Wrap Up

I can't believe it is a new year? It kind of snuck in without my permission. We have had a busy last few weeks with the holidays and traveling, and I thought I had better play a little catch-up here on the blog. 

Let's bring on the pictures! 

December was a month full of music. We had a lot of concerts and performances between the kids, and it made the month really magical. Sammi and Daniel were in and out most of the month doing caroling and other fun events. 

I volunteered to host a party for Daniel's choir. It was a fun gathering. Some people are not fans of teenagers, but I think teenagers are pretty great. My current calling in church is teaching the 16-17 year old Sunday School class, and I think it is the best calling ever!

 They played "bounce the broom" and "forks."

 Feeding teenagers is always fun. Teenage boys at a party... wow, they can pack it down!

 Henry took the party cups and had his own party.

 Sammi had a really nice Christmas concert at her high school. She really gets into the music.

 She performs in two different choirs. She loves it!

This year William started to play the trumpet. He did a great job at the concert!

I love these guys. :)

 Trying to get everyone in the picture is always fun.

 This is the Christmas Eve candy cane. The Harlin's bring one over every year. It is so yummy!

 Random love.

Christmas Eve was really pleasant this year. It went nice and smoothly. It was just peaceful. 

Brother hugs! 

Christmas love! 

 The boys

 We have a tradition of watching The Polar Express on Christmas Eve.

 Cuddling in for the movie.

Christmas day! With loads of Lego creations. 

The boys each divided the table and spent the day building. Henry joined the party this year, and he was so proud that he could build his own set. 

These boys just love to build. 

 Henry loving his new elephant.

Sammi was excited about her Rapunzel. She still loves all things Tangled. 

I got my own personal rainbow! I can turn it on whenever I need one. :) 

 

Daniel was super excited about getting a pitch pipe. He has it in his pocket always, just in case. 

 Sammi did some building too. She put together her new shelves.

 Daniel loves singing, especially Barbershop style.

 Nice work, Sammi!

The kids got lava lamps. I always wanted one when I was a kid. They are pretty fun to watch.

 Sammi made this for me. She also made me cry.

 I got myself a rainbow necklace from Charles, so I can carry a rainbow with me.

Relaxing in comfort.

 Daniel sleeping with a lion.

We watched the new Beauty and the Beast. It seemed like the right movie to watch on Christmas day. Everyone just relaxed fully, and basked in the glow of Christmas.

 Henry was so tired he fell asleep on me. That never happens. But I enjoyed the snuggles.

I added a new Willow Tree to my collection. A lot of people sent me Willow Tree figurines as gifts, after Charles died. I love all of them. I decided it was time that I added one of my own. This figurine symbolizes my favorite thing: Courage! Henry asked me why she has wings. I told him because people who have courage can fly! 

We took a trip down to Utah to visit family. I was grateful for clear travels. 

 We stayed and played at my brother's house. Here we have John schooling Daniel in arm-wrestling.

Sammi and Johnny did a balance contest. You stand on one leg with your eyes closed. Sammi proved to be the picture of serenity and poise, as she outlasted her Uncle John.

It just so happened that my niece, Kimmy, was also staying at John's house during our visit there. It was so great to spend time with her, and to meet her new husband, Jason.

Jason is the nicest guy, who instantly became family. Kim and Jason took us to the temple to do baptisms. Then we went out to eat Mexican food. We all had a great time.

The Provo City Center temple is really wonderful. On the way out the exit, there is a beautiful picture of a rainbow!

 Daniel and Sammi.

Trying to squeeze us all in.

 It was so nice to be there with my older kiddos.

We also got to go and visit Nan in Midway. It was so great to see her and bask in her warmth and love. She is 94, and still just keeps on going. She stays busy, especially keeping her mind and hands busy. She is as sharp as ever. I sure love her!

Her little place was full of people and playing. 

 Johnny was leading out the singing with Nan. We all sang random songs together.

 The kids with Nan.

 Henry was excited about the red nose he got from Nan's house.

 We had a great time playing hard, but it was time to go back to Idaho.

Cousins... including the one in Mindy's tummy! (It's a girl!) Sammi is so happy to have another girl, because between me and Mindy, we have 7 boys! (Scooter was missing in the picture.)

One of my favorite boys... Johnny! I sure love my little brother. He is so great!

We had good times, and I was not quite ready to go back home. But it was time. 

The road back to Idaho. 

I am looking forward to this 2018 year. Bring on more good times! :) 

P.S. I have a really amazing Christmas miracle story, but it deserves a post all its own.