Jazz Game

* 4 tickets to the Jazz game - Free
* Parking - $4.00
* Nachos - $4.75
* Watching your kids get their faces on the jumbotron - Priceless

Allen hooked up with some Jazz tickets from work the other night, so we took the two older kids to their first game. I don't know why we haven't gone before, because that was one of the funnest nights we've had in a long time. They were decked out in their jerseys and way excited to see the players. We picked an awesome night to go because they were playing the San Antonio Spurs, which have a lot of great players to see. It was also the Jazz Bear's birthday. To celebrate his birthday, mascots from around the league were at the game. They entertained us the entire time. They were so fun to watch! During the game, Porter began to get a little bored, so he began to watch the jumbotron. During time-outs, the camera would scan the audience and then show a close-up of people that were dancing and acting crazy. He really wanted to get his face on the jumbotron, but the odds of that happening were about 1 in 20,000 or so. I told him he needed to start dancing and then maybe the camera would show him, and man did he ever dance. He danced the robot, the stayin'alive, the wave and many other dances that I'm not quite sure what they were. He got the crowd going around him, and sure enough, there he was on the jumbotron. Once he saw his face on the screen, he went nuts! He was dancing and screaming and waving his arms. Thanks to his dancing, Hannah and I also got an appearance on the jumbotron. I would give anything to capture that moment on camera, but Allen wasn't quite quick enough with the camera, so I'll have to rely on my memory for this one. Even though the Jazz couldn't quite pull out the victory in the end, it didn't really matter. Nothing could damper our spirits after that fun night!

How Can My Little Girl be Nine Already?

Hannah celebrated her 9th birthday yesterday and I can hardly believe it. My little girl is growing up so fast! Hannah was born beautiful and still is! I think Hannah is an amazing girl. She is smart, talented, sweet, and a pure delight to be around. She never complains, is always nice to others and I am so proud of the way she is growing up. Her birthday was kind of different this year because the poor girl had strep throat. She came down with it Thursday and we finally got some medicine by Friday. We had to postpone her "friend" party Friday night and tell all her friends to come next Friday instead. We tried to make Saturday extra special for her because he felt so bad about her being so sick. She started to finally perk up Saturday, so we took her to see High School Musical 3, dinner at Sizzler (her favorite) and Teddy Bear Builders. It turned out to be a really great day! Happy birthday Hannah! We love you so much!

Great Day!

I haven't had much to blog about lately, so I owe my brother, Ryan a big thank-you for finally giving me something to blog about. On Saturday, they were able to have their son, Cooper, sealed to them. We were lucky enough to be there in the Bountiful Temple with them and it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Cooper was an angel during the sealing and so darn cute! We just love that kid so much! Thanks again, Ryan and Hayley for letting us share in your special day!

Environmental Center Fun

I was able to spend the day yesterday with Hannah's class at the Environmental Center. For those of you that grew up in Weber County, you'd understand the sheer joy I experienced when I heard Hannah's class was going on a field trip there. That place holds so many great memories for me, I just had to go back. It was an absolute blast! The place hasn't changed at all (except the snowshoes were quite a bit nicer than I remember and they've added a climbing wall inside). Other than that, it's the same place where countless hours of fun were had in elementary school.
My friends Jen and Kim (not pictured) braved the cold and snow with me on the field trip.
Hannah was quite the snowshoer. She had no problems navigating the hills and crossing the stream. She kept herself in the front of the pack most of the time. I forgot what good exercise snowshoeing is. My legs are really feeling it today.
Hannah is my little snow-bunny. She loves being in the snow and will stay out as long as anyone will let her. The snow at the Center was as tall as she was.
Hannah and her pals making the trek back to the bus after a fun-filled and exhausting day at the Environmental Center.

I Love Christmas!

I can't believe Christmas is really over. My tree is still up, Christmas candy still covers the counters, and I haven't put away all of the presents yet. I guess I must be in denial. This is my favorite time of the year and I hate it when it's over. We had such a great Christmas this year. They're always great, but as the years go by, the just seem to get better and more magical. We spent time together as a family, and also spent time with extended family as well. We missed Allen's parents so much this year, but are still so grateful for their example to us as they serve the Lord in Oakland. We're grateful to be near my parents and for the support they often lend to us. We hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Porter and Hannah testing out the Wii from Santa, Christmas morning.
Hannah tested out her new sled on the day after Christmas in the fresh snow we received Christmas day.
Tate got a train set and some Legos from Santa. He played with them for about a minute before he lost interest and wanted to bother Porter and take all of his new things.
Hannah got a Hannah Montana doll and some clothes from Santa. Porter got Anakin Skywalker's starship and some Star Wars figures from Santa. Oh, and we wouldn't want to forget the ever-popular Wii we received. We know we're about a year behind on this wonderful gadget, but it's better late than never.
Tate also received a new bedspread and loves laying on his bed now.
Tate participated in the annual Christmas program as a jingle bell ringer at my parent's home on Christmas night. He wasn't much of a jingler, but he did love being in front of a crowd. The kids decked out in their new Christmas clothes for church on Sunday.

The famous tradition of jammies on Christmas Eve. I did this as a kid. I guess some things never change.
Allen set up our camera with the timer because I don't have any pictures of just the two of us. I'm impressed that it actually worked and that I like the picture.