A few 2014 Happenings.

 A fun New Beginings. 

 A quick visit from the Bauers .. heading from DC to Boise.  Of course it involved an In-N-Out stop.

Choir singing at the Jazz game.

Holidays 2014

My iphone died Christmas day... so right now I don't have any December and Christmas Eve or Christmas Day photos. Still hoping to get it fixed and get some stuff off of it.

But it was a wonderful December.  Band concerts, super great Oak Hills Christmas Choir concert, some pretty lights on Temple Square, Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert, Christmas Eve bash with all of the Walls -- full of yummy food and a great nativity of course, Christmas Eve and a relaxing Christmas morning at home, Skyping with Sister Russell Christmas night and a smoked turkey with Lorie and Brooke with a game night.

And of course lots of cabin fun.  The Fergusons joined us  for a couple of days or games, sledding and ice skating.  The girls brought friends up for a few days and then most of the family came for New Years.

The girls slept on the deck a couple of times... single digit temperatures ... and the XBox Dance game was extremely entertaining.

Kayleee Lyman got married before Christmas and we loved her wedding, luncheon and reception.  She has been such a great neighbor and friend to the girls.  Lauren especially is going to miss her and was so grateful for her friendship for so many years.  

Long live the Walls...

My dad and his cute 90+ year old brother Uncle Ray -- come to my house to give me two avocados.  I love that these two still run errands together.  Walls have amazing genes.  Their oldest sister is 93 (I think) and all of the siblings are "alive and kicking."  Actually all pretty active and doing well.

Surprise -- Love you Val!!!

Last Saturday Becca, Kev and a whole bunch of co-conspirators pulled off probably my best surprise party ever!  My amazing friend Val retired after nearly 40 years at the FBI.  We decided she needed a big celebration so for hte past month we've been planning a surprise party.

Becca, Lisa, Meggan and I took her out to dinner to celebrate.  Despite our stalling and texting she didn't know that at home Misty, Kristene, Diana and about 40 people were at our house getting ready for a surprise.  And boy was she surprised!!

We enjoyed an Italian Cream Soda bar and tons of yummy treats.  50ish or so people came throughout the evening to celebrate our wonderful friend Val.

Can't even begin to describe what a great friend she is to me ... long walks in the rain, snow, and hot summer nights.  Sharing lots of laughter and tears and ups and downs and eggs and butter.  The woman who takes care of me -- sneaks into my house while in the hospital to give me new sheets and set up the house.  Always takes care of the kids and remembers their events and makes them feel special.  She is definitely one of our families biggest blessings.  Love you Val...surprise!!!

Ovarian Cancer Race

September 2013 marked what I hope is a new yearly tradition -- Ovarian Cancer run.  I didn't do it last year because of not feeling great and emotionally being in a "not so great place" but this year decided we needed to join.  Gwen and her girls, Jenn and her kids and Cathy all came into town with Katie and Trevor and we had a great weekend.

Dinner at Cheesecake Factory, shopping and then Saturday morning race.  Becca (9 months pregnant), Lisa and Kristene were fabulous friends that joined all of us, along with Jenn Cottle.  It is a very layed back run and just a fun morning.  We headed to The Original Pancake House for breakfast (my new favorite breakfast place) and then downtown to play around.  We happened to hit a safety fair and had a great time with the fire fighters.

Dave, Cam and Cathy went to the soaking wet BYU game that night.  What a fabulous and perfect weekend.  We are blessed with such amazing family and friends!