The day after Thanksgiving we drove to Buffalo for our annual Christmas tree cutting event. Grandma and Grandpa Bass visited this year and decided to cut a tree too, and drive it back to Utah. I guess Wyoming has the best trees! They did find a nice looking one...even if it took three men to get it back to their truck. Uncle Mark and his family came too. We didn't freeze this year, kept the children fairly close to the vehicles (no challenging treks back), and even remembered hot chocolate.
It took Hunter a couple of weeks to talk me into taking him to get an eye exam. He told me he wanted to get some contacts. I put him off. Well, I wasn't sure he really needed any, AND we just signed up for vision health insurance (which will start in January). Yes, I am a miser. 
While shaving this morning, Kent decided to experiment with his facial hair. He enjoyed the many looks, without comment, he received at church today. Only one friend shared his opinion, "Kent, I am sorry to say this, but that is UGLY!" I don't believe it will stay this way for more than a day or two- even if I need to help him get rid of it.
Hunter sang, "Be our guest" and other tunes with the 5th grade singing/performing group. They went on tour to the care centers in the area.
We discovered Kaitlyn aspires to become a tooth fairy when she grows up- to give money to poor people. She is the only one in her class to make it through the 1st grade without losing a tooth. I think the tooth fairy is someone she (day) dreams about.
Beginning in the 1st grade, students in the elementary schools can take violin, keyboarding, or technology for 30 min. a week. Kaitlyn played some "twinkle variations" during an end of year orchestra concert including MANY elementary school children in the area. Thanks to a loaner from some friends, she played on the only pink violin- she made sure we knew that fact.
Hunter and Michael enjoy their sucker reward after great piano recital performances...which began minutes after returning from the Father and Son campout, and showers of course.
We said so long to a great missionary, Elder Mackie- the Cali surfer boy. On the occasion of his last day in the area, he wore this brown polyester western suit with brown and white boots (all purchased from a thrift store).
Mother's Day- I thoroughly enjoyed Breakfast in bed and sleeping in.
Hunter (red tie) sang with his elementary choir
Hunter's birthday marked 11 years of parenthood.
Hunter's first science project- our first as parents. He titled it "More or Less"-
Kent prepared the garden area while the children and I cleaned various parts of our home and yard. Then we gathered for the planting of potatoes, carrots, peas, and spinach. The children love to help and we hope the seeds will love how they were planted and grow for us. One of our neighbor boys helped us and asked if he could pick the peas with us and eat some when they are ready. Mid summer will bring some yummy pea eating.
We drove to Utah for Spring Break, which actually took place a week before Spring began. We enjoyed the great privilege of spending two nights at Kent's grandparent's cabin with some of my family (just one part of a great week visiting family and soaking in their love.) We walked in on snow shoes, dragging our food and clothes in on sleds. Our belongings took a spill just as our sled crossed the small bridge, dropping into the river. Kent made a quick save and the warm fire later at the cabin dried our clothes. 
This is a picture of my sisters and I. They are so cute and fun to hang out with. We definitely need more girl time together.
Before we left town for Spring Break, Kent locked his office up tight- even the windows. He loves to play practical jokes, and feared a weeks absence during his birthday offered too much opportunity for those needing to "pay him back". As you can see, someone at the college knows how to pick a lock. They did get him, but in a nice way. Little thoughts and birthday wishes attached to ribbon hung from the ceiling, with toilet paper strung here and there. He works with some very nice people. Perhaps it will rub off on him :)
Hunter and Michael participated in the annual cub scout snow day. This is their troop- they are standing on the far left.
Kent enjoyed some fishing on the Big Horn and some ice-fishing with the kiddos.
We attended the annual Snow Day on January 1st with other members from our church. Temperatures on the mountain may have reached a high of 10 degrees that day. With everyone bundled up, we surprisingly lasted for a couple of hours. The Ranchester Branch always provides hot chocolate, chili, hotdogs, cinnamon rolls, etc. (a definite bonus and help when it is so cold out). Here is Kaitlyn taking a lunch/hot chocolate break.
Hunter zipping down on his new sled- too fast for me...I bailed the one time I tried this type.
Michael and his nice rosy cheeks.
Kent and I with Naomi. All smiles for Naomi this year. 
