This Winter

It's hard to believe our "little Lil" is growing up! Lily turned 12 this February.

She loves to cook and bake, take care of baby Levi, spend time with Charity and stay up late with her big sister.

Sophia was given this pretty dress from Grandma Elaine - sewn especially for her.

It is March, and this was our only sledding day this winter! We had a mild winter.

Valentines was fun and messy as we made cards for each other.

There is no end to brett's lego creations - and mom's frustration at stepping on lego pieces!

These two are always having fun!

Sophia loves to draw and write notes to the family. She is also learning to read.

Lily spends lots of time on the computer writing stories and other learning. Looks some multi-tasking going on.

Gabriella spends lots of time playing music and singing along with her studies.

15th anniversary trip to kauai, hawaii

Our first trip to Hawaii! We had a wonderful time. It was so lush and humid. The temperature was perfect day and night ranging from 22 -24 degrees. Every day  brought a little liquid sunshine, but never enough to thwart any of our plans. We loved the beaches and warm tropical winds (that blow nonstop). Check out this island beauty!

Isn't he pretty!

Christmas party in Hawaii.

At the Fern Grotto

 End of the road - kelee lookout

Shaved ice with macadamia nut ice cream and topped with sweetened condensed milk! SWEET!

The Luau we didn't go to.

BIG CAVE!

This was so beautiful - a tunnel of trees. When we drove through the sun was shining through the trees after a light rain - it was incredible!

Were we REALLY here?? picture perfect!

hang loose bro.

Tunnels Beach on the north shore.

Chickens and roosters roam the island. This one tried to snatch my lunch as I took a bite.

Waimea Canyon

It is Sunday afternoon and the feeling of "home" is all around. Gabriella is playing the piano and singing, Lily is reading"the friend," Mike is napping after prepping a delicious beef stew, Brett and Sophia have walked to grandma's for a little visit, and I am writing to you.
We have skyped our great uncle Tony in England and have plans to talk to grandma and grandpa Parker in Vancouver. We will have a guest or two for dinner and afterwards enjoy fresh baked scones that Gabriella has prepared. It is one of those ideal days where hearts of full of love and peace. We rest from our regular routine of busyness and fast, disjointed meals. Everything slows down on Sundays - meals are special, people are special and we thank God for the Sabbath. Not every Sunday is like this, or even every hour of this Sunday but right now, at this moment, I am able to reflect on the quiet peace that permeates the home and remember that this is what I am most grateful for today!

October General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Conference weekend is a happily anticipated event in our home. We make a picnic feast, get out our conference bingo cards and take lots of notes on the wonderful talks!

Our newest tradition is to do the girls hair in rags!

The result is lots of bouncy curls for Sunday Church.

Saturday night is "curry night" with the adults. We get together after priesthood session to eat, laugh and discuss conference.This picture doesn't the "dish" justice. Mike makes a mean curry!

Fall hike at mini glacier

Just right!

Too tight!

At the falls

Library

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