Last week of November

We had a busy last week of November.

Monday night Steve and I went and took a belay class at Momentum Climbing (where Nyles and Carter take lessons).  Steve was taught how to belay years ago, but I've never done it.  It was great to learn the proper techniques.  We'll go get certified next time we go, that way we can belay the boys and each other.  It was a fun date night :)

Steve and the boys actually sold the last of our firewood this week, for the year.  They sold more this week of Thanksgiving than any other, even during the Summer.  Steve said the boys only got 2 of their 4 cords of firewood this year, so next year they'll plan to cut down all 4 cords and hopefully continue to sell through the winter.

Cute Hudson and his preschool class w/ their pilgrim hats.  Steve and I rock climbing.  The last of the firewood bundles before it was sold.

On Wednesday, I worked that day, then that afternoon my parents came over. after driving down from Idaho.  Steve took my dad to a couple stores to look for coveralls once they got here.  We watched the new Snow White while they were gone.  Then Steve made hamburgers for dinner.  They were super yummy!  My parents then went over to Dave/Joann's place to stay.

On Thursday, we had Thanksgiving at LuDean/Diane's place.  Steve cooked the turkey in the oven, then I made a small batch of gluten-free rolls and regular rolls.  We also make gluten-free stuffing, and I made some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

The grandkids in order of age: Chandler, Ethan, Isaac, (Noah missing while on his mission), Cameron, Claire, Olivia, Alexa, Conor, Nyles, Lynsie, Carter and Hudson.

Cute Hudson digging.  More pics of the grandkids.

After Thanksgiving lunch, we went home, put stuff away, then went over to Dave/Joann's place to play games.  Steve stayed home w/ Hudson as he was tired.  Pauline met us there, along w/ Rose, Ava/Xander, Ali and Sophia.  We played Blank Slate and Apples to Apples.  It was a lot of fun.  The last word my dad had, which was "Easy."  My mom put in "Having a baby" and I put in "Running out of Toilet Paper" which got my dad laughing.  He chose mine.  It was a fun night ;)  Nyles and Carter went home w/ Pauline to stay the night (impromptu sleepover).

Dad cracking up.

Friday morning we met my parents and Pauline's family at the Aquarium.  After the Aquarium, we went over to Sam's Club to get a bite to eat.  We bought a new dryer while there, as our other one was making really LOUD noises and we couldn't fix it.

Buddy our elf came back!  He brought a Lego Christmas tree w/ him!

Our new dryer.  The boys reading the note from Buddy.

Getting ready for the 4D activity at the Aquarium.

Looking at the fish and turtle at the Aquarium.  Then getting a bite to eat at Sam's Club.

My parents went back to Dave/Joann's place after Sam's Club.  Sheri and Steve met them there to visit and look at the homes that can be built in Dave/Joann's neighborhood.  They just moved back from Texas and are looking for another house.  They mentioned they want to buy a house, probably further out of the "city" though. 

That evening we met up again at our place for dinner.  Pauline's family and my parents came over.  We ordered Papa John's Pizza.  We then a game called Goat Lords, kindof like Cover your Assets.  Then we played Cards Against Humanity.  Both were a lot of fun!

Saturday was Steve's birthday!  Steve, Nyles and Zach went out duck hunting early that morning, leaving our place by 5am.  They had a lot of fun and each shot a duck, each a different kind of duck.

                                                    Nyles, Steve and Zach out duck hunting.

Cool ducks.  Steve shot a Bufflehead Duck.  He was sooo excited!  Hudson was super excited they shot ducks also.  He loves to "play" w/ them.  Piper has to check them out as well.

We put up birthday decorations while Steve was gone.  Then we put up our Christmas trees and other decorations that afternoon.

Saturday evening we had dinner back at Dave/Joann's place.  We cooked up lasagna.  Rob came over as well.  We then played Phase 10 w/ a Twist.  It was a lot of fun!

Getting dinner, then playing Phase 10 w/ a Twist.

Sunday, we had church.  For 2nd hour, they had a combined meeting for an Area Broadcast.  We were all combined in the gym for the broadcast.  We had a small table set up for the kids to color and write a letter to the missionaries, as a way to keep them entertained/busy/quiet.

Steve helping Nyles w/ his tie.  Cute Piper w/ reindeer antlers.

A thank you letter to a missionary in our ward.  Cute drawings.

Sunday evening we set out to go over to Dave/Joann's place again for dinner.  Earlier in the month, I told Steve my parents wanted to stay another night, so we had planned on having dinner Sunday night for a while.  What he didn't know, was that I was planning a surprise birthday party for him.  I told him my mom wanted to check out the clubhouse, so I asked him to stop there first, before going to his parent's house.  As we got in, everyone was there to surprise him!  

Unfortunately, it snowed that afternoon and Parley's Canyon was eventually shut down.  Ethan was able to get through, but Melanie/Brandon and the rest of the family had to turn around due to the snow/bad road conditions.  We were grateful for those that were able to make it though.  We had a good time, and Steve amazingly was completely surprised!

