Christmas in Arizona!

We had a wonderful Christmas together in Arizona . . thanks to the Pies' for a fantastic time, little sleep, great food and a very memorable Christmas celebration! Found one afternoon to get a few pictures of nearly the whole family together . . .

Building Updates!

Our time is getting pulled in so many directions, it's hard to stay on task with the building project! We've painted, got most of the lighting in, and bathroom and laundry area tile down. This Saturday we start on the hardwood flooring . . .

Our pet project!

It's been a real family project . . . Nathan's expertise in design and garage doors, Spencer's willingness to work to exhaustion, and even Anna's willingness to walk 20 feet up in ice and snow handing the ICF block to Larry (and the ability to call in lots of boys from the branch to lug sheetrock up the stairs) and my small contributions (usually getting food and water - and holding up sheetrock) . . . and here it is. The shop every man would love to have!

My favorite place to be quiet . . .

As everyone knows, I'm not usually a quiet person. This, however, is one of those places I could sit and quietly listen. I remember being here with Danielle as she was a teenager and the affect this had on her. I remember being here with Spencer on an already emotional day of saying good bye to his big sister as she moved to Provo. And being here with Lara when she went to conference with just Larry and I. Anna and I finally got to share that same special moment . . . just her and I. I'm grateful for what this quiet place has given me in memories . . .

Just the Branch President and I

Larry and I are enjoying his calling so much! Nothing like being surrounded by 100+ young single adults! Their testimonies are amazing, their excitement about the gospel inspiring, and their willingness to love us never fails to touch our hearts.

Conference in the Rain

We were lucky enough (actually I think Larry being a Branch President has an advantage!) to get conference tickets this year! Anna and Spencer were able to take time off from work and go too - nothing like traveling 10 hours in the car together to get caught up with their latest news. SLC was rainy and cold, but conference was great! During the priesthood session, Anna and I zipped around Temple Square and were basically wet and freezing by the time we got back to our hotel.

Fun in the Sun!

Finally unloading the camera . . . finding a picture that we're both in at the same time is harder than I thought it would be. Larry and I looked like such tourists (which of course we were!) and even got teased a bit for looking so "haoli". . .

Cool Car . . .

And no trip would be complete without Larry picking out the rental car . . .

Fun Together!

We may not be 20 anymore, but we were "just us" in Hawaii and loved every minute!

Summer Downtime!

Larry and I had a great downtime vacation . . . two weeks away from the chaos of housebuilding, jobs and callings. Never thought I would see the day the two of us snorkeling in open ocean and feeling the manta ray's underneath us and sea turtles popping up next to us to say hi! We are already planning our next trip back!