December 2011-April 2012

Jim's Fun Trip

When BYU's football team traveled to Hawaii in early December 2011, Jim was more than happy to join them - - and no, I didn't get to go. Here he is with Bronco's secretary Carey Hoki before attempting to paddle board for the first time. Below is a retired world renowned long boarder & instructor China Uemura who helped them figure things out. Fun times! .... And the Cougars won making the trip even better.

Emma and Her Goofy Ways
This became a common sight during the Christmas season. Emma would go to the bottom drawer of my dresser, find my swim suits, and put them on. She also loved putting necklaces on, so here's a combo of the two.

Christmas 2011!

The girls in their new pj's giving Emma a "sandwich". 

Emma Christmas morning in her new tent and holding her "computer".

Christmas dinner with the family. A bit smaller group than we're used to since it was just us and not extended family. But it was still an enjoyable holiday.

During the holidays, the weather was pretty warm considering it was the dead of winter. So, the girls did a photo shoot in the yard and this was among the favorites.

And these were just too cute to pass up.

   

Paige's Preference

In January, Paige asked James Itri to preference. She went in a group with her basketball friends and they had a great time.

Welcome Home Elder!!!
January 27 was a day to remember.  Josh came home from his mission. We were all very excited and were joined by other anxious family members. The following is a great series of pictures that shows the anticipation of his arrival - even after the plane had an hour delay.

He's home!!!

The long awaited, happy reunion!

The first meeting of Josh and Emma. She didn't cry, but was pretty curious about him even after all the prior showing of pictures and attempts to get her to say his name.  I'm sure she recognized him, but couldn't put it together how.

Together again!

Here are some gifts Josh brought home from Chile. 

A hand crafted fillet knife.

Another knife for Josh to be used as a  . . . who knows, but it sure looks cool. "This is a knife."

Josh's leather bound, engraved scripture cover.

Cool hats for each of the girls. These are popular in Chile.

And . . . the position Josh used to take all the time before leaving for his mission. He's standing on the stairs looking into the room. We're happy he's back.

In Memory Of . . .

In February, we went to Lyman High School in Wyoming to witness Shannon Hamblin being inducted into the Hall of Fame for her high school. She was an excellent athlete and respected by many. She still holds a record for the most point scored in a basketball game. Here are the presenters reading some of Shannon's accomplishments and the kids are out there to receive the award for her.

The acceptance of the award.

And the kids still standing there not sure what to do as the standing ovation continued on and on in honor of their mother. I think it was a very proud moment for the three of them.

 

Paige and Sweethearts

David Johnson asked Paige to go to the Sweetheart dance. The day date was breakfast and a clubhouse and the evening date was dinner and the dance. Had a great time with this group.

Easter 2012

What would Easter be if there wasn't a Primary Easter Egg Hunt? And this toddler had never attended one. So, with basket in hand she quickly learned what to do . . . pick up any egg you see. What fun! In the end, all kids got the same amount of candy in a bag (which the family was happy to help her eat). All in all, successful hunt. :)