Pilgrims and Turkeys

We participated in a reader's theatre and enactment of the first pilgrims to come to America with homeschool friends.   

We took advantage of Thanksgiving break to have cousins over for a sleepover. 
Sometimes school is so busy, we don't see them for months!

Primary chorister, Renee led the kids in some fun songs like "Children all over the World" for the after Thanksgiving dinner program.  

Ma and Pa and Tom the Turkey!

Visiting cousins in Garland too!  Lots to be grateful for!

Everyday stuff

Grandpa worked on boxes with the Grandkids last fall!
and he had other woodworking projects for Christmas gifts too.

The epic fort after they created it, played in it and slept in it too

I had to capture a quiet family prayer moment!

taking out fence posts and trees, etc. with Grandpa!

The annual hot tubbing FHE with Jan and Gordan

not sure what to say about these characters ;)

another photo the kids insist I take and keep for posterity -- Mermaid Tessa

Tessa with a swollen cheek and lopsided smile after her tooth extraction.  Ready for braces!

Our Monday/Wednesday afterschool friend James with a birthday cupcake.  

Girls

We took these pictures of Tessa and Leisel around their birthdays in September.  Even with their different personalities, we love the sweetness and sensitivity of each girl.  

A few months later when we were ready to tell the kids we were expecting a baby, everyone's vote was to have a girl join us.  We are so grateful for the dynamic each child brings.  Jonathan is full of boyish energy.  He has the natural boy skill of making sound effects for animals, monsters cars, and fighting.  

It was very fun at the ultrasound in February to see the pendulum swing.  We got the news that another girl is definitely on the way.  The announcement in the bottom picture says, "We're expecting June 2018".

Michael turned 13

It was pretty cool to be 12!  

Michael was able to have many great experiences throughout the year at the temples in Utah before he turned 13.  

He started at Provo City Center with Fisher for his first trip.  Our nearby Jordan River Temple was closed for renovations, but we traveled to 15 other ones.  Sometimes Michael went by himself to do baptism ordinances and sometimes with family members or friends.  Michael was often able to take family names for his service.  We all benefited from his temple challenge and it was a fun way for him to spend time during his 12-13 year old year.  

As the oldest child and a very responsible kid, Michael tends to demand respect.  I often expect him to be older than he is and forget that he is still trying out lots of things.  He puts up with his parents and regularly utilizes his skills of persuasion to get what he wants.  Michael is the best babysitter around and especially enjoys bonding time with Jonathan.  He says he plans to teach Jonathan everything he knows about Calvin and Hobbs, etc.  Michael is also the technology expert in our family when dad isn't around, surpassing mom long ago.  

Michael took his Shakespeare and drama skills to a new level, competing at the student festival in Ceder City.  He also dug into music and challenged himself with the violin and several new band instruments.  Practicing and teaching himself in his free time became the norm.  

Michael stepped up to serve in the deacon's quorum.  He was a great example and friend to all the boys.  He spent a week away from home at Timberline and internalized all the leadership lessons.  He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and made sure to have time for hiking and camping in the summer.  With the game day flag business, Michael took the lead in sales and gathering contracts.  He was an effective communicator and hard worker.  Also notable was that Michael took several classes with a good group of girls and realized that they don't have cooties and he can be friends with them too.  He still loves to hangout with his guys, but doesn't have the same abhorrence for contact with girls.  

at the Home school Etiquette Dinner- 

Afterwards he said, "Dancing wasn't so bad." 

a piano cake

Food is key for this growing boy.  

He grew a few inches this year and threatens to pass up his mom any day.

On to another year of learning and growing!!

Celebrating Jordan

Jordan turned 11 in October!
Jordan made a lot of growth this year.  Because he follows the lead of his big brother, Jordan has a competitive streak and pushes himself to try new things.  So especially this year it seems that he is really entering the world of growing up.  In school, Jordan has worked hard to be more serious and independent.  He has learned that he loves to be organized and set goals.  Jordan also loves to be busy.  He isn't scared to jump in with a new team for a season of sports and he often becomes a most valuable player.  Jordan loves "good" food and healthy food, but doesn't have time for it if it isn't really tasty.  In n' Out burgers are still his favorite...and mint ice cream.  Jordan knows what he loves and often says he is excited about life, but doesn't have enough time to do everything he wants to do.
A description of Jordan isn't complete without talking about his passion to learn about animals.  He has worked really hard and made sacrifices so that he can take a humanitarian trip to Africa in June.  Facts from books and documentaries just don't fuel his drive enough.  He is so excited to be able to see the animals too.
Jordan is a great friend to many people.  He is great with kids younger than himself, because he loves to teach and be a leader in activities.  Jordan was really lucky to have a great primary teacher this year.  Stacey has been a great inspiration and cheerleader for Jordan and he always enjoys visiting and serving her.  Jordan has begun to value his testimony more and more this year.  He loves to seek and feel the Spirit.

We brought a birthday cake to share when we made the October trip to the Clarks.  Even though decorating owl cookies was the major treat, Jordan requested a special animal cake.  

The funnest thing we learned about Jordan this fall is that he loves to play the trumpet.  Uncle Cam loaned him an instrument to try and Jordan signed up for a band class.  He picked things up quickly and gets so excited when he can hit a new challenging note.  

When Jordan is outside he can't help but enjoy lots of nature discoveries.

Jordan finished up cub scouts and earned his Arrow of Light with this great group of boys.  

Here are a few photos of the birthday party Jordan planned with his friends from the neighborhood.

Halloween Spooks and Sweets

We met up with Aunt Linda and cousins for trick or treating to the neighbors at Cornerstone.

showing Great-Grandma all the costumed kiddos

Tessa loves being a cat

Lizzy and Tessa performed an original Halloween song at the Trunk or Treat!

Dragon trainer Jordan