Little America

Christmas Tradition

Every year since I was little as a Christmas Tradition my family always goes to Little America (hotel) for Sunday brunch. Of course all of us love the Crepes and that is the line that we head to first. Mike always heads to the omelet line (trying to figure out how to do them himself for Christmas morning) Grandpa Gary (my dad) hits the shrimp and crab table first. Puts his plate on the table and heads out for more. Well our little Rachael loves shrimp, so of course she starts to eat the shrimp that Grandpa brought for himself, starting a little competition as to how long her mother will let her eat these. Oh and the cookies we cant forget those. Grandpa love to take a few home for later, so this year we made him a "Grandpa's Cookie bag I lost track after 5 cookies. Grandpa kept feeding Rachael goodies and she had already told me that she had a tummy ache. I told her no more food but when I wasn't looking Grandpa would sneak her a bite, this went "on for a few minutes. Boy her and Grandpa thought this was the funnest game. I finally told her that she was grounded from her Grandpa and they both laughed so hard they were crying (had to be there) and yes she did get a tummy ache. Erica I had a couple of Crepes for you, they were good but not quite as good as dads. This has been a fun tradition for our family and something that we look forward to every year.

Family and Friends at a Flash basketball game

The kids all earned free tickets to a "FLASH" game. This is an almost pro team that we have here in Orem at Utah Valley University. The kids loving going because they are always giving out free stuff. I think we walked away with 4 T-shirts. We had a great time with the Gillman family.

SNOW

This is what I woke up to this morning. As much as I love the snow (Mike says only because it adds more water to the lakes) I just wish we had it for Christmas day only. I hate to drive in it. The kids always track it through the house. The dog thinks it is the funnest thing to play in. Not to mention all of the accidents and the claims that we get.
It is sure the most peaceful beautiful part of nature to watch. I love it during the evening when it is snowing and everything is bright and fresh outside. I guess that is why I live in Utah. I love all the different seasons. Some better than others of course. As long as I dont have to go anywhere, snow isnt all that bad.
Christmas is just around the corner, and I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the next year bring you much Joy, Love and Happiness. We need to take the time out of our busy days and remember the true meaning of Christmas. We are all so busy these days, me included. Our Christmas cards are on their way, I have been under the weather and I am just now trying to play catch up. Please forgive me, they may be a little late. Happy Holidays

Christmas around the world

Once again Addie had to give a report on a county and their Christmas traditions. She chose Guatemala, that is where Mike served his mission. Their biggest thing that they do for Christmas is Fireworks. There are no laws about fireworks so for a couple of days that is all they do, along with party. They spend more money on fireworks than on Christmas presents themselves. We had to make food from the country. Who really wants to make fried plantain's or tamales? Well not me, so we make Pecan Tarts and a really yummy hot drink. It was all a huge hit and of course Addie got an "A" way to go Addie you are awesome. I must say that I am looking forward to a nice break no homework for 2 weeks. What are we going to do.

Many things to be Thankful for

*A wonderful Husband who love me
*3 beautiful girls will good health
*A home to live in
*Ginger (the family dog)
*Wonderful parents
*Wonderful In-Laws
*The Gospel
*My Testimony
*Good Friends and Neighbors
*Mikes job
*My Freedom
There are many more things that I am thankful for. But most of all for Jesus Christ and the many sacrifices that he made for all of us. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. Remember the true meaning of Christmas.We love all of you

THANKSGIVING

We had the opportunity to go and visit Mike's family in St. George for the holiday. We had such a great time. The food was amazing, and the company was great as well. Michelle and I decided we would brave the crowds on Friday morning. Yes we might be a little crazy be we had a blast. We only went to Target and we both got everything we were looking for. The lines we unreal, we standing in line to check out for over an hour. Then off to breakfast we went. The rest of the day was very relaxing. We took the kids and went to Zion National Park. I have never been there before, WOW what a beautiful place. We went to Weeping Rock, a small hike, here you can see water coming right out of the rocks, no one knows why. Brianna had more fun running through the rain drops than anything else. One night we tried to go bowling and the wait was over 2 hours so we went home and "Pulled Taffy" The kids (and some adults) had a blast with this. We spent lots of time with family eating and laughing, what an enjoyable holiday. Thanks Mom Lamb for all your hard work with dinner, it was wonderful. We love you