Utah

Mid-December we flew to Utah to visit Curtis' family. While there we were able to do many things and see lots of family. We had a chance to show the kids Temple Square at Christmas time. It was chilly but a neat experience.

It was nice to be able to spend Christmas with family. Our Christmas was a trip to Disneyland, but we had a great time with our stockings and most importantly spending the day with so many cousins!

We got a chance to see Tow-Mator. Who would have thought that he would have been hanging around Orem during Christmas time?We went to the BYU museum and saw exhibits on animals, we only had one picture of the day, and it happens to be butterflies all placed together to create a large butterfly.Curtis went with his brother to a gun course in Nevada. They had lots of fun and learned some new skills. The school was in the middle of nowhere. Hence, the next picture. It was necessary to grow crazy man hair while going to a gun course. We also took a day and went ice skating.

We also took lots of time to visit Papa, Curtis' dad who has been in the hospital since November recovering from some strange illness. He is slowly getting stronger each day. These hospital trips reminded us of how precious our time together is. We love you Papa; you are our hero!

Wisconsin

Our first stop on our move to Lajes was a trip to Wisconsin. We were able to spend Thanksgiving with many of my family. The weather was beautiful, especially considering the cold we left in Alaska. The kids were able to spend some much needed time with their cousins. Here we were stopping in a Krispy Kreme. It was much needed after so long without good doughnuts!

No more snow!!

We visited a children's interactive museum while in Wisconsin. Everyone got to dress up and perform different jobs throughout the communities.

It is a tight squeeze under there.

Visiting the lake front.

Nick added some more adventure to our trip by discovering that he is highly allergic to hazelnuts. After a trip to the ER we can now add that to our list of allergies.

We helped cut down a HUGE tree in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was a lot of work but also fun because it involved driving the four wheeler(all by theirselves!) We had a great time in Wisconsin, and I wish I had taken more pictures to document what we did. After a few weeks there we packed up our bags and headed off to Utah.

Winter Pictures

Before we left Alaska, we had the opportunity to have our pictures taken in the Alaska snow. It was cold and a bit miserable, but they turned out great. We are really happy with them.

Time To Go

Thanks Alaska, you have been great, but it is time to GO!!

But not without saying goodbye to Santa! Thanks for all the great memories. Now on to a great many new adventures!

Halloween

Halloween is always a double-whammy at our house. We get to have two celebrations. Here are the children all ready to go trick-or-treating. It was a pleasantly warm night, only about 15 degrees. Caleb is a ninja, Nick a bum, Jake is Zeus, and Megan is Rapunzel.

Megan's dress was both a birthday present as well as a costume. She loves it. She has a sweater underneath it in the picture, prepping her for cold weather.

We also celebrate her birthday. Our baby is 5. She requested a pink cake. I ran out of frosting before it was all finished but I don't think that she noticed.

More Rapunzel things. She couldn't be happier.

Sisters Trip

In the beginning of the month I had a great opportunity to meet up with my sisters at Disneyworld. We had an amazing week of relaxation (as much as one can at Disney) and fun. It was great to be able to reconnect with these awesome girls. We were happy to spend some time with Erin McKinnon(hometown friend) and our niece Hannah.

We ran in the half marathon while there. It was a fun time. I love you girls. You are amazing!!

Snow!!

Earlier this week we got our first snow fall of the season. It was almost 3 weeks later than usual. We were very grateful for the prolonged fall before the winter season began.

All the neighborhood children have been not so patiently waiting for the snow. As soon as it came snow boots, coats, and gloves were found. Sleds were pulled out of their hiding spots.

And the winter fun has begun!

Our children know that their snow fun is limited because once we get to Lajes, they won't see it again for a couple of years.

Diannah's Visit

Curtis' sister, Diannah, came to visit us earlier in the month. It is always fun to have people to come to show off where we live. We were able to do lots of fun things.You have to visit the Knotty Shop...for their ice cream!And goof around with your aunt!

And shoot guns at defenseless eggnog cans! Visit Santa's house while he is in the toyshop and sit on his chair!

Eat huge cinnamon rolls made into french toast!

Check out the firestation!

Enjoy the Christmas theme of North Pole, Alaska!

And enjoy the excitement of the abundant wildlife! Thanks for visiting us, Diannah. We love you!

Graduation

Finally!! After all our hard work, we were so happy to be able to walk for our college graduation. It was inspiring to be an example to our children of the importance of education. I hope they follow our example and finish school, but only while they are much younger!

Curtis and I received our bachelors degrees in Human Services. He received a minor in Fire Science while I minored in History. We are happy, proud, and relieved. And now on to our Masters....