Big things in January

Some big highlights for January 2019:

On Jason's birthday, a Sunday, we made a family trip to take Rhiannon back to Reno for school.  There was a bit of dicey weather, but Jason got us there safely and in great time.  We enjoyed a tasty, pricey buffet at the casino we were staying at, and then in the morning we got breakfast at IHOP and dropped Rhiannon off at her dorm.  It was fun and fast!  We loved having Rhiannon home for a whole month and pray she'll enjoy this next semester to the fullest.

The kids bought Jason a book of Rush bass tabs and a Darth Vader key chain--he loved them!

Wade had two major milestones in January, too--he became a Priest in the Aaronic priesthood and blessed the sacrament for the past two Sundays.  And last week he got his patriarchal blessing, which was an amazing, awesome experience!  Proud of this boy!

Some good men participated in Wade's ordination:  Brit Farley, Jason Record, David Foster, Rodney Allen, Jason, Lee Cox, and Scott Hawkins.  We are grateful for these men who are key members of our "village!"

This makes my heart sing.

Boys.  On their way to last night's General Conference priesthood session (Wade's first time).

They enjoyed it and got Jack-in-the-Box for dinner afterwards.

About an hour later, I got a text from a friend about Wade.  We are happy parents!

Family Visitors Weekend for Wade's ordination--can we please press repeat?

Last weekend was one for the memory books.  We were so happy to have family visitors in town for Wade's ordination at church.  Turning 12 is a very big deal--he was excited to become a deacon and receive the Aaronic priesthood!  Other bonuses were having family at his flag football game on Saturday and a friendly audience to watch him participate in his final children's presentation during our congregation's sacrament meeting on Sunday.

We all agreed that the weekend couldn't have gone better.  So much food, fun, and laughter!  Thank you to those who made the trip to be with us--we love you and loved having you here in the desert with us.

What a happy day!  Here we are with Sandi Collins, Grandma Deb and Grandpa Rod, Bishop Washburn, Brother Robins, Grandpa Rich and Grandma Donna, Uncle Brant, Aunt Chris, and Greyson!

Happiness!!!

Enjoying the gorgeous weather on the porch--just right!

Being silly with Grandpa Rich

Selfie time!

The flag football game was so fun!  I personally had a great time introducing our family members to any human who walked by, haha!

With my mommy and daddy

I love this picture of Rhiannon with Grandpa and Grandma!

This picture is a little fuzzy, but I love how it captures the grandparents together.  We are so blessed to have parents who get along well and enjoy each other!!!!

Wade with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Rod

Wade with Grandma Donna and Grandpa Rich

Wade with our dear friend Sandi Collins

We were playing a great game that Wade got for his birthday called 5-Second Rule.  LOTS of fun!!!

It's hard to make a Top "10" list, but I'll try.  In no particular order, here are some of our favorite moments from the weekend:

1.  Food.  Beef stroganoff, Red Vines, Bit-O-Honey candy, cinnamon rolls, donuts, nacho bar, chicken salad, sandwiches, chips, taquitos, etc.

2.  Fun at Wade's flag football game!

3.  Being at church together

4.  Uncle Brant surprising Wade with the tie he was wearing that day, Uncle Brant's favorite.

5.  Playing with Greyson upstairs

6.  5-Second Game, playing with the mini-pool game, tossing the football, shooting guns, hot tubbing, and basketball

7.  Help in the kitchen!

8.  Boys watching football, girls talking girl stuff. :)

9.  Grandma Donna's "black people" comment during the 5-Second game.  Classic.

10.  Watching "Blackish" with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Rod; watching "The Flash" with Grandpa Rich and Grandma Donna

11.  WADE'S ORDINATION!!!!!!!!  So neat!

12.  Hearing Wade narrate the Primary program in his new manly voice

13.  Visiting, laughing, press repeat.


We felt the love!  It was a wonderful weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our new stake presidency

Our stake presidency was changed a few weeks back.  Our friend Megan Hall did a really nice write-up about it.  It was a neat meeting and we all felt good about these men and appreciate the sacrifices and service that they and their families make for our stake!  We are in good hands!

ps.  Pres Bull, is one of Jason's golfing buddies, Pres Kimbler is a good friend and a Ragnar buddy, and Pres Anderson is also a good friend who just finished serving for 5 years as his ward's bishop.  I share carpooling with his wife--and Jason guessed correctly that he'd be one of the new presidency members. :)