Christmas Traditions-Pics from Last Year

For the past few years the kids and I have gone
to downtown Seattle on Christmas Eve-Eve.

We go to Pacific Place and watch the snow fall inside, and check out a few of the stores that we can't usually afford to buy anything at. Then we hike down to Westlake Ctr. for dinner at the food court, a little more shopping and then across the street to the Carousel. We all go for a ride since it's fun and for a good cause. We love being downtown seeing the carousels, nutcrackers, window displays and all the lights! We don't really go downtown much, so this is a fun time.

Last year, David joined us and even though he wasn't too thrilled, he went along for the family's sake! He's the kind of guy that just doesn't really get excited about much unless it's Big, Red, has "SUPRA" on the side and Wakes are involved. Don't worry honey, only about 4- 5 more months and you'll be back at it!

Kambry

Too cute!!

Be Grateful

I'm thankful and grateful for many blessings-Most of all Family! Last week we went to a baby shower for our neice who's expecting her first baby. A baptism for another neice's daughter and were also out to dinner with 3 of David's siblings. The day before Thanksgiving we visited with my sweet sweet grandparents, that makes them Brady's, great-great grandparents. Not many kids these days get to visit and eat cookies with their great greats! Then on Thanksgiving day we spent time with both sides of our family. Mom, Patrick, Sean and Nani came over and it was our first time meeting my newest neice, Kambry. She's even cuter in person than she was on their blog! Then we went down to Dad's for our traditional Turkey Day Feast prepared by Momma Pearl. My brothers Ian and Treavor joined us for dinner too. What a feast it was! We ate dinner, relaxed, napped and then ate homemade apple and pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream for dessert. Then we took the usual family picture that nobody really wants to be in, but looking back, we're always glad we did. We count family #1 among our many blessings!!!

Shalane's Birthday-Nov 17th, 2008

A bittersweet birthday--In loving memory of our sweet angel Shalane--She was born in 1988, 20 years ago today-It's hard to believe...

She said so much, without every speaking a word. She was a teacher of faith, hope, patience, appreciation of the big & little things in life, and most of all, Unconditional Love. We loved her unconditionally and we believe she loved us in the same way. We know that taking care of Shalane for a little over 18 years was our greatest trial and also one of our greatest blessings. We miss her dearly and treasure our memories of her as our daughter. We know that she was a truly special, strong and valiant spirit that was sent to earth in a fragile body, to teach us to be faithful, valiant and true to our covenants. Thanks to all those who supported us, helped take care of her and made her life the best it could be. We truly love and appreciate all of our family and friends. We are so thankful for our knowledge of the gospel and our faith that Families can be Together Forever.

We've got it good and it's not even our Anniversary!

Solid, Solid as a Rock,That's what this love is, that's what we've got...hahahaha or something like that. We recently got granite countertops in our kitchen, and they are solid-rock! I wanted to say how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful, (I didn't say, perfect) husband. This weekend we had the fortunate luck of going out on 2 date nights. We usually try to go out at least one night of the weekend, but that can be hard sometimes, depending on our kids social plans. But this weekend, we went to a movie on Friday night and then out to dinner and on Sat night. As I look back on the roller coaster of our married life, I realize that we were truly M.F.E.O. (made for each other) (I got that line from "Sleepless in Seattle") The longer we're married, the more we seem to be more like each other. David is a hard working, faithful husband, who is so patient with me through my emotional ups/downs. I worry a lot about a lot of things and he worries about a few things, so it balances out. I'm thankful that he holds the priesthood and is able to give a blessing of healing and comfort when needed. I tickle his feet and he lets me watch what I want on TV, usually reality shows, so it works out pretty good. We've been on some great trips together and that's something I love to look forward to! These pics are from our Anniv trip to the San Juan Islands this June-a trip he planned and surprised me with this time! I usually do the planning, so this was extra special!

TRICK OR TREAT!

We went to the church Halloween Carnival, Oktoberfest

at JHS & Trick-or-Treating

Kelsey is Beautiful in Blue!

Well it was an exciting weekend as Kelsey went to the JHS Homecoming dance with her friend Mitch. They went as part of a large group, most of them from the cross-country team. He picked Kelsey up and then they went over to our neighbor's for group photos. Kelsey had fun getting all dressed up and said they all had a great time!

Kelsey's thinking-- am I doing this right?

A couple of my faves!

Our Angel

We still miss our Angel Shalane and know that's she's watching over us

and waiting till we can be together again...