Sweet Shower

I helped host a shower for my soon to be sister-in-law Ruth who is marrying my brother Eric on the 18th of December. We had lot's of good food and good company.

Here is Madison hanging out before everyone came over.

Ruth is in the gray sweater.

We did a cheese and a chocolate fondue with lot's of different foods to dip into them.

Gift opening time. Ruth got some good stuff.

Lights

Last Monday for family home evening we went and saw the lights downtown at Temple Square. Tami (Mat's step-mom) made a scavenger hunt this year to mix things up a little bit. Each family got a list of things we had to do or find and we had 20 minutes to do as many as we could. This year we invited my sister and little bro and girlfriend to join us. Some of the things we had to do were, sing a Christmas carol to a family, help a child not related to us, give a Christmas book to someone and commit them to reading it this year, find a palm tree, take a picture of a star, have an older person tell you a story, and take a picture of an original piece of art. Those were just a few of the things we had to do. We had a good time.

The car ride down with Kaylee (my brother Steve's girlfriend), my sister Kami, and Madison, but you can only see her car seat.

 Some of the gang waiting for the others to show up.

Madison with her Aunt Kami.

This was the palm tree that we found.

Madison on the car ride home.

My sister took this picture of herself. Sometimes she likes to take random pictures on my camera that I don't know about and this is one of them.

We had a great family night!

Thankful Day.

This year's Thanksgiving was wonderful as usual. It is always great to spend time with family and loved ones and when you include food it can't get much better. We went to Mat's Dad's and Step-Mom's for Thanksgiving. We made some homemade crescents and they turned out good. We ate lot's of yummy food. The holiday's always come and go so fast so you just have to take the time to enjoy every minute. Here are some pics from the festivities:

Madison and I before the feast began.

Madison looking at herself on the camera. She seems captivated by it.

Everyone enjoying the Thanksgiving feast. We truly are so blessed!

At Mat's Dad's we usually do bingo after we eat, but not this year. The little kids played bingo, but the adults made blankets instead. The blankets we made were going to help wounded soldiers. Making the blankets really made me stop and think about how grateful I am for my freedom. I am so grateful for all the people who continue to fight for it each day.

Madison wanted to be part of all that was going on.

Madison and her Grandma Tami.

 Madison asleep on her daddy. Mat loves it when Madison falls asleep on him. It is his fav.

Our little family on Thanksgiving 2010.

We truly are so grateful for the abundance of blessings that we have in our lives. This year we are so grateful for our dear sweet Madison that is in our family. We couldn't be happier!

Kami's Homecoming

Kami's homecoming was on November 21st. Kami did a wonderful job and after church we went back and had lot's of yummy soup and desserts. Here are some pictures from it:

Kami and cute little Madison.

People waiting to get some yummy soup.

Some of the fam and friends.

I love those pretty blue eyes.

Kami animatedly talking to someone.

Us and Kami.

It is great having Kami home.

Kami's Home

My sister Kami came home from her mission two weeks ago. Kami served in the Berlin Germany mission. Kami was a hard working missionary for the last 18 months and it is great to have her back home. 

We made this shirt for Madison to wear when we went to go see Kami at the airport.

Madison waiting to meet her Aunt Kami.

Our little fam anxiously waiting.

The gang waiting for Kami (in the wrong place). We soon found out we needed to go to a different building to pick Kami.

The first view of Kami coming out of customs.

Kami giving her first hug to Mom.

Kami meeting Madison.

Kami and Grandma.

Kami meeting another niece Emma.

The gang all excited to have Kami home.

Kami with one of her companions that she served with twice and their Mom's.

Kami feeding Madison.

The three cousins Madison, Duke, and Emma.

 

Here is the three of them when Steven came home from his mission.

Welcome Home Kami. We love you!!!

Finally Five

I am finally posting Madison's five month pictures. Madison was about 12 pounds at five months. Madison is getting so big and learning so much each and every day. Madison is so much fun and her smiles light up our lives. Madison loves our attention and we love giving it to her. Enjoy the pictures of beautiful Madison.

Smile

So happy!

Hanging out in the leaves.

Madison and her daddy going out for a walk.

Madison's 5 month teddy bear comparison.

Madison's 5 month comparison to Mat's hand.

Cute little stinker.

Those eyes.

 Madison's looks like she is posing for us, so cute.

Adorable little baby.

Madison practicing her punches.

Our beautiful baby at 5 months.

Time has gone by so fast and Madison is growing up way to fast. We are enjoying the ride.