well...
WELCOME 2012!
Here's to hoping for a great year!
ALREADY THIS YEAR...
THE VALENZUELA FAMILY COMES TO VISIT
Our dear friends, the Valenzuela Family, called about a week after we got home from Mexico to let us know that they were on their way Utah! Their oldest daughter Michelle is wanting to go to BYU in the fall or winter and they wanted to come and check things out (and get a little skiing in if they could!). We visited BYU, (which only deepened our dislike for that institution), ate together, the boys skied while the women went shopping, ate together some more, went back to BYU, ate together some more, and enjoyed each other's company. One of the highlights of the week was teaching the Valenzuela family how to play spoons! It was so fun to see their whole family get so into the game! It's always hard for our family when it is time for them to go home because we enjoy spending time with their family so much - it's especially hard for Connor who cries on and off for a couple of days after they leave. They are an amazing family and we are so lucky to have them as friends.
NATHAN TURNS 15!
Nathan is an amazing person and every day I thank my Heavenly Father for letting me be his mom. It is so fun to watch him grow and become more of a man every day. He is now 6'4", has a size 13 shoe and armpit hair! He has a quiet, kick back personality, and he never, ever says anything bad about anyone. I am so thankful for Nathan's example to me, and I'm so proud of the person he is. I love you Nathan!
THE VALENZUELA FAMILY COMES TO VISIT
Our dear friends, the Valenzuela Family, called about a week after we got home from Mexico to let us know that they were on their way Utah! Their oldest daughter Michelle is wanting to go to BYU in the fall or winter and they wanted to come and check things out (and get a little skiing in if they could!). We visited BYU, (which only deepened our dislike for that institution), ate together, the boys skied while the women went shopping, ate together some more, went back to BYU, ate together some more, and enjoyed each other's company. One of the highlights of the week was teaching the Valenzuela family how to play spoons! It was so fun to see their whole family get so into the game! It's always hard for our family when it is time for them to go home because we enjoy spending time with their family so much - it's especially hard for Connor who cries on and off for a couple of days after they leave. They are an amazing family and we are so lucky to have them as friends.
NATHAN TURNS 15!
Nathan is an amazing person and every day I thank my Heavenly Father for letting me be his mom. It is so fun to watch him grow and become more of a man every day. He is now 6'4", has a size 13 shoe and armpit hair! He has a quiet, kick back personality, and he never, ever says anything bad about anyone. I am so thankful for Nathan's example to me, and I'm so proud of the person he is. I love you Nathan!
We usually have a dinner for Nathan and Ryan to celebrate both of their birthdays, and we were planning on doing it on Nathan's birthday this year but Brylee got sick so we had to cancel the party. I asked Nathan what he wanted to do and he wanted waffles for dinner (I have the BEST waffle recipe ever!) and cake, and then watch the Bachelor! He will make the best husband!
Brittani's high school swimming comes to an end!
The month of February was filled with important swim meets and Brittani did awesome! At her region meet she took 1st place in both her 200 IM and 100 Breast and broke the region record that she set last year. She dropped a lot of time and did an amazing job. At High School State, she placed 2nd in 100 breast and 3rd in 200 IM. She was extremely dissapointed in her 100 breast even though she got her best time EVER.. I was so proud of Brittani as I watched her hug the girl who took first and watched her be an example of good sportsmenship to everyone around. Brittani and I have talked a lot lately about what makes her Brittani, and swimming is such a small portion of why she is so great. She showed at state that Brittani is an amazing person first, and an amazing swimmer second. I'm so proud of my Britt.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA GARY!
Over the weekend of February 18th, our family was able to go to St. George for yet another swim meet. A few moths ago I ordered some lanterns for everyone in my family to let go on my dad's birthday, just like some of the Young Single Adults did at my dad's birthday a year ago. My mom, Grandma Rene, Teague's and his family, Kirk and his family, and Cory and his family all met at Kirk's house and let their lanterns go. They sent pictures and it looked awesome! We went over to Chris' house and let them go with his cute little family. It was amazing! My kids commented over and over again how perfect it was. Brittani is going to get all of the footage and put together a video and I will post it when she is done, but for now I'll share some of the pictures I have. Happy Birthday Dad! I love you.
JANUARY 20, 2012 - ONE YEAR
And that my friend, brings us to March 1, 2012. Mixed in with all of these bigger events of January and February was the fun and joy that comes with the everyday life of being a "Party Of Five"! Finlayson Family... you rock!
oh...did I mention that for a YM/YW activity in January our ward did a Pinewood Derby and the Finlayson family took home the most awards - Rick even made his own car and I think it was the fastest car there!
