SURPRISE Visit to Michigan

Well, it has been 8 months since we moved away from Michigan, from our awesome friends. We miss them so much that we decided to fly back and suprise them. First of all, it is so nice that we can afford to do this. Never in a million years could be afford to do this years past. We flew into Michigan on March 1st. As soon as we got there, we went to suprise one of our besties...the Havilands. We walked up to the front door, kids knocked on the door, I peeked through the window and once Kelly got to the front door and could see who it was, she FREAKED!!! She said, "Oh my gosh, what are you guys doing to me"?! Then screams and tears and jumps of joy all followed. The Haviland kids were in total shock, Avery cried. It was so great. That right there, make the trip worth while. We continued to make more suprises to the Pentels and Vorhies. Wish we could have made more suprises, but not enough time. While we were there we went up to Great Wolf Lodge, like years past with the Havilands, then came back into town and visited with everyone else. It was an exhausting, but fun trip.

Fun Family Weekend

This past weekend Tawna and Parker came over Friday night. Kara, Chris, and Chris' boys came over and the Clarks. We had so much fun. This is why Ryan and I wanted to get back to Idaho, to spend time with family. For our kids to play with their cousins and get to know their extended family. They are so lucky to do that!

My Poor Dad

I have been meaning to post something on here about my dads recent news. Just days before Christmas, it was confirmed that my Dad has soft tissue Lymphoma in his chest.
I hate the thought of my parents getting old. They are my best friends and I don't know what I would do without them. We are very optimistic about the whole situation though. He has gotten great feedback from his Oncologist...a great cure rate! He meets with his Oncologist on Feb. 4th to go over the exact treatment. The way it stands right now is that he will begin a low dose of Chemotherapy in mid February and will continue treatments a couple times a month for 6 months.
Prayers, Prayers, Prayers! Love you DAD!!!

Pics of Twin Falls Home

We have lived in our new home now for about 6 months and as each months paycheck comes in, we've bought stuff for the house. A little here and a little there, we have finally got most of the house decorated. More to do, especially the craft room and movie room is still pretty much empty.

Christmas 2011

Well, this was an interesting Christmas, to say the least. We are finally back in Idaho and celebrating with family. My parents and Aunt Jean came for about 6 days. We did lots of shopping, site seeing, seeked out Christmas light displays, played games, Aunt Jean and my mom played their "UKE" for the kids at night before bed, we cooked a lot, etc. It was a nice Christmas. We even skyped with the Roberts while opening our gifts Christmas morning. They are on an 18 month mission in the Philipines, so it was good for Rhodonna to feel a part of our gathering, even though they were thousands of miles away.

Logan and Jordans Christmas Program

The Girls put on their 2nd Grade Christmas performance the other night. It was really cute. Logan was a queen. She was asked to wear a dress or dark pants and a white shirt. Guess which one she chose...yep, the pants and shirt. Thats my Logan. Jordan played the part of one of the reindeers. She played along side her friend and neighbor, Grace. They did great. Here are a few pics from the performance and of Kaden and I waiting for it to start! :0)

Thanksgiving 2011

This was a special Thanksgiving in many ways. Here are the top 5 reasons...
1) Thankful for my family, friends, health...my life.
2) Thankful for my husband dedication and hard work and his JOB!
3) Thankful to be back in Idaho to share holidays with family.
4) Thankful for our beautiful home.
5) Thankful that my parents, Uncle Russ, Aunt Karen, Cousin Stacie and her daughter, Kellie Young came up for Thanksgiving.

I loved loved loved having family from California here. Its so hard when you grow up and people go their seperate ways and family gatherings dwindle. It is kinda sad really. I love having lots of people around for the holidays, so this made is extra special for them to be here. I sorta felt like we had gained back our relationships we once used to have. Love them so very much and my kids just loved having them here too.
Here are some of the good times we had together for this thankful holiday.
Besides the group effort making the Turkey Dinner, we played games, shopped, visited Shoshone Falls, chatted, made crafts, kids and Aunt Karen and Grandma decorated the upstairs for me, we attended Kadens school Thanksgiving performance and lunch and more.