A Busy Week

This has been a busy week for us. First we started off by celebrating Dutch Christmas - our only guest was Paul Yssel - but we celebrated in traditional style with the opening of gifts - SURPRISE! It was a pair of socks. But Paul "whooop, whopped" it up in great style.
Tuesday we were honored by a visit from the Simmons fam. I had a fun time cuddling with Miss Sarah and chasing Sam and filling Zach with candy.
Next was the boys big trip to the NFR rodeo finals - you might not recognize the young man on the right - but believe it or not that is our Travis sans BYU bonnet.
He's sporting his new look. Doesn't he look handsome. So does Max and Jon.

While the boys were at the rodeo we girls (plus Dallin) had a party of our own.
Jolynn got in some shopping time and the girls and I went swimming at the Washington City Pool. We spent time dressing up in the nativity clothes and Miss Becca makes an especially beautiful angel.

To round off our busy week we made a quick dash to California and back. The highlight of our weekend was the visit to the new Yssel Estate. Wow! Beautiful and peaceful! I think the Yssels have found just the right spot.
Although we were a little late and the chocolate letters were limited to N's and P's and G's, - we had to make a stop at the Holland America store in Artesia. We did find some of our traditional favorites and loaded up on Speculaas cookies and mousies.
We made it home Saturday night in time to party with the Hafens and watch the final round of the NFR. Yeah Cody!

Turkey Eats Crow

"Al" makes his final appearance in our blog sporting the wrong colors.
As a promise to our new friend George - we pose in the colors of the winning team.

Turkey Day continued

To reach our destination we had to travel through Zion National Park which was glorious in the snow.

We arrived at the Clear Creek Ranch and we welcomed by the Jon Lee fam and the party began. The next morning we found these cool icicles out our window.


The most popular activity of the week was enjoyed by the kids. They loved being pulled around in the snow on their sleds.

While waiting for dinner time - Jim and Dad went to winterize the cabin only to find that it was already winterized.


We had a moment of panic went the electricity went off for awhile but never fear for Jon had propane ovens and he and Jolynn had dinner under control.

"Al" poses proudly here with 12 of our cute grandkids - just before our Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkey Day

To continue our turkey story we show you "Al" amidst the snow as we traveled to our meeting place.

Sleep when the wind blows

With "fowl" weather being forecast for the next few days, we decided to enlist the aid of our friend "Alamo" as we finished up a few chores that we thought might be better accomplished while the sun was still shining.



Aunt Trish kindly shared some iris bulbs with us - so we got those planted and Dad is always glad for a helper when its time to hang the Christmas lights.

Now we are ready! Bring on the "fowl" weather!

Alamo the Great Gobbler

Perhaps some of you will remember "Alamo". He is our prize turkey from a previous trip to Houston.
Well here he is celebrating with us this holiday season.
Alamo, Dad and I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

trick or treat

Found this picture while working on our family scrapbook. Thought it was a good time to share it. Aren't you all so cute? I love the shoes.

being a grandma

After spending a few weeks here in Houston I am re-working my definition of being a grandma. But rocking this little one to sleep has been part of my ideal of the
grandma job description even if I have to stand up sometimes to finish her off and my arms get tired cuz some babies aren't lightweights. (I think boppy's were made for Grandmas)
Maybe the best view of a grandchild is when they are sound asleep. No, I think the best view is when they look at you and smile.

Trip to Brighton

A few days in a big log home at beautiful Brighton, with lots of time for scrapbooking and reading while Roland taught his workshop.

Making the rounds

You can squeeze a lot of fun into a weekend if you are willing to drive a little.

Here is Grandpa Lee meeting little Sarah Joy Simmons for the first time.


Isn't she precious!


We watched Sam eat a "lallow pop" and then borrowed Kade and took him with us on our adventure.


Our first activity included Cody Lee as he cheered on his brother Kayson.


Kayson was competing in a Karate tournament and came away with victory ribbons.


We relaxed in Jim's backyard and enjoyed loving this beauty - Miss Becca Lee


We watched these three clowns - Dallin, Josh and Cody try to fit in the same wagon and convince someone to pull them around the yard.


We had all the kids ready for bed and family prayers - but we were waiting for Grandpa to put his camera away.


The next morning we found ourselves helping Grandpa with a chore for Barbie.


Kade, Keanon, Kelsey, Alyssa and Hannah played games in one of the newly finished rooms in Jim's basement.


Sunday we stopped for a fun and fanciful visit with the Maestri family - note they are still decked out in their Sunday best.


We returned Kade to his home where he was sorely missed and royally welcomed.


And we needed one more love and look at little Miss Sarah in yet another lovely outfit- then we headed back home.
A long drive, a busy weekend, tired bodies, but smiling faces. We love our family!