Thanksgiving Activities

We had a good Thanksgiving full of happy times with each other and being with extended family. The night before, we went to an open street mall called the Gateway, and just walked around to see what it was like since we had never been there before. We bought some yummy chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and then decided to go into Clark Planetarium to see what was there. It was fun to see that there were a lot of hands on things that we could do for free.

Edie on Mars

The boys relaxing on the red planet

Dean and Connor watching the cool contraption where balls go up and down on tracks

Connor's moon walk

Dean giving the weather for Northwest Arkansas


We all had fun being with family and just hanging out during this special day.

Cousin bonding time

Swinging with Aunt Julie


You can just see the the mind working as Bryce wonders how this thing works


"I figured it out!"

Future Looks Bright

Our family has come along way these 9 in a half years. We have moved from Utah to Arizona and back to Utah again trying to wind our way through the maze of life. We feel that every point in our lives has strengthened us and put us where we are today. We know that our Father in Heaven has guided us and pointed us in the right direction. Once again, we have been directed to our next stage in life. On May 25th, 2009, Dean will start his career "dream job". Last week he accepted Wal-Mart's offer to work in their ISD (Information Systems Division) as a programmer/systems analyst in Northwest Arkansas. We are very excited to have this offer from a very stable company right now, and look forward to beginning this new chapter in our lives. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we are truly greatful for all of our blessings that the Lord has given us. We are greatful to all of our family and friends who have supported and loved us through all of these years!

Yes I Can

Connor is surprising us every day by what he has learned while going to kindergarten. There was one day he had a pencil and a paper and wrote the word, we, on it, and proceeded to tell us what it was. I think that might have been one of the first few times we have witnessed him writing and saying a word. Just this past Sunday, we were visiting Julie. On one of the walls there was a paper that had a saying on it. Without hesitation and without any guidance from us, he quickly said "That says, 'yes I can'". Needless to say we were all amazed at how smoothly he read that sentence. I know that he is learning a lot of things, both at home and at school, but when we actually hear from him what is going on and what he has been taught it brings a smile to our faces. Connor, YES YOU CAN!

He's Got the "Blues"

On Saturday November 8th, was a bitter sweet day. This marked the last home game of BYU' s football season, and marked the end of Dean's time working with the audio and visual side of things during the games. Dean was able to witness this record breaking season for the team, as they won all of their home games. He was even told by a fellow employee, that he was seen on TV for a quick moment in one of them He had a lot of fun interacting with and being apart of the game day excitement. For the rest of the games in the coming weeks, Dean lifts his hat and shouts, "Go Mighty Cougars!"

Halloween Festivities

We had a lot of fun this year for Halloween. Bryce (even though was not feeling good) loved all the commotion of the ward party, looked too darn cute in his costume, and never once tried to take it off during the fun evening. Connor took part in his Kindergarten parade, counted pumpkin seeds for a school assignment, had fun being Bob the Builder, and enjoyed the ward's trunk or treat. Edie had fun putting together costumes for herself and for Bryce, enjoyed carving the family pumpkin, loved the fact that she could eat any candy and not get sick (unlike last year when dealing with gallbladder issues), and loved sharing every bit of it with her three boys. Last, but not least, Dean enjoyed being with the family, putting together his costume, and had a laugh when he and Edie were picked for the doughnut eating contest at the ward party.

Connor (Bob the Builder) and a girl from his class (Ragady Anne) pose for a picture at school.

Picking pumpkin seeds to count. Connor did not really like how messy it became.

The carving process begins

The family Halloween pose. Bob the Builder, a cuddly bear, Sleeping Beauty, and a "priceless" costume.

Smile you two!

Dean's face says it all, "I can't believe I am doing this"

The finished product. A powdered doughnut face, "Priceless"

Edie is ready to go, but wondering how she got herself into this

The battle is over and Edie came away with the loss of her wig, but won the right to finish her doughnut in peace.

Let the trick or treating begin!

Give a toddler a balloon and he will be set for hours.

The happy Halloween couple

Mr. Jack-o-lantern seems to say "See you next year!"