I write the songs...

London has been learning recently

how to write letters of the alphabet.

She puts them down randomly

on paper

and then tells us the story.

One night, she told me

she was going to write a song.

Of course I assumed she would write

more letters,

then sing me the song that went with them.

I was wrong.

This is what she brought me:

I thought that was pretty cool.

Giving thanks

This year was a special year

for Thanksgiving.

It was the first time in

quite a while

my whole family was together:

Mom, Dad, my brothers and sisters.

It was so awesome.

We also got to have my grandparents,

cousins, aunts and uncles from

mom's side together, too.

There were almost 50 people there,

so we celebrated at the church

near my parents'.

Several tables were set

with red tablecloths

and festive dinnerware and centerpieces,

thanks to mom.

Getting together wouldn't be complete

without the guys shooting some hoops.

Dad carved the turkey, as is tradition,
and gave Austin some pointers
along the way.

My cute sis, Lindsay,
and my future niece!
My brother Justin and
his wife, Andrea.

Let the feast begin!

My little brother, Mitch.

I'm surprised he wasn't

first in line!

(Just kiddin', bro)

My wonderful grandparents.


It was a feast to remember,
and a wonderful chance
to think about all
we have been blessed with,
especially,
FAMILY!

Rowdy

Jordan was busy using the computer

one night.

When we saw what she had been making,

we got a good laugh.

Silly girl.

What would we do without her

to keep us smiling?

Haulin' wood

This year

Doug bought some split oak

to help heat our home

during the winter.

So our lucky kiddos

were excited to get to help

haul and stack it.

They are such awesome workers!

We are looking forward

to having lots of cozy nights

by the fire this winter!

Boo!

This year

we were invited to the home of

some good friends who had their own

pumpkin patch

and the kids each got to pick out

their favorite one to take home.

The kids then designed faces

that would bring their pumpkins to life.

Aren't we a scary bunch?

Heading to the ward Halloween party.

It was on Halloween,

so we only had to get dressed up once. :)

We came home that night with some

fun memories,

good times,

and waaaaaay too much candy! :)

Halloween horseback ride

A surprise snowstorm

in October

brought winter

before any of us were ready for it!

But that didn't keep us

from having a blast

riding horses on Halloween

at the home of some

wonderful friends.

We had the best time

and are so thankful for the Broomes

and the chance to spend time

with them at their ranch.

Evening in SLC

We had a few hours to spend

on temple square with the kids.

We had never really been to

the Conference Center,

so we started to explore outside a little.

After noticing

that tours were offered

every half-hour,

we decided to peek inside

and see what it was all about.

We were not disappointed.

A kind gentleman

took our family on

a grand tour.

We started out on the roof,

since the sun was setting.

I discovered that there was

no more perfect time to be up there.

This wall mural,

etched in stone by lasers, was

remarkable.

Our guide told us that

every equinox, the sunset aligns

directly through the

center of the spire,

and that about 600 people go up to the roof

to take pictures of it.

He then took us inside,

where we were able to see

hundreds of beautiful

works of art --

paintings, sculptures, murals.

We were amazed

by the sheer size of

the worlds' largest auditorium.

It was incredible.

He told us it seats 21,000 people.

We thoroughly enjoyed

the chance to learn more about

such a beautiful building,

and so many interesting

facts and stories about it as well.

All of us gained a greater appreciation for

the Conference Center.

After the tour, we walked across the street

to Temple Square.

It was awesome to spend some time

with the kids

in such a beautiful place.

It made us all appreciate our faith

and the faith of those who

sacrificed so much

to build those magnificent buildings.

We are so blessed!