A surprise for Bapa

 My dad's 80th birthday was this month, and my siblings and I all flew out to Utah to surprise him. Michael was very supportive and took off two days of work to watch the kids so I could go. It has been a very special time, reminiscing, sharing thoughts and feelings, and enjoyiing company as adults. We decided we haven't been together as siblings and parents only since 1989. 

When I got to the Las Vegas airport, Matt, Clay, and Adam were waiting for me at the gate and Clay yelled, "Yeehaw!!" super loud. I was very embarrassed (apparently my face turned the color of my sweater according to Adam) but I felt loved and so happy to see them. We met up with Ben and then grabbed dinner before heading to the Airbnb to surprise my dad. He was surprised! 

Ben is so great. I woke up to see the sunrise this morning and he came out and joined me. We talked gardening together.

Hanging around and sharing memories.

We went out to eat and Bapa got a slice of birthday chocolate cake for dessert. Haha!

At the restaurant.

More eating. (We did lots of eating.)

We drove up to the red rocks here in St. George and Heather arranged for professional pictures to be taken, which is really awesome. I'm excited to get them back. So grateful for her!

My beautiful parents.

Clay somehow got the family's old quiet book that my mom used with my siblings when they were little, making it at least fifty years old. I don't remember using it, but it was really fun to hear my siblings talk about the pages. Most of the memories shared were in Michigan or Ohio, but I still enjoyed hearing them reminisce and correct and corroborate each others' memories.

It was also nice taking a quick evening hike with Ben and Bryan before dinner on Sunday. Beautiful weather and awesome company.

What a special trip it was!

In the new year

 Crazy that it is now 2025. 25 years since I graduated from high school. Whaaatt??!

Forgot to record this image of last year's scriptures we memorized (that's what the parasailing trip in Florida was a reward for). For my records.

Also had a sweet time with friends Ruth Robertson, Katherine Peterson, and Connie Mabunda at a party for Ruth that Katherine planned.

We began the year with our traditional family awards dinner. This year's awards were as follows:

• Clayton: Independence (for potty training, sleeping in a big boy bed, and getting his clothes ready all by himself, plus navigating an elevator solo)
• Benjy: Friendship (for being kind to his classmates and helping them feel loved)
• Henry: Caring (writing thoughtful notes, sharing with his brothers, and giving really good hugs)
• Robbie: Dedication (for consistently improving his crafts, inc his church calling, lacrosse, piano, and running)
• Clara: Mom's right-hand woman (helping bring in groceries, watch Clayton and being available when needed)

My mom's dishes and silverware. Love them! Even though they're a pain to wash by hand ;-).

We've gotten lots of snow this year! More than in the past several years--this pic is actually after a few days of melting. It's been fun, but it's also been a little frustrating because we've hardly had any seminary and missed so many good lessons, and the kids have missed over 10 days of school so far. Virginia! Michael has taken the boys to Massanutten and also to Snowshoe, WV and they had a great time.

He also got to take Robbie to Utah to ski. They hung out with cousins Jane and Clark on the slopes for a day, did baptisms at the Mt Timpanogos temple with Nana and Bapa, and went to Music and the Spoken Word. A packed trip!

Speaking of seminary, here's my board for this year.

This year we've begun teaching "Life Preparation lessons," which include topics like mission prep, temple prep, emotional health, taking care of our physical bodies, etc. I don't make them breakfast every week, but sometimes I surprise them. We were talking about physical health that day so I figured it was a nice opportunity to give them a treat in the morning.

These boys don't know how lucky they are to have such a great dad like Michael.

Poor Benjy shrunk . . . 

Clara turned twenty years old (!).

We enjoyed a fun get together with friends the McCallisters and the Lansings. Such good people!

We also ate our traditional heart-shaped pizza courtesy of Michael's skills and then had a short getaway to the lake house (found two mouse in the basement, yuck), went to the temple, and then did some shopping (or tried to) in Farmville, VA, where Greenfront is located. It's a huge city block with about 12 buildings full of furnishings, rugs, etc. 

I'm very grateful for the cold weather we've had, as I'm really hoping it kills off some of the yucky bugs we've had (like the spotted lanternflies, so gross). However, I am also looking forward to spring being around the corner.