The Year of the Imperfect Christmas Tree

This year we decided that we would have an adventure and cut down our own Christmas tree. It was fun and we definitely picked out trees with their own personalities. Straight trunks were a luxury that we didn't find.

We cut down our tree last year and we learned a few things from that experience--like spray the tree for spiders before you bring it into the house and put the tree stands on outside where there is more room.

We always have great fun decorating our trees. We use the same ornaments every year. One tree is very eclectic and sentimental with ornaments we have collected and made over the years. Our second tree has heart ornaments and olive wood ornaments that I bought in Israel when I was there too many years ago. We decorate all together and laugh a lot as the ornaments bring back fun memories.

I love Christmas.

Family

There are so many things in life that compete for our time and attention but none of them bring the peace and joy that I get from loving and serving my family. Really they are my life.

New pictures of our missionary

David is loving Brazil. Here he is with his current companion--Elder Buzzato--he loves having a companion who is willing to work hard.

I think they look very happy.

Bicycling

Michael and two other scouts from his troop decided to get the bicycling merit badge. During the summer they did one of the required rides each week. Ned and one of the other Dads went along on all of the rides.

They decided to do the final 50 mile ride on Labor Day. The boys' Moms met them at noon for lunch and a little rest. We're proud of the riders--I think this is one merit badge they definitely will remember.

They're off!

Brad got his braces off this week

We think that he has beautiful smile.

Game Night

We love to play games as a family. Some of our favorites are Settlers of Catan, Risk, Ticket to Ride, Clue, Cities and Knights, Scattergories, Apples to Apples, Masterpiece, Colosseum, Acquire and the list goes on and on. Each of us has our favorites but everyone is willing to play.

Sometimes the action is a little slow so the girls try and liven things up a little bit. We were playing Cities and Knights last night and the girls decided to make the pirate invasions a little bit more real. In the end it's all about having fun together which we always seem to do.

Birthday Fun

Sarah turned 19 the weekend. She is sure that she is really "old". I guess it is all relative.

We had a great day and as you can tell she received many fun and exciting gifts.