Christine's Birthday

I had a wonderful birthday!  On Friday night, Michael took me to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.  The food was amazing, as always!  They changed the menu, but we were still able to order our favorites.  They even had a menu printed out with my name on it, since we told them we were celebrating my birthday.  I was supposed to get a complimentary dessert and then Michael ordered one for himself.  Mine was supposed to be smaller, but they made a mistake and switched them.  Don't worry--I shared with him!

On Saturday, I had a pedicure and then we all went out to lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  I love that place!  

That evening, we had cookie cake and I opened my presents.  Lacey came over to join us.  She took this picture for us and she also brought me some pretty flowers.  Michael bought me some perfume, a skin care kit I wanted, and a pretty red dress.  The kids gave me cards and chocolates.  Emily made me some cookie dough.  Yum!

It was a perfect day!

Thanksgiving

We had a very nice Thanksgiving at home.  Michael's brother, Steve, wasn't able to make it, but his mother and sister both came and my sister, Betsy, and her family all came.  Nathaniel's girlfriend, Lacey, also joined us this year.  It is so great to have Nathaniel home with us!

Emily and Andrew broke the wishbone together, and Andrew won.  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Emily's New Haircut

The boys were due for a haircut, and Emily wanted one, too.  She surprised me when she said she wanted it cut short, to shoulder length.  We talked about it and she was sure so I told her to go for it.  Doesn't she look cute?

Before

After

 

Papa's Visit Part 3

When Papa got back from the Grand Canyon, we had a whole week with him.  It was great to have a nice, long visit!  

On Wednesday, I played tennis and Dad came along.  He read his book while I played.  Later, we took Emily out to lunch.  Daniel and Jonathan both had early release.  That night, we all watched The Masked Singer.

On Thursday, we ran a lot of errands.  We went to Michael's, Walmart, lunch at Caldwell County barbecue, and the T-Mobile store to look at iPhones.  Then we dropped off some canned food donations at Andrew's school and finally went back home.  

On Friday, I just did my normal chores.  That evening, Emily, Dad, and I all watched Sabrina.

Nathaniel drove home from BYU on Saturday.  We went to lunch at Olive Garden.  

When we got home, everyone helped me stuff and label the Christmas cards.  Emily and Dad made a key lime pie.  Nathaniel made it home a little before 7pm.

We went to church on Sunday.  It was so great to have Nathaniel with us!  Because of his mission and Covid, we hadn't been to church with him in 2 years and 4 months!

On Monday, I did my regular chores at home.  Papa had already taken Emily to lunch, so he took each of the other boys out for a meal or treat.  Monday morning, he took Daniel to McDonald's for a McGriddle, which Daniel loves.  For lunch, he and Nathaniel went to Panda Express.  After school, we picked up Andrew and took him to Cold Stone Creamery.  

On Tuesday, we did some more shopping.  We went to Jared Jewelers, where Dad bought a really nice watch.  We also went to Bath and Body Works and out to lunch at Panera Bread. In the afternoon, he took Jonathan to Bosa Donuts.

Tuesday evening, we went to dinner at Osaka.  This was to celebrate Dad's retirement!

Dad had to go home on Wednesday, but we will see him again in two and a half weeks!

Papa's Visit, Part 2--Grand Canyon

Dad was able to go to the Grand Canyon with my aunt and all my uncles: Rose, Merrill, Mike, and Jim. They had a great time sightseeing, and especially enjoyed the helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.  They stayed in an Airbnb and had a wonderful visit.  They left on Saturday morning and came back on Tuesday. Mike and Jim drove to California, and Rose and Merrill drove Dad to our house before heading home.  We had a nice visit and I made dinner and it was so nice to see them!

Papa's Visit, Part 1

Papa has retired from his job!  Well, for now, anyway.  We are so glad to have him here for a visit.  We never get to see him this time of year.  He was supposed to arrive Thursday morning, but his morning flight was cancelled and he didn't arrive until 9:30pm.  We had fun on Friday, though.  He came with me on my errands and we went to lunch with Emily.  Friday night, we had dinner at home and watched a movie together.  Then on Saturday morning, Michael and I drove him to the airport to meet my Aunt Rose and Uncle Merrill.  They got their rental car and we went to breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company by McCormick Stillman Park.  Then they all drove up to Williams for their Grand Canyon trip and Michael and I went home.  My uncles, Mike and Jim, drove up from California and they are meeting up there.  I hope they are having a great time!  

Emily and Papa playing cards

Breakfast in Scottsdale this morning

Rose and Merrill will drive Dad back here on Tuesday and he'll get to stay another week!