Todd's Homecoming

My little brother Todd came home from his mission in Spokane, WA on Jan 11. We were all sooo excited to see him! Grace helped me make this sign to welcome him home.

We thought we weren't going to make it. My mom called me as we were getting off the freeway to tell us his plane was already there! I ran inside as fast as I could leaving Ben to park the car. He made it in plenty of time and we still stood around waiting for 10-15 min. I guess he wanted to make an entrance. A huge Cheer broke out when we saw him coming down the escalator!

My mom got the first hug of course, but before my Dad could get in there Grace ran right up to him and stole him away. she hung on to him forever. She was so excited!

This was the first time Garett has met Uncle Todd. He wasn't shy at all

and was totally content snuggling up to Uncle Todd.

Then we had to wait for his luggage to come.

After the airport we all headed to breakfast at Kneaders. It was so yummy!

As we were walking in Grace and Avery were holding hands. They looked so cute wearing matching outfits!

It is so good to have him home!

Thanks to Jessica for sharing your pictures! They look awesome! If you want to check her out go to whitedandelionphotography.blogspot.com. She's awesome!

Clarissa and David's Wedding

Clarissa and David got married Jan 5th. It was a fun day starting with a yummy luncheon. Grace was sooo excited to be dressed up in her fancy dress, and see Aunt Rissa in her Princess dress!

After the luncheon we headed over to the reception center to get ready for the wedding. The first thing I noticed was her beautiful cake!
Grace REALLY wanted to be involved in the wedding. She had to practice walking down the stairs. Unfortunately this was a no kid kind of wedding and Grace spent the time downstairs with some babyistters. She didn't realize she was missing the actual wedding until I told her and then she cried for about 10 minutes. I had no idea she wanted to see the Wedding part so much!

She was consoled somewhat when Aunt Cynthi let her carry around her bouquet.

Garett had a hayday escaping for us as much as he could. This kid loves to be chased.

Grace had to try the stair walk again, this time like Cinderella.

The reception was wonderful with lots of yummy food.

David and Clarissa Apple, cutting their cake.

Then the real fun began! Rissa and Gpa Harper dancing.

Daddy and Gracie Dancing.Garett had been sick and messed up his cute wedding clothes. Luckily I brought his jammies so he had something to wear!

Grace was so enthralled with Rissa the whole day. She wanted the full attention of the Princess and loved dancing with her.

I got in a fun dance with Garett. He loves to move!

We polished off the night with some yummy cake!

We are so happy to have David be part of the family! Congrats David and Rissa!

That week we were really blessed. We each took a turn with the stomach flu, but for the day of the wedding we were all healthy! We we so glad not to miss it!

Sharing Lunch

Ben's Sister Sarah and her family were here for a few weeks after Christmas in preparation for Clarissa's Wedding. After Rissa's wedding shower on the 2nd of Jan we stayed to play and have dinner. With lack of straps to keep this booster on a chair we opted to do dinner for Garett on the floor. He was enjoying it, but liked it even better when Brieya came to share.

She was such a good helper in feeding him!
Love for the cousins! These two are just over a month apart.

New Years Eve

This was the second year we've had a New Years Eve party and we had so much fun!

The Parkinson, Stringhams, Cowleys, Bankheads, Davis, and us. We played some fun games, ate some awesome food and kissed at midnight!
Oh, and the Rock Band was Legendary!!!!!
Thanks for coming everyone!

Christmas Projects

December was a crazy crazy month! Besides oodles and oodles of Primary stuff to do, teaching Preschool, Sharing Time and being in charge of the Preschool Nativity Play I also decided to make a lot of my gifts for Christmas.

I started with this Advent Calendar. My mom made one when I was little and I LOVED putting the ornament on the tree every day (or when it was my turn). So I decided to finally make an updated version. I made one for myself and for my brother's family. I also made two fabric Nativity sets. I didn't get a picture but they turned out great.

I also made 3 aprons. These were really fun to make!

My final project was our Pajama pants. 4 pair. They turned out great!

I enjoyed sewing so much amid the craziness of the month and really felt like I was giving of myself this season.

Third Christmas

We get to have a lot of Christmas celebrations around here. It is so much fun to spread it out and celebrate over several days. The 26th is usually my Dad's Christmas party where we do a white elephant game provided by Debbie and our gift exchange.

Here are me, Garett, Grace, Michelle and Jack watching Grace excitedly open a present.

Garett's big gift of the night was a wagon!!!!
He had a fun time helping Ben put it together.
It has been well loved and used ever since.

This was such a fun night!

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to announce the newest member of our Family. Meet Nala! She's 5 years old and I got her for Christmas! She is a sweet dog and we are excited to get to know her.