Gingerbread and a Luau

Bethany has been taking group voice lessons this fall.  She loves going every week and especially enjoys performing.  It makes it extra special that her voice teacher is her best friend's mom.  She also gets to walk to voice lessons after school with said best friend and another bestie.   Her group sang at the Gingerbread House festival on Saturday.  They sang "Can I Hold the Baby?", "Holly Jolly Christmas" and Bethany sang a solo, "Sleep of the Infant Jesus".  

Hunter, Bethany and Brynna

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Saturday was also our ward Christmas party, a Luau.  Scott was on the "pig" committee.  We didn't realize what a big project this would be!  Scott spent a lot of time learning how to cook a pig in the ground from a polynesian member in our ward, Sonny.  Sonny has a bad back so he directed the action.  They buried the pig in a pit on hot rocks and insulated the whole thing with lots of foil, newspaper and quilts. It roasted all afternoon.  I was nervous about the whole idea but it turned out great!  I think the novelty was fun for most people even if a few didn't want to try the pork.

Weirdly good.

Preference Dance

Ryan went to preference on November 5th with Margaret Quinn, a girl from his soccer team.  He was really excited to go and had great time.

This is how Margaret asked Ryan.  He answered by giving her chocolate milk and donut holes with the caption "I would be happy to be the chocolate milk to your donut!"

Love the shoes!

Halloween

Bethany designed this clever gum ball machine costume. She went trick-or-treating with friends.  Ryan was their "bodyguard".

Camille painted this cute pumpkin.

 Ringo is just sweet.  I love having a shadow.

Camping in Moab

For fall break this year we camped north of Moab near Mill Creek Canyon.  We were worried about the crowds but since we stayed out of the national parks we actually saw very few people while we hiked.  It was so wonderful to get away from it all!  We saw lots of beautiful things.  The whole area is really worthy of being a national park although selfishly, I'm glad it isn't.

We enjoyed spotting cottontails but I was considerably less enthusiastic about this baby rattlesnake...

Bethany sporting her new fancy yoga pants.  She forgot to pack pants so we found these for her at an outdoor store.  Moab doesn't have any non-tourist clothing stores, so we were glad that we were able to find something for her to wear.  They are a women's size small.  Thank goodness for spandex!

Dinosaur tracks!

We found lots of neat rocks.  Some of them looked a lot like petrified wood.

These petroglyphs were not too far from our campsite.

Camping wouldn't be complete for our kids without a fire. We enjoyed roasting marshmallows and looking at the stars.  And burning stuff.   Lots of stuff.

Braces Off!

 Nine years, many adjustments, plenty of pain, much tooth brushing and thousands of dollars later and the braces are finally off! Look at that smile!

This is Ryan's trademark uniform: hat, pencil, shades/glasses, and hoodie.  He knows what he likes.

Ryan is taking Sports Yoga this year.  He has a great teacher, Ms. Englebright, who is very encouraging and is super positive.  Ryan is in great shape! The class is 90 mins long.  If you have ever done yoga you know that is a long time.

Ryan is also taking Work Based Learning this year.  He is assisting Toby Bluth, a physical therapist, who's office is just down the street.  Ryan massages people with ultrasound, massages with his hands, hooks up patients with electrodes, washes and folds lots of towels and is generally friendly and social with everyone.   Everyone loves Ryan!

Bethany Turns Twelve

 Bethany turned 12 in September.  She has been so excited to go to Young Women.  She loves it!  I can't believe my baby is almost a teenager.  Bethany tried out for the community play "Annie".  She didn't get a part but I think the audition was a positive experience.  Bethany is so brave to try new things.  She is taking group voice lessons with her friends Hunter and Brynna.  Hunter's mom, Heather Murdock is teaching them along with some other kids.  It's great, Bethany gets to walk to Hunter's house after school on Mondays and play with her friends before music lessons.  Bethany loves her 6th grade teachers this year.  She has Mr. Salazar a former BYU professor for Spanish and has Mr. Murdock, Hunter's dad, for the English portion of the day.

Bethany got sewing supplies, puzzles and books for her birthday.

My kids are such good sports.  I forgot to buy candles so Bethany made do with a number "7" candle.  

She chose to have yellow cake with strawberries, vanilla pudding and cool whip.

Ringo trying out Merlin's throne.

Carter is under there... He loves to hang out with his big sister!  We are so blessed to have Camille serving her mission from home. It's the first time she's lived at home for more than a few months in four years.  It's been so fun to see them enjoy each other. 

 Scott is teaching Chemistry, Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry this year. Thankfully he didn't sell his preparation period this year or things would be really crazy. It is a good thing that he loves teaching because he works 11plus hours a day.

Before and after!

Carter is participating in Kendo and Archery clubs again this year.  He also plays the baritone in the Wasatch High Band.  He is doing extra chores around the house this fall to earn money for the band trip in March.  Carter is developing into a great student.  He is taking Honors English, Physics, Math, and Computer Science this year.

Summer

 We've had a busy summer!  The most important thing that has happened is Camille receiving her mission call as a Young Church Service Missionary.  She is serving in Salt Lake City on Temple Square with publishing services.  She is an administrative assistant and a writer.

Camille received her endowment at the Provo Temple

 

Camille's first day

We found "Sully"in the neighbor's garden

 Ringo thought Sully was a friend.

Carter, Ethan and Ella at the Butler reunion.

I bought Ringo a a raccoon tail at Cub Day Camp.  He was afraid we would take such a good find away and wouldn't let go.

Carter turned15! He celebrated with friends and siblings at Nickel City.  They played lazer tag and arcade games.

Bethany and her friends, Brynna and Hunter, hung out all summer practicing for the county talent find.

50's hair

Bethany and her friends sang "lollipop". Aren't they sweet?

Video will be coming soon.

Prom

Ryan asked Emily Defriez to Junior Prom this year.

Anna Anderson, Collin Richens, Emee Defriez, Ryan Ward, Emma Kanapis and Ben Cox.  Emma's aunt, Alice Defriez took the all the great date pictures.

Carter and Bethany wanted in on the fun too.