This Christmas will be a quiet one. We have trimmed down on the presents and we have no company coming. It has been hard not to go overboard on the shopping and the gift giving but it has really put my mind on the wonderful gifts I already have in my life and the one who is responsible for it all. I am so grateful for the gifts my Father in Heaven has sent to me. I hope all our family and friends know that you are loved and missed. Here are a few photos of the gifts in our life. 
Dave is an Amazing Dad! To celebrate Father's Day the girls and I woke up at 5:30 in the morning to make him breakfast in bed. We have 8:00 church so it had to be early. The boys joined us in taking Dad his blueberry pancakes cut out to say We ♥ Dad. We then gave him his presents which consisted of new workout clothes (we're training for a triathalon) and the new Star Trek movie. I tell you all this because the primary kids filled out a little survey about dad and their answers totally trumped any present I could have given him. He was so touched by their feelings put into words. They say better than I could what a good dad he is.
What is your dad's name?
All 3 said David
How old is your dad?
Jackson - 28
Jordan - 39
Emma - 39
What is your dad's job?
Jackson - bein a FBI
Jordan - He is a FBI
Emma - FBI
What would your dad do with a million dollars?
Jackson - go on a vacation
Jordan - Buy a new grill
Emma - No idea
What is your dad's favorite movie?
Jackson - Star trek
Jordan - Young Indiana Jones
Emma - Young Indiana Jones/Star trek
What is your dad really good at?
Jackson - fishinn
Jordan - tikling
Emma - Being a dad
What do you love about your dad?
Jackson - he is cool
Jordan - How he snouggles with me
Emma - Everything
To Celebrate Jordan's birthday this year we invited some families over for games, cake and ice cream. It was a fun get together with the Woods, Carters, Andersons, and Neilsons. 
Jordan is such a cute kid. He is always the first to volunteer for anything and of course the first in line for everything.
This year the Youth went on a mini trek. They dressed in pioneer clothing and walked with handcarts. Ren always loves to get into character but he wasn't so sure about walking for miles over tough terrain with a handcart. Of course he was happy at the end of the trek when the leaders provided a feast for them. He decided that he was glad he wasn't a pioneer.For those of you that don't know the story. . . back in 2000, Dave was deployed. I was alone with 3 kids and expecting my 4th. My sister-in-law, Camille, came to visit me and I decided to take her and the kids to Cracker Barrel. My kids LOVE Cracker Barrel. Anyway, they were HORRIBLE!!! There was screaming, crying, running around and under tables. I told them that they were BANNED! I refused to take them back there. Over the years they have begged to go back. I wouldn't hear of it. 
9 years later and I have finally given in. We took a trip up to Phoenix and on the way home Dave and I decided to let them have another chance. It was a test to see if they had learned any manners over the last 9 years. They passed! We enjoyed looking through the store, playing checkers, eating homestyle cooking, and of course rocking on the porch. Well done kids!
I know that school is almost over but here are pictures from their first day of school. Emma is just starting middle school and Savannah is ending middle school this year. The big 8th grader showing her little 6th grade sister the ropes.
Rennes left for school at 6:30 and I wasn't awake enough to think about taking pictures of him. He is a Sophmore this year. He is doing great in school and loves his hour of seminary everyday. He has made some really good friends this year and is the toughest kid I know. 
