Thanksgiving, Park day and Turkey Trot

Amazing how fast the holidays come and go! Feels like Halloween was just here, I take down the décor, put up a few Harvest things, and now that is over too! We went to Marley Park's kindergarten "play" where Isaac had a line and a little picnic afterwards. He got a little shy, but did a good job. He was so proud to show off his baby sister.

We did a turkey trot 5K as a family, hauling the little ones in a wagon. Isaac rode his bike and the rest of us ran. Austin and Wes did a great job! They raced fast and finished 4th and 8th out of everyone! We then double buckled and headed down to Tucson with my dad to spend the afternoon/eve with the Wilson's. Good pies and the boys enjoyed the park outside where they played games with the local neighborhood boys.

A few days later Tio Gavin arrived and we hung out for one afternoon at a park in Tempe with some other Wilson's. The park was great with a huge web/tower/splash pad/lake and jungle gyms. Ruby is busy on the floor crawling around, so she was limited. But, the rest of the boys had a great time, even Wes climbed to the top of the tower! I was a few feet from the top, and when the tower started to sway, I got nervous and climbed down. Grateful for the beautiful weather!

Utah/Pres George Funeral

We received the news that our Argentina Neuquén mission president, Richard George suddenly passed away from a heart attack on a Sunday night. We were on the road by Wednesday afternoon so that we could attend the funeral on Friday. We farmed the kids off to different neighbor's and Grandma Wilson and made the long trek to Utah (after we had just gone there in Oct too!) Poor Ruby had to endure long hours in that carseat! I gave her lots of time on my lap, nursed her, fed her and she had small amounts of Benadryl. 

We stayed with my aunt Estela and uncle Ellis Christensen in West Jordan, minutes from where the funeral services were held. We were grateful to see other missionaries show up and we shared memories and discussed a future reunion get together. Hermana George was full of smiles and looked great, such a twinkle in her eye. I am so grateful we were able to visit with them last December and have lunch in their home.  Lots of people were in attendance and he left such a legacy with 9 children. Jared really wants to follow his example of serving missions when we enter into retirement.

 I was able to attend a Hillcrest High School musical play (memories!) and even walked down memory lane looking at our Student Body of 1997. I enjoyed seeing all of the students singing and boy did I feel OLD. It was funny running around with my cousin Kurt looking for the main actors and feeling like the paparazzi. We spent one night in Cedar City on the way back, trying to avoid a snow storm that was blowing in. It was great visiting with Rochelle Lunt and going to church with her. Jared also squeezed in an interview at LDS church headquarters for a potential job position. Had we not been able to make that happen, we probably would've stayed home. Bountiful looks like a promising city, and we checked out the local rec center and some neighborhoods.

 

 

 

Veteran's Day

Marley Park had a Veteran's Day assembly. Austin invited Grandpa Lowe to come, which he gladly came to. I was hesitant to go b/c I didn't know about it and it was so last minute. But, my mom and I decided to go; hauling the three littles ones in the wagon. So nice to live close by! I am glad that we went! Tears were shed as we watched all these veteran's come down the line and shake hands with the little kids. My mom and I just looked at each other and the spirit of patriotism was shared. It was especially touching as my dad can't walk now and he had to shuffle along in his walker.  We all gathered around afterwards where I served him some breakfast and we shared some love with him. Grateful he is my dad and grateful that he served our country.

 

Living spaces

I have been creating new spaces in our latest rental townhome. With my mom coming in for a visit, I decided to repaint Wesley's bedroom set white, add the bedspread and a few other details to the house. This is short term living, but it is still important to make it feel like home. New pillow covers (yellow, grey, blue), white coat on Wesley's bed, BYU cover, EAT sign, papason cover and turquoise ottoman boxes. Same furniture, new space!

 

 

family pics

Being in Utah during October, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather, my mom's nice camera, fresh colors and new haircuts. I put together the outfits, we got everyone ready by 9am on Saturday morning and away we went! These pics are probably the best ones we have done to date...especially with the Oquirrh mountain temple peaking behind us. Love my family. I love how each individual shot captures their personalities right now; Isaac is sweet and tender (with his cocked head), Levi is silly and always looking for a laugh (the cheesy grin on the fence), Ruby is curious and always moving (and bald! Thus the cute hat!) Wesley is always trying to find ways to show his muscles and skills (hanging from a tree and doing push ups), Austin is everyone's best friend and his nickname is GAPS since he is missing teeth!  Wesley gave us the idea of the steps and having everyone trickle down, it turned out great. Thanks random homes in Daybreak for the background!