Jan and Feb at the Briens

The first two months of 2018 were mellow and normal and it was so nice to have a slower pace. We had some beautiful days to be outside, too!

 We had fun at Forest Grove night at the high school girls basketball game. The kids got to shoot hoops at halftime and get jerseys again. And of course, buy concessions, their favorite part.

Audrey did a dance clinic and performed at halftime at a game a couple weeks later, too. 

My parents and Ben came to visit us over President's day weekend. We had a lovely time with them. Also, my kids remembered their cross stitch and had fun getting back into those. Such concentration!

 Ian and Declan passed their purple belt test. All the kids are struggling between enjoying karate and hating it, but I think it's worth it to keep them in and teach them hard work and discipline. 

 We have been enjoying nice family time, with movie nights at home, baking or making ice cream cones, and enjoying quiet weekends together, doing chores and yard work and taking it easy.

 I caught Declan engaged in a book--such a rare and beautiful sight! I hope he becomes an avid reader like the rest of his family members. 

Christmas break road trip to the Croxalls

The day after Christmas, we piled into the car and drove to Provo, UT, stopping in Vegas on the way there and back. On our first stopover in Vegas, we walked around and showed the kids some of the sights. We then stayed a night with my friend Michelle in St. George, and the next five nights with the Croxalls, our beloved long distance friends!

 We took a trip to the Bean museum and the Nickel City arcade, but mostly our time in Provo was at the Croxall home, playing board games.

 We got to spend NYE together, and went to the Kryscynksis, another friend from our GA days--fun and surreal to all be together again in Utah.

Christmas fun

Merry Christmas from the Briens! We had a fun month celebrating, including cookie decorating with friends, a girls day for me making gingerbread houses, lots of baking, concerts, seeing lights and remembering Christ. 

Happy birthday Audrey

Audrey turned 11 and decided to get her ears pierced for her birthday! She brought her friend Claire along and then we all went to Lalla Grill afterward to celebrate our beautiful daughter.

Family pictures 2017

November family life

In November, we saw hundreds of monarchs at the Monarch Sanctuary near our home, Ian won "Most Creative" for his Pinewood Derby car, and Paul came to visit us for the 6th Thanksgiving in a row! Oh, and Declan felt handsome in a new shirt. 

Trick or Treat

We had fun trick or treating with the Bernards, and we also had a great time the weekend before at our ward trunk or treat! Audrey was a patriot (or Belle), Ian was the spider Webber from a video game, and Declan was Harry Potter.