Ashton turns 18

 Jeffrey invited Ashton to PAX unplugged (a board game convention) while we were staying at their house for Fall Break. He hesitated because it would fall over Ashton's 18th birthday. Ashton's was elated and he told him there's nowhere else he'd rather be on his birthday. They went to Philly and Ashton and his cousins had the best time.

Jeffrey spoiled him and brought brownies and a candle. Ashton said they worked the board game booth and then the boys just walked around playing games, painting mini figures and hanging out. I cannot believe how old these three are! 

On Ashton's birthday, Debbie sent me this picture. Holy smokes I love these kids and how close they are!

Thanksgiving

 Jebbie floated the idea of a Thanksgiving up north in Nibley together for 2025 and we were all in! We arrived on Wednesday night and the older cousins played dozens of rounds of Secret Hitler. Poppy came up with hilarious phrases like "I am not a crook!" that everyone loved. It was the first time the older cousins had gathered together at their grandparent's house and we could not get the house quiet before midnight both nights. There were kids sleeping everywhere and they had the best time.

Here they are in the middle of a round of Secret Hitler.

I hopped up to take this picture during a game of psychiatrist.

Thanksgiving morning Trevin and Kim walked in the door. Right away I realized that Kim and I were matching and then I saw Trevin and died. I knew David was about to walk up the stairs in a green sweater. So funny!

Rachel and I made a quick escape to Macey's to grab something and after hearing about Macey's icecream cones for 4 years this was my first go. We documented the moment that was delicious and also killed my dream of opening up a Menchie's down the road from our house. Macey's would be right next door and I just don't think that would do after experiencing the .50 ice cream cones!

On Thanksgiving day all the kids and Dads went outside and played ultimate frisbee and football in perfect weather. It was a perfect weekend!! 

Ashton’s Mission Call

 Ashton’s mission call arrived just 9 days after the stake president hit submit. On September 22nd I got a text from him that said, “It’s here!!” And I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what was here ?!? We were shocked it came so quickly. Ashton had it planned that our employees Danica and Nikki would open his call on the computer at work, print it out, post-it note over the location and get it ready to open. David and I left the room when they pulled it up on the computer but we heard the scream from the other side. They wouldn't give us any hints but they promised us he would be thrilled.

I have to add my two cents before I get to the opening. The couple of weeks before the call came I started thinking a lot about how amazing it would be for Ashton to go to Argentina but I was afraid to say it out loud. But I started to really feel like it would be the perfect place for him. He would love the food, he already has 4 years of Spanish and he has heard about Argentina his whole life. So, we all guessed our locations that night I put my star right on Buenos Aires. He opened his call and I was shocked and not shocked at the same time. 

Back to the opening... At 8pm our house started to really fill up. And then more and more teenagers kept arriving. Ashton told us he never felt more popular and loved then that night. He was glowing the entire night.

He's been looking forward to this day for his entire life.

I went in for the first hug and Hannah was right after. She loves this kid.

That's my star right there!

This was after some of the people had filtered out! Definitely a night to remember!

Hattie Gets Baptized

 Is there anything better than an 8 year old over the moon for their special day? Taking Hattie to the temple to get some pictures for her baptism program was just about the sweetest afternoon ever. She talked to me all about the temple, her baptism, who was coming and what she thought it would be like.

Our Bishop pointed out that he was the only adult on the program. Between siblings and cousins the whole thing was done by the youth. It was the best!

This was my favorite moment of the whole day. Hattie loves to sign and really wanted to be part of a musical number for her baptism. She chose I will walk with Jesus but knew she would need help. So Hannah practiced with her a few times before the baptism and they got up and sang the duet together before everyone else joined in. She was so happy and darling up there with her big sister.

Also, I never want to forget that our favorite neighbors came to be a part of it who aren't members of our church. They were so touched by the whole event and kept telling me how grateful they were to be included. It was a perfect day!

Chasing snow

 Our friends the Hudsons own some property up in Garden Valley and they invited us to go up and sled so our kids could get some real snow. Boise has sorely disappointed the kids with the amount of snow especially coming from Minnesota. We went up and played in the mountains and it was beautiful!

Tubing

 When Jebbie comes into town we always try to do something fun! Debbie found this tubing hill close to our house where they make their own snow and it was SO fun! 

Scotty got so tired at one point he just laid on the belt taking us up to the top!

We left Sophie at home with neighbors and took Hattie. We were a little worried she was too young but she had the time of her life. With every jump down the hill she almost flew off but she loved it!

Then we went to a beautiful walk through light show with Nana Raines and Poppy Raph and Nana Jake and Poppy Ralph.

Sure, love this guy!

We were freezing but it was worth it!

It is so fun to live near so much family for the holidays!!

Christmas

 David's parents got to spend Christmas with us this year. We did our traditional trip to the zoo on Christmas Eve. The Boise zoo was super disappointing and small and cold. I'm thinking this tradition might come to an end this year. But it was fun to go see a new zoo all the same!

We made gingerbread houses a couple days before Christmas.

Then we did the Nativity.

Rachel got to be the angel this year.

After Rachel's part as the angel I said okay sit down now you're done. And she said, "Why did I die?"

These kids are so good to do this every year without a fight.

Then we played Christmas Bingo. This is one of the things the kids love the very best.

And new Christmas jammies. 

I love these kids and Christmas so much!!