In Loving Memory

My Grandpa Pillsbury was such a huge influence in my life. He had such a love for life and for his family. He passed away on December 5th at the age of 89. I will miss him tons, but am so grateful that my kids had the opportunity to get to know him. Thank you for all the love and support Papa. I will never forget your BBQ chicken, silver dollar pancakes, fishing in Portola, playing cribbage together, pizza nights, your tender heart, and most importantly, constantly encouraging me to be the best me possible. I love you!

GInger Bread Houses

We had my sister Becky and her family and my sister Christi come over for some serious Gingerbread house decorating. The kids were in heaven and had so much fun. It made the day of baking, swollen ankles, and numb thighs totally worth it (all from being prego of course). 

I have to say watching Tytan was my favorite. He couldn't believe that it was legal to just squirt as much frosting as his little heart desired and eat enough candy for 10 kids. He really did do a good job at his decorating and was actually pretty meticulous. 

We love our Aunt Lexy

Is there really need for an explanation?

Oh Christmas Tree?

The hunt for the Perfect Tree is OVER! Lexy and Matt found it this year while we were on our annual Christmas tree outing. I guess it's not the size or limbs of the tree that count right? It's about the quality bonding time with the family, the chili and cornbread, and laughing ourselves down to the local tree stand to buy ourselves a tree that doesn't have to be nailed to the wall for support. 

Papa and Addie

The kids with Uncle Christian

Tytan and Aunt Brookie

Nothing like riding in the back of the truck with the tree.

The Polar Express

While Lloyd's parents were in town for Thanksgiving they took us all to the Heber Creeper for The Polar Express. The night was filled with elves, stories, hot cocoa and cookies, singing, and of course, SANTA!  It was pure magic. Thank you Grandma and Papa for an absolutely perfect night.

The boys with their Aunt Brooke

Tytan's glasses were a little foggy!

Tytan wasn't so sure about Santa to begin with, but decided later that he liked him.

The kids with their cousin Mason.

McKenna's Baptism

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had the wonderful opportunity to have our McKenna baptized. It was such a special day that I will never forget and I hope that she doesn't either. Lloyd baptized her and she had a lot of family who were able to be there. She was just glowing and could feel the Spirit so strong. It was such a great day!

McKenna with her Grandpa and Grandma Thompson

McKenna with her Grandpa and Grandma Mason

The whole crew

Let it SNOW!

I have to admit that I have been dreading the snow. It is always my hope that the weather holds out until after Thanksgiving. We usually get a few small storms that sneak their way in and this was the first one. Well, my boys couldn't have been more excited, and that means ALL my boys. Matt and Tytan started as early as possible and Lloyd joined in as soon as he got home. 

At first there wasn't much snow to work with. But apparently it doesn't really matter.

 

Matt was so excited to make a snow angel.

The snow started coming down more heavily. Then it was down to business! 

And yes. . . Lloyd is in shorts.

Kenna turns 8

So, as a mom there are always mile markers that you know your kids will hit and you don't think it will freak you out. Well, it does. I can't believe that McKenna is already 8. She is such a big girl and as much as I love all the fun things we get to do with her being older, I want my little girl forever too. We had a fun little party with just our little crew Monday night to celebrate. She will be getting baptized on the 28th and so we will have a big family get together after that. We love you Kenna girl. Happy Birthday!!!!!

She got quite a few "girly gifts" from her brothers and a desk from Lloyd and me, but I have to say that the one that made her smile the biggest was the body glitter brush from her Aunt Amy. I guess it doesn't get any better than that!

October Overview

In my defense...we just went through a move (again) and in the process I misplaced the cord to my camera. Thus why October's post's are all going to be put together. At least I wasn't a slacker at taking the pictures though. October was a great month full of tons of activities and family fun!

Pumpkin Patch for Grandma Thompson's Birthday

McKenna with cousins Matilda and Sarah

Matt, cousin Cait, and McKenna

Ryan and Tytan on the hayride

McKenna and cousin Matt

Girl's trip to Gardner's Village with Aunt Amy, Caitlin, Grandma, and Aunt Christi

Girl's weekend for Kenna and I to California with Aunt Lexy and Aunt Brooke

McKenna doing Papa's hair

Going to the Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

The goats started eating my dress

McKenna and I went to go see Papa Pillsbury and Grandma Eleanor

Carving Pumpkins

From left to right: Tytan's, Mom's, Matt's, McKenna's, and Lloyd's

Carmel Apples

Finally Halloween!

Matt the BYU Football player

McKenna as Fancy Nancy

Tytan chose to be a pirate again

Now that October is over, let the craziness begin! YEAH we love the Holidays!!!!