Christmas in Utah

This is the first time in over four years that all our family has been together for the holidays. Laurie and i decided to head up to Utah and spend Christmas with the kids. Steven and Brooke have just moved to West Jordan from Logan after Brooke graduated. Steven is working at the hospital in jordan waiting to start his radiology program next year in St George. Andrew and Trisha are still in Ogden attending Weber and are working on finishing up their degrees. Riley will graduate from high school this May. It was fun spending time with them and dropping in on Nana and Papa, Josie and Lon, Brooke's family, and of course we had to stop in and see Presley. We appologize to other family that we didn't see during this trip but the snow kept faslling while we were there and we didn't want to slid around to much. We hope that everyone will at least drive up to Park City this July for the celebration so we can see everyone there.

We didn't have any trouble finding a place to park. Utah is so nice to tripple the parking possibilities with senior and Pregnant mother parking along with the handicap parking that is available.

Andrew has a new roommate, a ball python.

We drove over to see Presley but Noah and Monica thought they should be in the picture also. Isn't she the cutest baby.

We stayed at Trisha's apartment and celebrated there Christmas Eve where we exchanged gifts. Notice that Andrew has his new friend with him.

Thanksgiving

What a wonderful time of the year where you can eat all you want and blame it on the holidays. The Fall Season with its changing of colors and the snow capped mountains usher in winter and the beginning of the rebirth of our earth. Take care of her and remember to give God thanks for its beauty and bounty. Trisha was the only one able to come home this year because Steven & Brooke and Andrew had work commitments. We had a wonderful time and a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings. We are so grateful for the country we live in and the freedoms we enjoy. We pray for our military and the sacrifice they make for the rest of us here in the States. We are thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and having a Prophet on earth to guide us in these troubled times. Let us prepare for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth by sharing his wonderful gospel with all we meet and live a life given us by his example and love one another. Don’t hide your faith but let it be known to all. Teach family and those you meet the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t let the commercialization of the season take away from the deeper spiritual feelings the season should bring to everyone. May God bless you with health, a close family and friends to share your life with.

Sammy 1993-2008

Today is a sad day, our family has lost a beloved companion. We would tease the little guy by calling him pig because he had a pot belly and would grunt. We also referred to him as a little polar bear. From the day we got him he became Trisha's dog and after she left for college he became Laurie's constant companion. We had bought him a set of pet stairs so he could climb up on our bed. He was a loving member of our family for fifteen years and we will miss him very much.