Couples trip to Snowbowl March 5th

 We went to Flagstaff to go skiing with our Adventure buddies Sherry and Clint Whetten. These two are always up for fun and this trip did not disappoint. First they love classy hotels, so that's always exciting because we love to save a buck but are easily influenced. We had a day of skiing, a night of hot tubbing and we ate at our favorite Thai food place. Sherry and I have eaten there a couple times for girls trips with Sherry but this was Benjamin's first and he loved it. It truly is the yummest Thai food. A skii trip without injuries is always a win too!

Benjamin turned 44!!

Benjamin woke up to a beautiful sign made by the kids and balloons by his bed. It was so sweet. Bella made mexican pizza and Olivia made a carrot cake. We had both sets of parents come to celebrate. It was a blessed night honoring my one and only. Benjamin and I don't believe in soul mates but he says,"if there was soul mates you'd be mine." 💕 Another year into "forever and a day."

Snow in Tucson!!

 It snowed in Tucson!! I was at school when it happened the kiddos were thrilled!! We played in it and they froze 😁 Our desert is just so thirsty. We needed the rain and any moisture we can get! I love the snow capped mountains. We keep hoping for water to run down the was, fingers crossed the washes will flow soon. Two years ago they were flowing good. Covid has brought many droughts.

Dad turns 72! And a surprise visitor!

 Dad turned 72 on January 24th! Mom planned an epic party for Dad. Hillary, Julia, John Collin Bridgett, Collin and Desmond came into town. Bella and Madison came in from campus to party,  but the biggest surprise was Lindsey flying in for a couple days!!  It was great, we had an Italian dinner, played Italian trivia, and hot tubbed!!

Love you pops, thanks for being born. We all love our fearless leader 💕

Olivia becomes an adult!

 Liv was born a mom. She would carry Parkin on her hip at 5 and I would have complete confidence as she multitasked with a kid on her hip. I feel like she is finally the age she was born to be! The day started with our first "party" the family watched a movie and then we were interrupted by her friends dropping by balloons, donuts and flowers. It truly was so sweet and everything you would want for your daughter. The love continued as church friends dropped presents off and well wishes came in from aunts, uncles and grandparents. We went to Jasons' Deli for dinner. We have been eating non-stop during the holiday so a soup, salad and sandwich joint was perfect.  We came home for the second "party" We watched WonderWoman 84. Then we ate the most delicious chocolate and peanut butter bunt cake made by me...no pressure since Olivia is our resident baker, but I came through! 

Olivia's future is bright. She has gotten accepted into several Universities all offering scholarship money. Ultimately she will attend the university that offers the most money. I can't think of a time in life that has been harder on seniors than this year has been. No first day being the oldest on campus, no winter formal, no prom, no senior culture dance...its been incredibly disappointing. Oliva has born it well. She has written some insightful essays based on this difficult season. I know a greet season is yet to come for her and it will be glorious.

Holman.... one giant step toward adulthood!

 Holman turned 16th on the the 1st. If you ask Holman what he would like for his birthday or Christmas you will get the same response, "I want for nothing"....Isn't that the most content answer!!  Hard to buy for but he genuinely has a hard time thinking of things that he wants. To add to this selfless attitude Homan attended youth council the night of his birthday, because `who doesn't want to attend meetings?! We had subs that night, one of his favorite meals and then Benjamin and I took him shopping and we were able to eek out a couple of items that he would like. On Sunday we had both sets of Grandparents over to have cheesy barley soup Holman's other favorite meal. 

The best gift Holman got for his birthday was independence, Holman got his license! The whole family was praying for this because parking a van doing the whole 3 point turn can be difficult! I asked how he would like to celebrate, thinking he would want to grab a breakfast meal or ice cream but Holman said lets get ice cream tonight with the family...We just love this kid. He is hardworking, funny and has a big brother heart. 

Baby girl gets her ears pierced!!

 Not sure why 11 is the magical number for ear piercing. That's when I got mine done. My mom didn't get hers till she was in her 20's. My mother-in-law was also an adult when she got hers. For whatever reason I've chosen to keep that age, my daughters may not continue that age and that's ok!! 

Anna turned 11 on November 27th! We went to the mall with her sisters and both Grandmas to get her ears pierced, to have lunch, and to do a little shopping. It was a total girls trip! Anna did great, no tears but she said it did hurt, despite what everyone told her.

She also had two friends bring gifts over. It was really sweet. I think it felt like a celebration despite it being during Covid.  

We had grandparents over for dinner and an ice cream cake decorated by Bella. It was a great day that honored our favorite blonde 💕