Lots of Snow = New Toy

Our first big snow storm of the year occurred on the 2nd weekend of December. The weathermen were completely correct with their crazy predictions this time...it was true MN blizzard!

We ventured out in the crazy weather to attend Blake's baptism and loved being with him on his special day, but we were very glad to make it home safely.

Luckily Brent planned ahead and purchased a brand new slow blower this year and it came in very handy. Here he is using his new toy for the first time.

About a month later, In January, the drifts at the end of our driveway are as tall as Brent!

Little Miss Mismatched

Sidney designed her outfit for 'mismatch day' at school....she had different colored ribbons in her hair, on her wrists and around her waist. By the time she was done...she looked really cute!

Girl's Weekend - NYC!

I spent the first weekend of December in New York City with 2 wonderful girlfriends! We had a great time enjoying the sights of the city at Christmastime. We saw two fabulous shows and even caught a NYC Stake Christmas Fireside. The shopping was great, the food was too good and the girl time was priceless!

The 3 of us with Molly Shannon, who was starring in Promises, Promises. She was very friendly and talkative, not too mention beautiful....loved her!


Another star sighting, Matthew Broderick (above) and Casey Affleck (below). They were filming a Thanksgiving Day Parade scene on Central Park West for the upcoming movie Tower Heist.

Central Park with some remaining fall foliage...beautiful!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful time spending Thanksgiving in Michigan with our family. It was so fun, we didn't even take time to take any pictures!

We played lots of games, watched lots of TV and sports, went to several movies and enjoyed being together.

These are the things we are most thankful for:

• The Savior
• Our Extended Eternal Family
  
• The Restored Gospel
• The Scriptures
• A Warm Home
• Time Together as a family
  
• Skiing in the Winter
• Golfing, Biking and Swimming in the Summer
• Employment
• Good Friends
• Cell Phones
  

Argentina

Riley and his friend Kurt stand proudly in front of their Argentina project for Global Studies. They worked hard and were selected as one of the best 10 presentations in the 8th grade.

Riley spent a day at the Minnesota Zoo on Geography day where they displayed his project. He volunteered by spending the morning with small children and introducing them to world geography.

Halloween

Jamie won the prize for the most colorful costume at the tri-ward Halloween Party!

Our eskimo cutie!

Our Sweet Strawberry Shortcake!

Yummy Halloween Goodies for our Neighbors!

Sidney's Birthday Celebration

A candy corn themed birthday party with Sidney and 5 of her BFFs = a 9 year old girl's dream come true! Sidney and Jamie planned the whole party and everyone had a great time. Thanks to Grandma and Aunt Mony for their help!

Candy Corn Craft!

All dressed up in their Halloween costumes!

Candy Corn Fingernails!

Halloween Face Paint!

Sidney made her own cake/rice krispy pumpkin!

Some of Sidney's great creations with her new toys!

Fall Break Fun

During the kids Fall Break, we spent a day at the local apple orchard/corn maze/play area. The kids had a great time with their cousins and played hard. Unfortunately we were a little late for good apples and the corn maze had been plowed down...but there were no lack of smiles!

October Birthday Celebrations

These two love celebrating their birthday together. This year we went to one of our family's favorite places to eat, the Old Spaghetti Factory. Grandma and Hanah were in town to join in the fun.

Brent received something he has waited a long time for - a brand new pair of Volkl AC-50 skis. What a happy 40 year old he was!

Sidney received lots of things to foster her fashion designing talent, a new camera and some fancy new boots.

Back Yard Visitors

The red tail hawk is a frequent visitor to our back yard.
We love watching him and sharing our neighborhood with him!

This red tailed fox is a less frequent visitor,
but we enjoyed watching him enjoy his breakfast early one morning.
(notice the breakfast in the picture below!)

House Project - Kitchen Backsplash

With the help our great friend, Donny, we attempted this lofty weekend project. We learned a lot, worked hard, had a couple very late nights and loved the result! Gave us a brand new looking kitchen. Thanks Donny for sharing your expertise with us!

Guys Weekend in Utah

Brent and Riley had the great opportunity to go to Utah for a 'Guy's trip' in October. They started the weekend by attending the Priesthood Session of General Conference. Then they traveled to Boulder Mountain and hiked and hunted through 3 days of downpours. Fun was had by all and most importantly they came home without injury to a helpless deer.