First Pinewood Derby

Connor, dad, and grandpa were all very excited about the Pinewood Derby. All three were instrumental in the design and construction of the car (Papa especially). It was a fun night and Connor came in 4th. Pretty good for his first time. He really liked winning a few races.

The Nativity Story

The kids dressed up in nativity costumes and they acted out the story as we read Luke 2.

Jesus Dinner

On the eve of Christmas eve we planned a Jesus dinner with our family. We had lamb, salmon, unleavened bread, dried fruit, nuts, cheeses and lots of yummy goodies we thought they might have eaten during Christ's time. We ate by candlelight and the kids had a great time. I think the adults did too.

Aaron, with his sophisticated pallete, and wanting to be authentic bought us some Gefilte fish. It came in a jar packed in some kind of clear jelly. Yum!! I had one bite just to say that I tasted it.


Daniel and me, Mimi, Aaron, Sarah, and Courtney


Ethan and Megan


Aaron trying to make the Gefilte fish not look so scary, and Daniel


Our table


the spread

Chuck E Cheese with Cousins

We went to Cali for Christmas break and it rained and rained and rained. We tried to find fun indoor activities to keep the kids occupied because cabin fever is not pretty.

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Mallory's Preschool Christmas Performance

The Nutcracker

I went to see The Nutcracker with my preschool kids and some of their parents. It was so much fun! We got to see one act (the second one) which I think is the perfect amount of time. We had primo seats and our tickets were only $4. It was fabulous. My favorite part was watching Mallory's awe-stricken face. She was riveted the entire time. Guess I need to sign someone up for ballet lessons...


The dancers warming up


Amelia and her mom Tina, Olivia and Sasha


Danielle, Sasha, Gabi, and Megan

Christmas fun

My new gingerbread residential community


The homeless public waiting for their houses to be finished.


The Construction team


All she asked for was a candy cane

Connor's Baptism

My crazy, wild, loud boy sat like an angel- AN ANGEL! - the entire time. I was so proud of him. It was a sweet, uplifting day. There were 3 children being baptized that day and he was the last one. The bishop asked if Connor would unplug the font and you've never seen someone excited to do a task. It was a very special day for all of us but especially for Daniel and Connor I think. Daniel was very touched by the thought that he was baptizing his only boy that day.

Lucas Oil Off-Road Races

The day after Connor's birthday party the men plus Megan went to see off-road races while the women got some Christmas shopping done. I heard it was loud, dusty, and exciting. Connor came home with lots of posters that he was very excited to put on his wall.


Connor and Isaac

Connor's 8th Birthday

Connor really wanted to go to Pump It Up for his birthday. We told him that was expensive and he could have a nice gift or the party. He opted for the party. He didn't end up lacking in presents though and we had a lot of fun. The next day I had the sore body and rug burns on my elbows to prove it.





New scooter from grandparents


Cousin Isaac


Victorious


Megan and Ben beating each other up

Jenny's Sprint Triathlon

I've wanted to do a sprint triathlon for quite a few years but I was intimidated. My friend Amber had done a few and she talked me into doing one. I gave myself 6 months to get into some sort of shape and (more importantly) to get up the nerve to do it. I thought it would be fun for us to do it together...and then she moved away. But that's okay. I made up my mind to do it and sent in my money. There was no turning back after that.

It turned out to be a lot of fun. I loved the swim, the bike was great, and the run was hard but I was expecting that. The race consisted of a 400m swim which is really short, a 10.3 mile bike ride and a 5k. My time was 1:22. My goal was 1:30 so I was happy.

Daniel and the kids cheered for me at every transition which was so motivating. He seemed very proud of me which made me feel so good. It doesn't hurt to have a biker as a husband either. At the very mention of me doing a tri he said, "We need to get you a road bike." And he did!


9:14
My swim- I'm in the nearest lane with the silver cap


43:17
Coming back from my ride


30:08
Starting my run


Sweet victory!

Next stop...Ironman? Hahahahahaha.....um....no.

Happy Birthday Connor!!

I can't believe this guy is 8 now!!!