2010 Christmas Temple Lights

One of our favorite traditions is to visit the beautiful Temple lights at Christmas time.  This year it was so fun to have our son-in-laws join us!  The girls are now outnumbered 5 to 3...and we like it that way! It really brings Christmas in our hearts walking around the temple ground and remembering why we celebrate Christmas.  I am really looking forward to Christmas this year with all my family being together and sharing it with our new sons!

After we went to Laurisa's and Grafton's new place and had delicious hot chocolate.

Joslyn's bridal shower

Wow Susie and Jaimie had the most beautiful bridal shower for Joslyn.  So many people came and "showered" her with such lovely gifts.  I only wished I would have took pictures of the fun food display.  It was such a fun evening in Joslyn's honor.  Thanks for all the love and support in Joslyn's behalf.

A true gift of LOVE

I have been in a quilting group for the past year and when I started quilting I had no idea this year I would be making two wedding quilts. It was crazy with wedding planning to make quilts but actually was a therapeutic diversion. Joslyn picked out the early 19th century Civil War replica fabric for this quilt. The pattern is called Tag Sale and is a replica of an old fashion quilt and since my daughter loves anything vintage, I knew she would enjoy it! The 100+ hours was a gift of love for this beautiful couple.

2010 Winter Formal

Jake got asked to his first school dance.  Mitch went with Jaimie Wilcox and Jake went with Shay Butler.   They looked so sharp and matched their dates so well. 

My boys compete in a Triathlon!

Our son-in-law Grafton inspired Wade to try a triathlon.  It was Grafton's third and Wade's first, but definitely won't be his last...he is hooked.   I think he liked the training as much as the actual race.  It was so fun to see them competing together.  Laurisa and I made great cheerleaders!  Way to go G and Wade!!!  You are both amazing and we are so proud of you!!!

Jake's Sweet 16!

Big 16!!! Yeah...Jake finally gets to drive and date.  Being the youngest he anxiously awaited this time when he would get to have these experiences like his older siblings. The first day he could, he got his drivers license and passed with flying colors.

I sunshine attacked his room for his birthday with all the ways Jake brings sunshine into our home and lives!

One of Jakes favorite parts of his birthday was going around town taking advantage of all the free birthday treats local businesses offer by just showing your drivers license.  I had so much fun going all over getting freebies with him.  He got a free Cold Stone, a whole dozen Krispy Kreme donuts, and a Bahama Bucks ice.  He googled all the other freebies he could get through the month including a steak at Black Angus.  Jake loved every minute of being spoiled with free food.

One of our favorite traditions as parents is going on our children's first dates with them when they turn 16.  Jake wasted no time and asked me out on his actual birthday.  It was a very special day to spend with my son.  I love having one on one time with Jake and he was a perfect gentleman.  He planned such a fun date where he brought me to the park and had a picnic lunch all prepared along with games to play.  We had such a great time together and I realized all his future dates are going to be very lucky girls.  We had a random horse as our chaperone the whole time keeping an eye on us over the fence.

To top the night off we went to watch Laurisa perform at an Alumni Light show!  It is amazing that she still has her talents and it was the first time Grafton was able to see her perform.  The whole Milne clan along with our family came to cheer her on.

We ended the weekend with a family celebration in Jake's honor with the tradition of heavy heavy hangover and an frozen yogurt pie.  Meg made yummy desserts also.  Jake thanks for letting us share in your special day and enjoy a year of dating and driving!!!

A little piece of Grandma Wright

Joslyn and I have been having fun making embellishments for the past year with her headband business so when Grandma Wright passed away I thought it would be special if everyone had a little piece of grandma to wear as a remembrance of her.  So I made all the daughters and cousins a floral broach with fabric from her clothes.  It was a special experience being able to make these as gifts for her loved ones.

2010 A Thankful Thanksgiving

So much to be thankful for this year; family, health, strength and love abounding. Today we started our Thanksgiving off with the turkey trot.  Training for months before didn't prepare us for the hills that were on the course in fountain hills, but we were able to adapt. The boys decided to stay with the girls which made it so fun to all run together.  At the last leg of the race Laurisa had extra strength and raced ahead to the finish line. I felt so blessed to have strength to run with my family and enjoyed being all together on this beautiful thanksgiving morning.

After the turkey trot we came home to fix a delicious turkey dinner and enjoyed being in the kitchen together.  Our favorite tradition is going around the table and sharing the things that we are thankful for.  We have so much to be thankful for but most importantly is each other and the love we share.

Later that night we went to see the movie "Tangled", another favorite tradition since I was a girl.  It was a darling movie and fun to have Justin back from California just in time to come with us.