Visiting Vernal

Reed, the kids, and I went to Vernal a few days before Christmas because Reed, my Dad and my little brother Jordan had Elk Tags for the south slope of diamond mountain. As soon as we made it to Vernal, it started snowing....and snowing....and snowing. There was about two feet of snow in two days. We had a few activities planned while we were in town. We went and saw the lights around town and we also wanted to put a wreath on Dustin's grave. 

When we got to the cemetery, we dug ourselves a path over to his grave so we could place the flowers and wreaths. 

This was the first time Reed had seen the headstone. I had been up to the cemetery with my siblings while Reed had stayed with the kids so, this was their first time to see the headstone. 

My mom and I made the pine swag out of the extra pine from her Christmas tree. Ashley and the kids brought a poinsettia. The flags in Dustin's flower vase are from his favorite teams that he loved to watch playing basketball. The flags are really appropriate for this time of year since it's basketball season. 

Mom, Dad and Jordan with Ashley and the kids. 

Mari, Kai, Logan and little Courtney. So precious. 

Ashley and the kids 

Our kids and us with the cousins. Good little buddies. 

Mari was loving the snow and then grandpa couldn't let a perfect opportunity pass him by...he threw Mari in the snow and buried her in....SHE LOVED IT! 

She kept jumping back in the snow. 

This is the back of the headstone. It has all four kids names with Japanese figures that say "eternal family". My brother served a mission in Japan and loved everything Japanese. My dad also served in Japan. In this picture you can see the BYU and Jazz flags. So perfect for Dustin. 

Family Christmas Parties

This year, we had four christmas parties on the same day. We had to choose what was most important and family always wins. So, we went to Reed's family party at lunch time and then to the Millett's Christmas party that evening. It worked out great!

The Durrant Family Christmas party was fun as usual. We were able to get a picture with Reeds grandmother. This is spunky grandma Durrant and we just love her! 

The kids did a "cake" walk where they received a present from great-grandma durrant when their number was called. 

Kids doing the cake walk. 

Kaden received Super Samurai guys and he loved them. 

Abbie and her present. 

The "cousins" are always interested in a rousing game of Chess. I wonder where Isaac gets his love of chess from? (James is holding his daughters hula hoop...what a great dad!) 

There was some intense games played. Chess is always a favorite! 

The Millett Christmas party started in Layton this year and we first went to tour the Layton City Lights. They were awesome! 

The kids kept pointing to the figure that they liked the best and then wanted me to take a picture of it. 

The kids really love Christmas lights! 

Every year there is a program. Of course, only after a deliciously, yummy dinner, provided by all. The program started with the oldest (my dad) and he entertained us with a really funny huntin' dog story about p-h-y-d-i-o-u-x (FIDO). We were all laughing! 

For the rest of the program, there were musical numbers and other funny skits. We always have a good time when we are together. My grandma played a duet with aunt Vicki....and her love of music shows through to all of the grandkids. There was a lot of musical talents shared! The evening ended with everyone wanting pictures with Grandma Millett. We love her and enjoy getting to spend time with her! Love you Grandma! 

We finally built a Snowman, Snowman, Snowman

The kids have been asking since the first snowfall to build a snowman. We didn't have time to build one with the very first snow and then it was gone before we were able to make one. The kids have been watching every day for more snow. We finally got enough snow, that if we rolled the snowball across the entire front yard, using all the snow, we had enough snow to make a snowman. 

The kids added all the snowman parts from our snowman kit, even the "bubble blower" (as they call it). 

The snowman melted a little bit that day but when it got really cold that night, it froze and stayed for over a week. 

The kids were SO proud of their snowman. 

We had SO much fun building our snowman. 

You can see that it took almost all the snow in the front yard to build our snowman. 

The kids LOVED on their snowman. 

Everyone that helped build out snowman for 2010! (Isaac was still in school but, we didn't want the snow to melt this time before we were able to build our snowman)

Abbie and Kaden playing in the snow, making tiny snowballs.  

These two are such good little buddies! 

Our little dancer!

Last week Abbie had a little dance recital. It was the last twenty minutes of class before winter break started. Abbie and her classmates showed us what they have been learning. 

Showing us their turns and spins. 

I feel bad I took this picture just before she straightened her leg. She did such a great job! 

Abbie loves her dance class and all she is learning! I can't wait to see their whole performances! It will be really fun to watch! Great job, Abbie! You are quite the little dancer!!