Trip to Zions with Judkins 2008

Glo and Chanel were so cute and so sweet as usual! They explored, giggled and were game for anything anybody wanted to do.

Melissa (Mom) wanted a photo with Rhett, but he was being an ornery teenager -- was that due to the lack of cell phone service in the mountains? (I think so). Look at that obnoxious face and what we have to live with! Now I have to admit that Rhett isn't the worst I've seen, but what happen to our easygoing, engaging, delightful little boy?

Okay, I (Melissa) don't look too great, but, remember, this is after days of full-fledged camping (tent and all)...I'm sure Russ included the photo because of the scenic backdrop. 

We went on some great hikes. We love going with the Judkins not just because they're our close friends, but because they enjoy "active" vacations like we do. Here are Chanel, Gloria, Rhett, Arianne, Gabe and Randy taking a breather...

The great outdoors brought on some great appetites -- 

Russ, Gabe, Chanel and Gloria are fixing their sandwiches 

with Marsha and Randy in the background.

Gloria Receives "Great Kid" Award

Each year one girl and one boy are chosen from the grade schools in the Provo School District to be "The Great Kid" representatives for their schools. We weren't surprised to learn that Gloria was chosen for her school Westridge Elementary. Gloria has many hurdles she must face in her life, but she works hard, is a light and friend to all, and always has such a great attitude. No doubt, her positive energy will help her not only get through the day-to-day challenges she must face but will also bless the lives of those around her.

Gloria amidst the dignitaries for the evening (the Mayor, the Chamber of Commerce President, Ryan Denny from the Buffalo Bills, and other local representatives) -- Gloria got a "Great Kid" shirt, an autographed football and a backpack full of other goodies.

Glory Girl with her Grandmas (both of whom are always so sweet and supportive)

Gloria loves her fun (or should I say, "funny") Grandpa!

How lucky I am to have such wonderful kids!

(Gloria and Mom)

Thanksgiving Gingerbread Party with Melissa's Family

Amber and Kylee kicking back before the big feast...

Our neighborhood Turkey Bowl that Russ put together last minute:

Can Rhett keep Russ from getting the pass?

Go, Drew, go!

Great smiles from my baby bro and baby sis:

Travis and Melanie

Oh, I am so glad Mom is making the gravy...I don't think mine from a package would have been quite the same as this made from the flavorful turkey drippings!

Great-grandpa overseeing Russ' turkey carving job...

Amber and Melanie striking a pose...Is this the "Blue Steel"?!

Crystal, Melissa and Travis

Melissa working on her gingerbread house --

This is a fun tradition Mom/Grandma started with us several years ago. She even painstakingly bakes all of the gingerbread house pieces and whips up the frosting which hardens into a cement-like substance to keep the houses solid through the Christmas Season (well, at least until we start picking at and eating them!). Everyone brings a treat-decoration to share, and then we go to work...

Now how fair is it that Crystal is a professional cake decorator?! 

Her and Travis' house was incredible.

The crew with their completed gingerbread houses (this doesn't show the floor-to-ceiling mess we left in the process of creating such magnificent artwork!).

Sledding at Jodi's house in Manti

Melissa and Glory Girl sharing a tube

James getting some air...

Melissa

Drew

Rhett

Gloria

Halloween 2007

Is it one of our favorite singers, Michael Jackson (pre-1990's), 

or is it Gloria?

Drewcilla

Batman Zach

Gloria and Zach off to trick-or-treat in the neighborhood...

Capital Reef October 07

This was our first time to Capital Reef. We had wanted to go there for quite some time, so we made last minute plans and got a hotel from Russ' GoUtah Card (buy one night, get one night free -- it worked well). Here we have Rhett without a shirt and dad with a shirt -- come on, Russ, take it off!

"Contemplation" -- Rhett and Drew

Where is Waldo? Oops! I mean where is Gloria?

The kids and mom made it to the top to see this spectacular bridge (Russ made it too -- he's, of course, the behind-the-scenes cameraman)

Drew and Gloria find a little cave to hide from us in. 

Gotcha with a snapshot!

I can't remember what Russ and Gloria were pointing out for Drew (a lizard, his garbage to pick up, ???)

Trip to Las Vegas

2nd cousins: Blake, Rhett, Kyle and Amber

Who's the craziest -- Kyle or Amber?

It was so fun seeing my (Melissa's) cousin (Stephen) and his sweet little family --

Russ, Melissa, Darlene and Stephen