacks.

 

True Blue Talent Show

Brenna didn't try out for the Talent Show, but they were looking for a little variety in the show and asked if she would play a Christmas song on the harmonica. Two days before, when they were printing the program, she picked a song.

The day before the show, she picked up a nicer harmonica, as her did not sound very good.

Day of the show....time to start practicing.

This girl is a GAMER. All of our girls are Gamers. They are always ready and willing to share their talents at any time and any place. B killed it tonight!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.....to you!

LAX girls always supporting!

 

Shop Workers

 

GENTRI @ the Mall

It's fun to see how traditions change or we create new ones as our family grows and changes. 

For as many years, we've been coming to the Southtowne Mall at Christmas time to watch the 

FM 100.3 Christmas Concerts.  Today we came to see/HEAR Gentri perform

The concerts are held just below the kids play place, so Aubs & I could hear great while the boys had fun playing. Win-Win

lots of running

and jumping

We found a balloon christmas tree

and near the end, we watched the concert form the jumbo-tron in the food court.

These guys are sooooo good, and I love that we got to see/hear them again this year.

 

Boys 1st Jazz Game

Time to start introducing the boys to one of our favorite activities-

watching the Jazz play at the Delta Center

Luckily they are not afraid of heights, cause our seats were up there.

But.....we must have picked the PERFECT seats tonight, because we could see Emily & her friends in the section next to us and Kayla & her date in the section next to Em. Pretty good bonus to get to see 2 of the Aunties at halftime.

Watching our favorite #00

Near the end, Kay & Lincoln came over to our seats to see the boys. Not sure if they like the food, basketball, or seeing their Aunties the best?

 

True Blue Kickoff

One of our favorite traditions at Bingham High School is True Blue! True Blue is our annual charity fundraiser put on by Student Government. Through out the designated month we have various activities and service projects to raise money and awareness for our chosen charity. We have seen the school unify together in so many ways during True Blue over the years and it is a great tradition to be a part of.  

True Blue Kickoff Assembly. This year, Bingham will be raising money for Make-a-Wish Utah as well as the Nixon Strong Foundation. 

Senior class will be over Bingham Ball & the Mr. True Blue Pageant.

Russ is the SBO of Assembly's and he is doing a great job.

So many of Brenna's friends who normally do not stay for assemblies, have been staying this year to support her.  They will probably never know how much she appreciates their support.

Last True Blue Assemble for this Mom. So crazy how it is all coming to an end soon.

Great Job today B!

 

Church Day Together

We are often not all together for church on Sundays, but today Emily was speaking in our home ward in South Jordan, and almost everyone was able to make it.  She spoke about how her experiences in Jerusalem strengthened her testimony and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  She did such a great job. We will always be grateful for the opportunity she had to spend a semester living abroad living in the Holy Land and it breaks my heart to see how war and hatred has devastated that region these past few months.  So heartbreaking for all those involved.  

Our Sunday Crew - LOVE them ALL!

 

Thanksgiving Fun

Up bright and early to get the turkey prepped and in the oven,

Then off to pick up pies to deliver to those that are working today to help serve our community.

We started with the Emergency Room workers at Riverton Hospital, then did some local convenience stores. Robert got to take pies to his favorite Maverik workers on 2700 W & 10400 S.

While we were at Riverton hospital, we also left 'We are Grateful for YOU!' sticky notes on cars in that parking lot.

They were all neon, so you could see the them pretty good from a distance. We sure hope these little notes brightened the spirits of those spending their day there.

Then on off on our annual Family Turkey Trot.

Finally time for food

Clean up

and endless hours of talking. It is amazing how Gratitude really can change our Attitudes. This has been a hard year, but our hearts are just as grateful, if not MORE grateful, this Thanksgiving season for all of the good people in our lives and tender mercies we have experienced.  We are all so very very grateful!

 

Pickleball Crew

Pickleball Time

So nice to find empty courts with a playground. Best combo around!

 

Zoo Crew

We all be hittin' the zoo today

B keepin' us safe

Auntie Kay provided rides

Our 3 little monkeys

Aunti Brenna keeping Makai happy

Finding a little deer

Sunshiny & bright on this November day

Seals

Their FAV --the polar bear

Some turtles & birds

Snakes & reptiles

and slides

Jer, Linds, & Koa

Our Zoo Crew