Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Christmas 2010

Last Saturday we made our annual trek down to Salt Lake to see the lights at Temple Square. The boys look forward to riding the FrontRunner down, eating dinner at the Gateway and of course seeing the lights. We left early to try to avoid the crowds. However, we quickly found out that there would be no avoiding the crowds. Between the Mormon Tabernacle/David Archuleta Concert at the Conference Center and the Curt Bestor Concert at Abravanel Hall, the city Trax worker estimated that there were over 350,000 people located in or around Temple Square.

The boys riding Trax.

Cael kicking back on the train.

If you haven't been to Temple Square recently, I suggest that you make time and go. They have some new and amazing displays. My favorite is in the south visitors center. They have a scale replica of the Salt Lake Temple. It is wonderful to look at the detail of the temple up close. You can also see inside and look at each level and many of the rooms. There are also touch screen computers that you can look at each room, zoom in on details and it gives you a brief overview of the purpose for each room in the Temple. Our boys loved learning more about the Temple. Their favorite part was seeing how the Angel Moroni is secured to the top of the Temple. I tried to get a picture of it, but there were so many people there that it was impossible to get a good photo. We are already planning a family night trip soon so that we can take more time to look at this display without all the crowds.

I love this time of year, not only because we celebrate the birth of the Savior, but this is also the time of year that Greg asked me to marry him. 18 years ago, Greg proposed to me a snowy night. It was very romantic, and it was the best and most important decision that I have ever made. I couldn't imagine my life without him.

Our handsome crazy boys all bundled up. They are all so much fun. They have the cutest personalities and continually keep Greg and I on the edge of our seats. Just the other night we were driving home from Grandma and Grandpa's house and Cord started singing from the back seat. He wasn't singing your traditional holiday song, he created his own version of "All I Want For Christmas". Cord's version went like this... All I want for Christmas is an Ipod Touch, an IPod Touch, and Ipod Touch.

I am so thankful for this time of year. I love the Spirit of Christmas. I am grateful for wonderful friends and an amazing and supportive family. I am especially grateful for the Savior and his example, and the opportunity to celebrate his birth by serving others.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Happy Birthday Cooper

I cannot believe that it has been another year and Cooper is 12 years old today. Cooper has had a great year. He is doing so well in school and he seems to really be enjoying it. He has played football, wrestled, participated in the school play, earned a number of merit badges and rode a calf at Hooper Tomato Days. Cooper is so much fun to have around. He has a great sense of humor and he is very thoughtful. He has a quick whit and loves to crack jokes.

Cooper is great with little kids. This picture was taken at our family reunion this year. He is a great babysitter.

The boys all love Halloween... This year they all dressed up like the band KISS. Cooper played the role of Spaceman. They all looked amazing.

Cooper and Colton had the opportunity to earn their Aviation Merit Badge. They had two days of class and then they got to go up for a flight in a small plane. This photo is of Cooper getting off of the plane, notice his great smile. He had a blast!!! Also notice the bag that he is carrying off of the plane. No, he didn't get sick, but he was prepared if he needed it.
What a GREAT Boy Scout... Always prepared!!!

I love you Cooper and I couldn't be more proud to be your Mom.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!