Steve's surprise!

Cupcakes and the big cake for Steve's 40th birthday!

I made the cupcakes and Pauline made the big cake.

Happy 40th Birthday to Steve!  Steve smoked his yummy ribs.

Zach, Steve, Rob and Joann.

Everyone getting their dinner.

After dinner we played a Kahoot game of "How well do you know Steve?"  It was fun!

We then watched a picture slideshow I put together of Steve's life.

Cake time!

Cute Hudson w/ balloons and both Grandmas, McGrath (Joann) and Hegerhorst (Cathleen).

A quick picture, then opening gifts.

I'm so thankful for everyone helping to pull this off.  Ironically on Steve's birthday he asked to keep his birthday low key, which we did.  It was the day AFTER his birthday that we did his surprise party!  Thanks again everyone for your help and efforts to throw a party for Steve.  He does so much for everyone else, I wanted to celebrate him.  I'm so blessed to have him in my life and as my eternal companion.  I love you forever Steve!!!

Great quotes:

3rd Week of November

Here are some highlights from the 3rd week of November.

Carter made bread and butter for activity days.  Hudson did my hair.  I found a cover for our camper for $28 total online, brand new, shipped and delivered!  And it fits perfectly!

Steve installed grab bars at his parent's place in the 2nd bathroom by the toilet and in the shower.  This will help when my parents come to visit for Thanksgiving, and just in general for them.  Steve already installed a higher toilet earlier.  My dad had a shower seat delivered to our house, so Steve put it together also and brought it over to his parents place.

Nyles and Carter have been rock climbing since the Summer, and are now in the Advanced Classes.  They get to bring guests w/ them as well on other nights, a couple times a month, so we decided to go as a family Friday night.  Hudson and I have never been rock climbing, so it was a fun experience.  Steve knows how to belay, so he was able to get passed off and belay us, along w/ Nyles who is certified to belay (you have to be at least 12 to do it).

Trying out rock climbing at Momentum Climbing.  

It was a lot of fun, though a little scary at first for me w/ the heights :)

Carter climbing

Steve was talking to Ethan and he decided to come also.  Ethan came, along w/ his girlfriend Haley, Olivia, and w/ her boyfriend John.  Nyles also did lead climbing, where he has to hook in as he goes.

Hudson climbing.

Good work boys!

Nyles climbing.

Saturday morning we went and saw Wicked 2 w/ Rob, Dave and Joann.  It was awesome!  

Then Steve went duck hunting w/ Nyles, Carter and Zach.

Saturday evening we went and played games w/ Bret and Laura Minson's family in Bluffdale.  Steve, Nyles, and Carter met us there.  It was a lot of fun to visit and play games.  We ran into them at the Draper Library a couple weeks ago, so it was good to catch up.

Cute Hudson making a leaf snowman on the way home from church.  Sunday night we went to LuDean/Diane's house to celebrate Steve's birthday coming up.  We got to play the fishing game, which is always a lot of fun!  Thanks Diane and LuDean for the fun! :)

Singing Happy Birthday to Steve!  Back at home, Piper licking Nyles' legs.  Silly dog ;)

Nyles silly fish, doing laps in the tank.

Great quotes:

2nd Week of November

Well, we all had the stomach bug at different times throughout the week.  Hudson had it Saturday to Monday, then Carter, then the rest of us.  Each of the boys stayed at home from school a couple days, at different times.  Here are some highlights otherwise from the week.

 When they were feeling well, the boys enjoyed playing street hocky w/ the Evans boys.  We had some Northern Lights showing for a couple days.

Cute Hudson at preschool, making a cornucopia and turkey.  

Carter also made a turkey hat at school.

Cute turkeys at pre-school.

Nyles was on the honor roll again in school.  Great job!  Nyles and Steve went and did baptisms for the dead Friday afternoon, then that evening, Steve and I did sealings.

Saturday, Steve took Nyles and his friend Lincoln out duck hunting.  They had a good time, though they didn't shoot any ducks.

On Sunday, we had our last 2 Primary Programs to go to, one at 9am, and the other at noon.  The one at noon was the Spanish Ward, so I had Carter and Nyles go w/ me, since they're learning Spanish.  Both Primary Programs were wonderful and the Spirit was strong as they sang songs and bore testimonies.

Great quotes:

1st Week of November

November is officially here.  We've had nice weather though, so it's been enjoyable so far, even w/ the daylight switch.  Here are some highlights from the first week of November. 

Piper hurt her leg again jumping up the stairs outside.  She's on pain meds again and we're trying to let her rest.  She's still her silly self, though thankfully.  She loves to enjoy the sunshine.

Steve went out duck hunting w/ Zach on Tuesday.  Hudson went w/ him as he stayed home from school w/ Croup both Monday and Tuesday.  Steve also went out w/ Rob and Nyles Saturday afternoon.

