December 2018: All about Jon

Jon turned 13! Officially a teenager! 

Jon brings such a light into our home. He has loves music and reading. He is learning to play the bagpipe and loves to play video games. Jon is smart and has an inquisitive mind. 

He is growing too fast and it makes my heart sad and happy at the same time- I love seeing him experience the new things that came with each age and stage of life. 

Jon, may you always find the things to laugh at in this life and may you always know the incredible impact you will make in this life on all of those around you! 

 He got a new bike, 

 famous pancakes, 

 some stylin' new clothes, 

 a taco feast for dinner, 

 and dutch oven cobbler for his cake! 

 This picture was actually taken on his last night as a 12 year old. 

 Jon sounded great with his choir for their Christmas concert. Choir has been a challenge for him this year because not everyone in the class shows the respect and attention they should. This has caused him to be annoyed at times but he has tried hard to make sure he is working hard and setting a good example for others. 

And finally, I helped Jon make his first batch of homemade bread. It was very tasty! 

December 2018: Tree Decorating, Donuts with Santa, and Teddy Bear Clinic

 This has become one of my favorite work traditions. 

Samantha was the only one who wanted to return to the Teddy Bear Clinic later that afternoon. She was able to meet Mrs. Claus who was dressed so fancy! 

Samantha took great care of her teddy bear! 

December 2018: Ward Party, Service, Santa on a Fire Truck

Our ward Christmas party was early this year and a breakfast. It was delicious and as always, great to fellowship with our friends and fellow ward members. 

 

 The kids sang and were so adorable, as always. 

 Look at this girl! She is such a happy girl! 

The day of the ward Christmas party was Dec. 1st so, also the first day of the Light the World campaign for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We were supposed to pick a way to serve and carry it out. We discussed as a family and decided that raking our nice neighbor, Ms. Belinda's leaves was the best idea. 

 It was a lot of leaves and everyone pitched in. Lily was super kind and thought to bring all of us some water while we worked. 

 Joseph was pretty excited to use the leaf vacuum. 

 Ms. Belinda had been out of town and when she came home and the leaves were cleaned up, she was so thankful! Lily and Samantha drew a chalk picture on her sidewalk too. We love our neighbors! 

 Early the next week, our neighborhood had the Santa on a fire truck drive by! I love this tradition- it is really cool!  

If you look really close you can see Santa in his suit just to the right of the super bright light. 

Photos of Big Bend from Peter's Perspective

 Our camp kangaroo rat- Lily and Samantha were so interested in this. 

 Loaded to the brim and ready to head out! 

Couple Selfies from Big Bend

Hiking and trekking through life together!