Las Vegas

Vegas was great! Super busy doing fun things with my family. My mom flew in for a couple of days, it was nice to spend some time with her. She even went bowling with us! I believe that was a first.

 After mom left it was time to spend the rest of our time with my dad and step mom. Everyone came except a couple brother in laws! This Thanksgiving was their time for all of us to get together and since we aren't going to be there we had Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was packed full of our traditions just no turkey. Because of Christmas we all had money to spend so we went to Town Square. A great out door shopping center although it was 100+. The scariest thing that happened to us, happened there. We kind of left Dillon in a store and didn't realize for a few minutes. We walked in a store and I started to look around, Spencer counted kids and we were down by one. We had my dad and sister with us too. Spencer and I ran out the door to the previous one we were in. There he was waiting for us to come back! The employee there said she noticed him trying to walk out the store, alone, and asked him to wait. We scooped him up and gave him tons of kisses. He wasn't scared at all. I don't even want to think what could of happened!

 Usually the parents buy tickets for all the adults to go to a show. This year they had the kids come too. There are 21 kids and 14 adults. We went and saw Recycled Percussion!! SO good and family friendly only it is SUPER loud! As you can see from the photo everyone has their own pot and drum stick to make noise.

 One of the most special events that we did was Dakota going to the Temple for the first time to do baptisms. We had some family names she did which made it that much more sweeter. She was proxy for her Great-great aunt Frances. Someone who I met only once in my life. She always remembered and sent us birthday cards and Christmas cards. She was a fine lady.

We can't forget about family photos. We were able to get them done before it hit over 100. No big family shot this year!

How I look forward to next year, it will be here before we know it!!!!

WY and UT

I think we are finally back to normal. Back on our schedule and caught up on sleep. This past weekend we went into Brasilia to watch our friends kids while they went to Argentina. We have traveled a lot and are done for a while. It is good to be home. 

Back to the States! After Idaho was WY and UT. Spencer and my WY trip got cut short because we learned he was needed in SLC for meetings early. We were supposed to be there Tuesday night but they wanted him Monday morning. We found out Sunday night, nice! He missed some meetings, the best we could do. I didn't take any photos while we were in WY but we left the kids with Sandi (Spencer's mom) and Bruce. Between Dakota and Austin they got the week covered. By the looks of it they had tons of fun and meet new friends. As for me and UT it was great!! I love going to Spencer's seminar. It is like a big family reunion. They didn't have the spouses involved as much as they have in previous years, it was perfect. Tuesday night was the family BBQ, Wednesday spouses went to meetings from 8-1, Thursday completely free day, that night we had our banquet and Bishop Davies came to speak to us, and then Friday from 8-1. After meetings on Friday we drove to Bear Lake to meet Sandi and Bruce to get our kids then back down to SLC to fly to Vegas Saturday. 

It was wonderful to spend time with Spencer alone (we don't get that very much), we went to the temple (I have no words how much I have missed going), shopping with friends, shopping ALL BY MYSELF!!! I am never by myself it was so great to not have to worry about anything. My sister, Janette, flew in for Thursday she wanted me without anyone else so why not. We went up to Park City that place is beautiful. Then to sit in meetings and learn more about this great company Spencer works for!! The week was fantastic!!! Thanks Sandi and Bruce for taking such great care of our kids! 

If you haven't heard Spencer got promoted to Assistant VP of South America. Pretty exciting!! Although it does mean more responsibility, more traveling and more time in South America! Who knows when we will ever move back to the States. We won't spend the rest of the time here in Brazil we will be moving. Chile will be our next move!!! Dakota could very well graduate from high school down here. Are we crazy, maybe!! 

This is the only photo taken while we were in SLC. Dressed for  our dinner with Bishop Davies. 

Here and below are some of the things the kids did while we were gone! They did a great job capturing their week! 

Idaho!!

We made it home! We had such a blast in the States it now feels like a dream. It was so good to see everyone and get our buckets filled up and suitcases. Thanks to Lisal and Trevor, Sandi and Bruce and Shannon and Anthony for letting us stay at your homes. Here is some of what we did in Idaho. 

Dillon gave dancing lessons to Lisal, Sara, and Jake. It was hilarious!!  Tears were rolling down my cheeks. 

We took Grandpa's boat out to Rigby lake. 

Austin had his 10th birthday. SERIOUSLY LISAL!!! Austin wanted a snake cake and Lisal made it for him. In their family cakes are talked about and planned for weeks. She had one day and totally pulled it off!!! 

Our annual Birch softball game for FHE!

The kids have been planning with their Drollinger cousins for months about their play they put on. Every year it is something different. This year they put on Tangled 2. Trevor is wondering when they will out grow this, I hope never!

Always count on a water fight!

These two cute girls got to go to Girl's camp and had a blast!

Grandma doing an experiment with the kids.

Everyone got a ride one Uncle Trevor's bike except Austin. For some reason he did want to. 

Ericka had a baby shower. It was fun to help celebrate the soon arrival for their #4. 

Sweet Rose was blessed by her dad. So grateful for the time we were able to spend as a family. 

Birch cousins!!!! In just a couple weeks it will be out dated. Taylor and Ericka will add a boy, we so need more boys!
Thanks for all the memories!!!

I think the funniest thing that happened was Dillon not knowing what a vacuum is. YES he totally forgot what one is.

Dillon to Lisal vacuuming

D: what is that?
L: a vacuum
D: what does it do
L: it sucks my grass up off my carpet
D: where does it go
L: (points to the tank)
D: can I try
L: yes
D: Ok I suck you drive