Nyles and Carter started Advanced Rock Climbing this week.  They now go on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm.  They are both really enjoying the challenge.

Friday night, Steve and I drove up to Park City for the night.  We had a free night to use.  We got Cafe Rio for the boys for dinner, then left.  Rob was kind enough to come over and stay the night.  After checking into our hotel, we got dinner, then went to the hot tub and watched a show in our room.  Unfortunately, Hudson woke up during the night, throwing up.  They called us to let us know, at 4:30am, and again at 6am.  None of us slept great, but we were still thankful we could get away for a night and spend time together.  We had free breakfast the next morning as well, then came home.

Steve and I at the hotel.

Hudson still wasn't feeling well Saturday afternoon, so he asked me to sit down w/ him and watch a movie.  We watched K-Pop Demon Hunters.  He would get up and dance to some of the songs. :)

I had another ward Primary Program to attend on Sunday morning.  Carter wasn't feeling well, so he stayed home from church and slept.  I ended up staying home w/ him that night as well.  Steve, Nyles and Hudson went over to have dinner w/ LuDean, Diane, Dave and Joann.

Nyles and Hudson made a fort.  Piper moved in to lay on the blankets.  

We played a game of Cover your Assets w/ Carter as well.

Cute Nyles and Hudson walking home from church.  Steve stayed after for a meeting.  

Another beautiful Mum in bloom.  Great quote.

Great quotes:

Last week of October

Here are some highlights from the last week of October.

Monday, October 27th, the boys didn't have school again (Fall Break).  Steve took the boys out duck hunting.  They had fun and got a couple of ducks.  Piper was excited to see the duck.

On Tuesday, October 28th, Hudson had his last T-ball game.  He had fun and did great!

Dave came to cheer him on, even on his birthday. :)

That night Steve and Nyles had a combined YW/YM activity.  They watched the church youth broadcast outside in our neighbor's backyard.  It was a little cold, so they had a firepit.  Steve brought over our firepit as well.  Carter worked on his math homework and Hudson and I did puzzles.

On Wednesday, they had crazy hair day at school.  

Carter had cobwebs and spiders (and baby powder) in his hair.  He loved it!

Nyles went to the orthodontist.  They are thinking he'll have his braces off in February most likely.  Thursday night, Nyles had his first band concert in Advanced Band.  They did great!

Hudson also had his preschool Halloween Party Thursday morning.  On Friday, Carter's school had their annual Halloween Parade.  Hudson came in his T-Rex outfit and Steve brought out LARGE lawn chair.

Carter as the Mandalorian.  He did some awesome drawings at school.  Cute T-Rex Hudson.

Hudson's preschool class in their Halloween costumes.

On Friday, my parents came down so they could be here Saturday for James Reimchiissel's funeral (my mom's sister Judy's husband).  They came over to dinner that night.  We picked up Papa John's pizzas.  Dave and Joann also came over and had pizza. After pizza, we met up in our circle w/ our neighbors, and the kids went trick-or-treating.  We love our street!

Brad and Stacia Barton (their son Archie hiding), Ally Gatherum, Nyles, Ty, Sienna, Tavin, Ethan and Zoe Gatherum, Clay Evans, Kaitlyn, Cameron, Kyle and Josh Moreton, Carter, me, Hudson, Tate, Sydney, Taft and Dee Evans.

The crew out Trick-or-Treating around the neighborhood.

Hudson didn't last very long going around Trick-or-Treating, so we came back to the house and played a couple of games w/ grandparents.  He especially likes Charades, acting out the animals.

Hudson doing Charades.  Carter and Nyles went a while longer and got more candy.

On Saturday, we met Pauline at Smith's.  I then jumped in her car to go to the funeral, and Steve took Lincoln back to our house.  We drove down to Benjamin for the funeral.  My parents met us there, as did Rose.  After the funeral, we came back.

Hudson, Carter and Lincoln playing w/ chalk outside on the back patio.

My mom, with all her brothers and sisters (minus Brent who already passed away).

We then went over to Steve's grandpa Carl's 96th birthday party.   After the party, we went back to Dave/Joann's place, where we had a turkey dinner (Steve smoked the turkey).  We also made stuffing, rolls, and mashed potatoes and gravy.  It was yummy!  After dinner we played a game of Spin Uno.

Playing a guessing game about Carl.  Ron actually won!  Getting dinner.   

My parents came to church w/ us on Sunday, then had some lunch, and then headed back home.  It was great having them over again.  We're happy they'll be back down for Thanksgiving again soon.

Sunday evening we had dinner up at Carrie's place.  It was the honoree dinner, this time for Lynsie.  We also sang Happy Birthday to Steve and Cameron for November.

It was a busy week, full of laughter and tears.  It's always hard losing someone, but we're so thankful to know we will see them again.  I'm so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, who makes this all possible so we can have eternal families.  I treasure the time we have to spend together w/ our families, immediate and extended.  How blessed we are.

Great quotes: