2nd Week of January, leaving to San Diego

I worked Monday through Friday this past week, then we left to San Diego for a quick family weekend trip Thursday afternoon (the boys had Friday and Monday off school, and I had Monday off for Martin Luther King Day).  Here are the highlights from the week.

On Monday, Nyles stayed after school to work on the school play, Beauty and the Beast.  He is going to be Maurice, Bell's dad, in the play.  That evening, Hudson also had his karate class again.  

On Tuesday, Carter was back to choir practice at his school, at 7:40am.  Nyles stayed afterwards again for the play.  Nyles and Carter then had rock climbing from 4-6pm.  I had late night at work from 5-6pm.  Then Steve and Nyles had YMs at 7pm.  Steve taught the boys how to make "walking tacos," which is taco meat in an individual chip bag, like Doritos.  You can then add your toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, etc.  The idea is to not have to use plates, just throw away the chip bag when you're done.  All the YM really enjoyed the food and will now being making them for their YM camps coming up this year.

On Wednesday, Nyles had play practice again and also his honor society meeting at school.  Carter had activity days w/ the 2 Evans boys (Clay and Beau).  They set goals for the year.

 Hudson made his "candy sushi" w/ Steve's help.  He got it at our white elephant gift exchange w/ my sisters.  Tate Evans also gave Hudson a glow-in-the-dark 3D Gecco.

Nyles went to the orthodontist on Thursday morning.  He is scheduled to take off his braces next month and be officially done!  Carter had choir practice again that morning, so I dropped him off and Hudson at preschool, while Steve was w/ Nyles at the orthodontist.

Silly Piper now wants to play catch w/ Princess Leah.  Nyles excited 

Thursday at noon, Steve picked up the boys from school, came home, everyone got some lunch, then went to the airport.  Rob came w/ us to take our car back home.  He stayed at our house w/ Piper while we were gone and also fed the fish.

And we're off!  Nyles and Carter posing as Delta employees in the airport.  

Hudson showing us his store.

Getting on the plane and taking off.

Pretty landscape as we went.  

Over the ocean to turn around, then some fog came rolling in as we came into San Diego.

I emailed the manager the week before we left and asked if they'd upgrade us for free, and they did!  They put us in a King Studio, which was 700 square feet.  It was awesome and spacious!  They even brought up a rollaway bed for us to use, so all 3 boys had a place to sleep comfortably.  It was perfect!  I also told them we just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, and they gave us a bottle of sparkling cider and chocolate-covered strawberries!  So fun!  

Our nice spacious room and some goodies!

There was a kitchenette and nice bathroom.

Our room number.  We also had free club access, where they provide free food.  They offer breakfast, afternoon snacks, and some evening hors d'oeurvres.  After dropping off our bags, we went to check out the evening options.  Steve trying a strawberry back at our room.

Fun sign down by the main lobby.  View from our room windows.

Great quotes:

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.”

—Barbara Bush

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

—Angela Schwindt

First week of January 2026

Monday, January 5th, we were back to school and work.  Thankfully I was able to work from home.  Here are some happenings from the week.

Hudson is taking a karate class on Monday nights.  He was a little nervous, so he asked Carter to do it w/ him.  Steve also took Hudson to an open house to learn about Kindergarten!  He got a free backpack!

On Tuesday, January 6th, we had the funeral for Grandma LuDean McGrath.  My parents came down the night before, stayed in Tremonton, then drove the rest of the way the morning of the funeral.  Steve gave the family prayer before the funeral.  

The funeral was beautiful and well said.  She was an amazing individual.  She made everyone feel loved and welcome.  She was like another grandma to me for the 17 years I knew her.  The boys were so lucky to know their great grandma.  We enjoyed taking her dinner on many Sundays and playing games w/ her, Diane, Dave, and Joann.  We'll miss her greatly!

Closing the casket.  

Quick picture w/ my parents after the funeral.

Beautiful program for LuDean (she picked it out herself before she passed).

LuDean's cake recipe that she was on KSL for.

My parents left after the funeral to try and get home while it was still light.  We drove up to the Salt Lake City Cemetery, which is downtown in the Avenues, for her burial.

Steve and his cousins carrying her coffin to the gravesite.  Hudson snuggling w/ Claire.

Thankfully it was sunny, though cool.  It was the only sunny day all week; a miracle.

By her casket: Jeff, Carrie, Dave, Joann, Steve, Stacie and Melanie.  Dave, Joann and Diane.  

Carter, me, Nyles, Hudson and Steve.

George (LuDean's Husband), and Carol, George's first wife.  Ethel and George Leo, George's parents.

Isaac w/ Hudson.  The boys found a worm in January!  

Following the funeral home driver back to the church for the luncheon.

After the luncheon, we went home for the boys to do rock climbing.  Steve and Nyles then had YM's that night.

We finally got snow!  Cute Piper.

Carter is going to start playing flag football.  Saturday afternoon, Steve, Nyles, Dave, and Rob went fishing in American Fork.  Nyles caught the only fish.

Carter wanted to switch his bed to the twin bed, so he could have more room to play in his room.

It only took us all day, but we got it done!  And Steve put in some side shelves in his closet to organize his stuff/toys.  Looks great and he loves the extra room!

Sunday after church, we went over to Pauline's house for lunch and to play games and do our white elephant gift exchange.  

For some reason there were TONS of birds on our way to Pauline's house.

We made mini pizzas in their new pizza oven for lunch.  Then played the candy bar game, then Left/Right/Center game, then exchanged gifts.  For fun, we brought my big bear as a gift.  Rose got it, but ended up leaving it :)

Pauline w/ lots of candy!  The boys w/ their candy.  Exchanging gifts.  Rose w/ the big bear.

More pics from the games and gift exchange.

After being at Pauline's, we stopped by Dave/Joann's place.  They had brought Carl over.  We ended up staying for dinner :)  Dave made pancakes and warmed up ham.  We then played a game (Apples to Apples), then went home to get ready for bed.

Silly Hudson pretending to be a dinosaur.  Then getting tickled by Dave and Steve.

Hudson being a dinosaur

Great quotes.  I'm so thankful for the knowledge we have of the plan of salvation and eternal families.  Though it's hard not to have her with us now, I know we'll see LuDean again, along w/ our other loved ones.  Until we meet again...

Last week of December, start of January 2026

We had the last week of the year off from work and school.  It was a fun, busy, and emotional week.  Here are some highlights.

Monday morning, December 29th, we went down to Thanksgiving Point to go to Thanksgiving Point (Dinosaur Jurassic Jungle) w/ the Thomas Family.  Dave and Melissa lived in the branch w/ us when we lived in Midvale in our condo.  We moved out about the same time, but have kept in touch over the years, which has been great.  

As we finished the Jurassic Jungle, Steve got a call from his dad telling him that is Grandma LuDean had officially passed away.  We were all sad to hear the news, but we also knew it was coming soon.  After going to Thanksgiving Point, we drove up to Sam's Club to get a snack.  They then came over to our place and played a few games before they went home.

Getting a snack at Sam's Club w/ the Thomas family after going to Thanksgiving Point.  

I later made sourdough.

Silly Hudson playing in the bins.  Playful Piper, playing w/ Steve's foot.

Tuesday, we all went to the chiropractor.  Then that evening, Steve and I went to watch the new Avatar movie.  Dave and Joann had free tickets but ended up not being able to go, as they were now dealing w/ funeral arrangements.  Rob met us at the theater and joined us for the movie.  We appreciate the free tickets and date night :)

On Wednesday morning, we went rock climbing as a family.  We invited Ezra to join us since Nyles and Carter have guest passes each month they can use.  

Steve and I after the movie.  Rock climbing w/ Ezra.

That afternoon, we dropped the boys off at Pauline's house to stay the night.  Steve and I then went to eat dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (early celebration for our anniversary).  After dinner went went home for a bit, then went over to Dave and Joann's place to play games w/ them and Jeff/Kim at 9pm.  We were only going to stay 1 hour, but ended up staying until midnight and brought in the New Year.  

The boys having fun at Pauline's house before bed.  

Steve and I at Dave and Joann's house.  Happy New Year!

Cute Piper.

On Thursday, January 1st, New Year's Day, we went over to a pickleball place and learned how to play pickleball.  It was a lot of fun, but Nyles and Carter didn't get to play since another couple was there too.  We'll have to go again.  It's a lot of fun.

Steve and I went to the temple on Friday, January 2nd for our anniversary.  We actually got married on a Friday, 17 years ago!  It's been so warm this winter so far, though, that the flowers are confused.  They think it's actually Spring instead, so the daffodils are starting to come up and bloom!  Unlike on our wedding way where we had a huge snow storm that night and it was super cold!  What a contrast!

Daffodils blooming at the temple.  Steve and I on our 17th wedding anniversary.

Steve and I then went to a couple's massage.  That evening we went bowling as a family.

Then we went to eat out at the Olive Garden, yummm!  We also finished another puzzle.

On Saturday, I had a Primary Presidency meeting.  Steve and Nyles went and helped Zach Hannay move from Eagle Mountain to his mother in-laws place in SLC.

We are now at 10:30am church time instead of 9am.  Sunday evening, Nyles was set apart as a Teacher in the Priesthood by Steve.  Our neighbor Scott Ellis came to represent the Bishopric.  Dave, Joann, Diane and Rob also came.  We really appreciate the love and support from everyone.  Thank you.  After getting set apart, we had dinner.  Steve smoked a brisket overnight.

Cute Piper.  I made brownies, blondies, and sourdough to go w/ dinner.

Nyles after getting set apart a Teacher.

Steve cutting the brisket.  We played a game afterwards.  

Diane had to head home, so we missed playing w/ her.

Great quotes.  We're so thankful and blessed to have the priesthood in our lives.

We're especially grateful to know we can be reunited w/ our family members again after death.

4th week of December, Christmas

We had a wonderful, surprisingly warm week of Christmas.  I worked Monday and Tuesday, then had the rest of the week and year off.  The kids were out of school as well the last 2 weeks of the year.  Here are some highlights.  

Hudson showing us how Buddy the elf was tied up.  The youth in our ward did a service project.  Steve was in charge, so he went and delivered it to Primary Children's Hospital Monday afternoon, December 22nd.  Our neighbor Kaitlyn Moreton went w/ them to deliver the gifts.  Good work!

Monday night we went and walked around Draper Park to look at the lights, and the "tree of life."  

It's tradition to go every year and we live so close, it's great!

Steve and Nyles went duck hunting on Tuesday morning.  

They enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and got a few ducks as well.

Steve and I went for a walk and the neighbors had their sprinkler on!  That tells you how warm it has been.  Cute Piper giving Carter her puppy eyes, wanting a treat.  Carter built a tower.

Tuesday late afternoon we went and watched Zootopia 2.  It was super cute!  Diane couldn't make it, as she was caring for Grandma LuDean, so we invited Conor to come.  Dave and Joann met us there too.  Right after the movie was over, Carter and I walked over to the train trax and took them downtown to watch a Jazz game for Jr. Jazz.  It was fun, though they lost by a few.  Conor stayed the night.

On Wednesday, December 24th, Christmas Eve, we went over to Dave/Joann's place to visit w/ them and Grandpa Carl.  Stacie and Phill's family were they also, so we played a game.  We then went home for a little bit, then went over to Diane/LuDean's place for dinner w/ Dave and Joann.  Grandma LuDean was in her bed, in the living room, sleeping, so we didn't get to visit w/ her.

A beautiful rainbow on our way over to Dave/Joann's place. 

The boys opening up their gifts from Dave/Joann (Legos).

After we got home on Christmas Eve, Hudson helped me make chocolate chip cookies for Santa.  The boys worked on putting their Legos together.  We then, per tradition, we read the Christmas story and sang a few songs.  Then we read the story of my great-grandpa Hegerhorst, how he was shot in the leg during WW2, and how the bullet changed his life for the better.  Carter was able to share this story during primary this year as they learned about their pioneer ancestors, and he read it during the Primary Program in September.  We are so thankful and blessed for our ancestors and their sacrifices, which made our lives better.  We're also thankful for this time of year to reflect on our Savior and his sacrifice for each of us so we can return to our Heavenly Father and see our families again.

Hudson helping to make chocolate chip cookies for Santa.  

Steve and Hudson.  The boys working on their Legos.

Christmas Eve, the boys all slept in Nyles' room (a tradition now).  Santa came!

Carter w/ some Lego sets he got for Christmas.  

Hudson dumping out his stocking.  Christmas morning!

Cute Piper wanted to be in on the action, so we brought her bed in.  Nyles got a new watch.  More gifts, like mini chainsaws to help them trim the branches for firewood.  Ralph the Elf came too.

Steve got a new jacket.  We got the new Switch 2!

New Switch 2.  The boys were only a little excited!

Hudson was eager to crack open his dinosaur egg.  He showed Grandpa and Grandma Hegerhorst how to do it while they were on the phone w/ us.  We also finished a puzzle.  Steve made all of the boys a blanket from our Disney cruise bandanas from pirate nights.  We had enough to make all the boys a blanket and one for Diane, which we gave her for her birthday back in October.  My mom explained to us how to make the blanket (thanks).  So fun!  Good work Steve!

It was quite warm, so after being in the house most of the day, we went back over to Draper Park to get outside for a while.  The kids played on the playground to get some energy out, which was nice.

On Friday, December 26th, we cleaned up the Christmas decorations and cleaned the house.  The wall anchor was coming out by the window, so Steve showed and taught Nyles how to fix it.

On Saturday, December 27th, Steve and Nyles went over to the Draper Temple to do baptisms for the dead.  Ironically, while there were there, they saw President Uchtdorf there also!  They were told he came to the temple and wanted to start in the baptistry, then make his way up to the Holy of Holies.  President Jeffrey R. Holland had just passed away, so we wonder if he was going to pray.

Amazingly, we finally got a little bit of snow that morning also!  It is our first snow of the season crazy enough.  We knew it wouldn't last long, so I told the boys to get their snow clothes on and go out and play in it.

Nyles and Steve at the temple.  Our little bit of snow!

Cute Carter and Hudson got in their Halloween costumes and played later as well.

The boys playing in the snow.  Carter and Hudson making snow angels and all of them building a snowman.  They put it on the shady side of our house, which helped it last longer.  Piper was super excited for the snow as well.  She got to be Hyper Piper running around in it!

The boys w/ their blankets from Christmas.  Carter and Hudson just cutting paper.  Sunday evening we had dinner again at Diane/LuDean's place w/ Dave and Joann.  Grandma LuDean wasn't doing well, sleeping again.  We played a few games after dinner, which was fun.  Hudson sitting w/ Grandma Joann.

We had a wonderful Christmas and week together.  We are so thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ, his birth and life, and this time of year we have to celebrate Him.  

Great quotes: