snow...snow...snow...

It snowed 2 feet in the last 24 hours and I can't keep any of my people inside-

especially these two!

Kate took advantage of the 2 hour late school start by volunteering to walk MO.

75th birthday

Aunt Jossy was visiting this fall.  I saw her for a few hours at most at Mom's house.  As we were saying our goodbyes, the subject of Thanksgiving came up.  I realized that Aunt Jossy was turning 75 on the Monday before Thanksgiving!  We talked about the reunion/party she threw for Aunt Dot for her 75th.  I also learned she had no plans for her birthday or Thanksgiving.  I decided there on the spot that we would spend that week in Arizona with her.  Fortunately Danny and the girls liked the idea!  (phew!)

Aunt Jossy's home, in the outskirts of Scottsdale is a lovely backdrop for anything, but especially a party.  We added a little bit to the natural decor with balloons, streamers and tablecloths.  A few minutes before guests arrived I talked her into taking a few pictures.

Growing up, Aunt Jossy didn't usually live close, but she always remembered special occasions like birthdays and Christmas.  She often visited wherever we were living: AZ, ID, CA.  It felt good to spend the time celebrating her.  I am so grateful to have her influence in my life.

Nana's Christmas party

Nana's Christmas is always a PARTY!  We began at the movie PEANUTS and then headed to her house for dinner, presents & gingerbread house decorating.  The best part of the day was all of these people that we love so much.  

(Danny had to leave early for a baptism.)

left to right:  Maxton, Ethan, Rivers, Noah, Nana, Kate, Asher, Finn, Oliver, Lauren, Sophie, Suela, Ellie, Quincy, Keegan, Sage & Vivie

left to right: Sharon, Amanda, Nana, Suela, Vivie, Michel, Sophie, Carin, Kate, Rivers, Quincy, Lauren, Sage & Ellie

Away In A Manger

As soon as they unloaded from the bus Friday afternoon we rushed to closets to find outfits for Christmas card photos.  Just after Thanksgiving, Go Ute Nana told us about this nativity from her grandmother.  As I thought about what to do for Christmas cards this manger came to mind.  Nana packed it up and Paul brought it to Salt Lake so that we could use it.  The girls were cold but liked the idea and made our time in Mueller Park Canyon an enjoyable adventure.

so today at recess....

"so today at recess"

Some of my very favorite conversations begin with those four words.

Kate's happy place is kicking off her shoes, finding a book and relaxing in her room.

Because Kate seems a bit older everyday, I love that she still has a doll house in her room. 

not even to save their lives...

They couldn't keep a straight face to save their very lives.

Scarlett Stoker + Sophie Davis

family photos: take one

We found ourselves ALL HOME most of the day today.  That never happens on a Sunday!

 My first thought...Christmas card photos! 

We set up a back drop and strobe light and grabbed the remote...

we thought it was the perfect equation...

but NO...

this is about as good as it got-

 It looks like we'll have to come up with something else...
it didn't help that we realized just after this that Ellie had a fever. :(

These will be perfect for our picture Christmas ornaments!

We took Ellie's temperature right after this- she had a fever.