Valentine's Day

Michael and I had a nice date for Valentine's Day today!  We went out to dinner in Scottsdale and then did a little shopping on the way home.  We spent the evening relaxing with the kids.  

Flowers for Emily

Flowers, gold earrings, and chocolate-covered strawberries for me

There were plenty of strawberries for me with plenty to share

Ready for our date

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Our Scholastic Superstar

We are so proud of Emily!  All of her hard work has paid off!  She has received four college acceptances so far (no rejections, of course!) and each one has offered her a scholarship, including: Brigham Young University, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University.

Way to go, Emily!  

Subway Employee of the Month

Emily's Subway location just started doing Employee of the Month, and guess who earned it first?  That's right, this cute girl right here!

Great job, Emily!  

Three Priesthood Ordinations

Michael ordained all three boys to a new a new office in the Priesthood.  Jonathan received the Aaronic priesthood and was ordained as a Deacon, Daniel was ordained to the office of Teacher, and Andrew was ordained to the office of Priest.  Nathaniel was also here to participate.  Andrew was ordained first, so he was able to be in the circle for Daniel and Jonathan.  It was a wonderful experience and I am so proud of all my boys!

Great Wolf Lodge

We had a great time at Great Wolf Lodge again!  The last time we went was at the very beginning of this year when the kids were on Christmas break.  We went on Christmas break again, but this time we stayed for two nights.  It was much better because we were able to have a full day at the water park on Wednesday.  We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and got dressed and went to the water park for a few hours.  Then we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and came back and relaxed.

On Wednesday morning, I tried again to go to breakfast at Butters Pancakes and Café (we had tried that back in November when Papa and Rose and Merrill were here), but the wait was over an hour so we just went to IHOP.  Then we came back and went to the water park.  Eventually, we took a break and came back to the room to relax and have a snack and then we went back to the water park.  We stayed until it closed at 8pm and then went to dinner at Red Robin.  

On Thursday, we got up and ready and checked out of our room and put all of our stuff in the cars.  Then, we went back inside.  Michael, Jonathan, and I played mini golf and the other kids did the ropes course.  

After that, we drove to Scottsdale Quarter.  My tennis friend, Tasha, had a stand at Junk in the Trunk so we stopped by to check it out.  Emily found a cute bird in a nest, and I got a vintage chopper.  Then, we went to a late lunch and had our traditional Chinese food meal for New Year's Eve.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Our 25th Anniversary

Michael and I celebrate 25 wonderful years of marriage today!  I can't believe we're old enough to celebrate that many years together!  We planned a trip to Hawaii for May, but that was cancelled due to Covid.  Then, we planned a trip to Cancun in October, but we had to cancel at the last minute because a hurricane was about to hit.  Then, we thought we would take the family to Disneyland the week after Christmas, but it still hasn't opened so we had to cancel that trip as well.  We're not complaining, though, because we know we are truly blessed to still have jobs and the means to go on a trip and we are grateful for our health.  As long as our family is happy and healthy, that is all that matters.

Happy Anniversary to us. 😍

Christmas 2020

We had a wonderful Christmas!  

On Wednesday evening, the Akers came over.  We had ham for dinner and opened presents and the kids had a great time playing.

On Christmas Eve, Emily had to work from 10am to 2pm.  We met Carol and Erin at Macayo's for an early dinner at 4pm.  On the way home, we drove around looking at lights for a little while, but the kids weren't that into it this year.  I still love it, though!  When we got home, we did our regular Christmas Eve traditions of reading Luke 2, having the kids play Christmas music, and opening one present--pajamas! 

I told the kids we would open presents Christmas morning at 7:30am.  I think we actually started around 7:45am.  They already had all the presents handed out and organized.  Daniel and Andrew guessed wrong on what stack was theirs, but they seemed happy with the results.

Daniel gives pretty good joke gifts.  Nathaniel was not amused by the Cheerios, since he hates cereal and can't stand the smell of Cheerios.

Emily with her baby Yoda hat from Daniel and cute Funko Pop from Andrew, her Secret Santa

After we opened presents, I made the ebelskivers while Michael and the kids cleaned up.  Nathaniel went over to Lacey's for a while.  Then at about 3pm, Lacey came over.  Carol and Erin came at about 3:30pm and we had an early dinner together.  Michael grilled steaks and the kids helped me make the sides.  It was delicious!  Then we opened gifts with them.  Nathaniel and Lacey went back to her house and the rest of us played Five Second Rule.  This time, I won. :-) 

We are grateful for this time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and all He has done for us.  Even during this crazy year, I feel truly blessed.  We are so grateful for our family and friends.  We wish you all a Merry Christmas!