Oh Christmas Tree...Oh Christmas Tree...

Yes, we went and cut down our Christmas tree on Saturday. It has been a family tradition to buy a tree permit and go for a beautiful drive in the Malad Valley and find that special Christmas Tree. I can still remember the year we went when I was expecting Kyle. We had a lot of snow that year and I was eight months pregnant...and little did I know that he was not going to wait much longer to come into this world. He wanted to be part of our Christmas and not wait any longer. Each year we have had fun as a family, sharing memories and enjoying the outdoors with other family members.
Now, not every year has been full of joy...yes, there have been fights and tears, and whining and complaining....but for the most part...it is great!!! Ray took us up John Evans Canyon and we found a wonderful tree right from the start, but you can't cut down the first tree you find...(don't ask Kyle)...we went hiking and looking and more hiking and more looking and yep, you guessed it...went back and cut down that first tree. Kyle and Ashlee took turns cutting it down and it is up and decorated. What great family memories we have tried to create!!




Kyle telling Ashlee how to use the saw...this went over big as you can imagine!!

The "Man" getting the job done!!!

Go Ashlee!!!

Hi...ho...hi...ho...its off to home we go!!!

Ta..da!!!

Malad Homecoming 2009

Kyle had a great time during homecoming week. There is plenty to do between working on class floats for the parade and the many daily activities, the kids stay busy. Friday was a fun day with a beautiful day of weather, parade and of course the big game against the Westside Pirates. Malad won the game and it was so good!! That night was the big dance, then dinner at our house with pizza and cheese cake (thanks Bo and Shenell for the cheese cakes) and then finishing with a movie. On Saturday then went and drove go-carts, hung out at the mall (so yes, those of you from Malad, then went "out-of-town" :-)) and then finished with the corn maze in Garland. I hear that Kyle screamed the loudest...even over the girls!! They had a great weekend and made some wonderful memories!! Here are a few pictures. Thanks to Mary Jo for taking the pictures!!

Amber, Kyle, Lindsay, Trasen, Paige & Nathan

Cousins and best friends!! Kyle and Lindz

Kyle and Amber

Fall....

Well, fall is here. The leaves have changed to beautiful colors of red, orange and yellow, we brought the cows home, and the weather is cooler. I love fall!! Ashlee helped me put up the Halloween decorations yesterday so the house looks more festive. For the missionaries, I have added some picture of Kyle moving the cows. One picture he says is just for Grandpa. You will notice the hat on sideways with his tongue sticking out!! Yes we all remember that photo from Maui!!! A couple of pictures are from this morning. A stormed moved in last night and you can see it rolling over the Samaria mountains and North Canyon!! The pictures of Kyle riding also have Kiely Jo in them but she didn't want her pictures taken. The other rider is Grandpa Chuck, yes at the age of 79 he can still move cows and enjoys helping the kids with the cows....Love you!!

New School Year 2009-2010

Well, another school year is under way. For Kyle, this is his last year in high school....yes, he is a Senior, I know, I can't believe it either. He is excited but also worried already about what life will bring after high school. Ashlee is an 8th grader and loving every minute so far. She has made the volleyball team and enjoying it very much. We took some pictures around the farm over the weekend. The pictures attached are with my camera, better ones are to follow that Shenell took with her great new camera (Thanks Shenell!!) For the missionaries, we had rain over the weekend and a pretty good storm tonight. It seems fall is in the air but the weather shows more summer for the next few days. Enjoy the pictures!!!

Nicole had fun with us too taking pictures!!

Kyle does not like having his picture taken!! We had to work for these!!

He loves his letterman's jacket!!



Ashlee had so many great pictures I didn't know which ones to choose!!

4H Sheep Show

Today was the 4-H sheep show. Everyone did a great job!! All four kids got blue ribbons in fitting and showing and quality. Nicole and Eric both make it to the final five in quality. The kids have worked so hard and it is a joy to see the final product and their hard work pay off. We are so proud of Ashlee and the responsiblity she takes to feed and care for the animals!! We love you Ashlee!!

Boating.....

We have alot of catching up to do with summer pictures but I thought I would start with the newest first. On Saturday we finally took the boat out for the first time this summer. With a rainy June and then getting the hay up, we were just too busy but this Saturday was worth the wait. The water was great, not many people and just a whole lot of fun in the sun!!! We had Lexi for the weekend and Bo and Shenell brought the girls and Malorie.

Ashlee and Lizzy having some lunch!!!

Lizzy on the kneeboard for the first time!!

Kyle just chilling!!!

Miss Alexus trying not to smile!!

Brylee striking a pose for the camera!!

And last but not least Mikki Moo as I call her
and she cried when she had to go home!!

Stuff....

It has been a while since we posted on the blog. So what have we been up to. Well, a little bit of everything. Once we got home from Missouri and seeing our wonderful missionaries, Kyle got sick for almost a week and we had to have a couple of test run. He is fine, in fact, feeling so good he attended a wrestling camp last week. It was hard for him and he was very sore but he made it the full four days and also was able to wrestle for one hour in what they call the grind match. We are very proud of his determination.
Ashlee has been playing lots of softball and so far won all her games. She is also my helper at home, doing all the chores and she helps watch the girls and babysits whenever we need her to. She is mowing lawns and working with her lamb. She is such a help to me and her dad. She is awesome!!
A few weeks ago, Brylee and Alexus were at the house and decided to play dress up. Here are just a couple of pictures of the darling girls!!! Love to all!!