The tree is up

We decided to make little snow men for the main ornaments for the tree.  I think we bit off more than we could chew because not too many of them got done.  The most ornaments are the ones that kids have made throughout the years in their various school classes.  It is a fun tree and I like to look at it. 

Elijah's drawing

We learned long ago that toys and sacrament meeting do not go well.  It has worked well to bring a spiral notebook for each kid and let them draw with only a pencil.  If too many writing utensils are brought that causes problems too.   We were quite impressed with Elijah's dog that he drew.  It actually looks like a dog and is so cute.

Temple selfie

This is not a good picture of us but we are so grateful we can get to the temple each month.  We sometimes go together but mostly end up going at different times.  We are thankful we have the means to get there.  

cedar fronds

Cedar fronds are part of our yards demise.  The dog helps with the demise too.   We did some major reconstruction of our yard and planted grass seed afterwards.  See how wonderful the grass was growing under these cedar trees.  Then the raking and re raking and re raking had to start.  See the photos for the digression of our yard. 

I raked up 58 loads of cedar fronds this month.

This is what the yard looks like under the trees now 12-15-15 (even though the post is Nov).  I sure hope all of the grass comes back because it looks mighty depressing now.  

Thanksgiving Day

We ate lots of turkey, ham, potatoes, and pie today.  It was a good day.  Then we went out and raked our yard from a wind storm.  

School in Woods

Josiah had the opportunity to go to Island Wood with the fifth grade classes at his school.  It's a school in the woods.  He had a great time with his friends.

This is the canopy tower.  This was not Josiah's friend.  He does not like heights and this was tough for him to do.  His teacher said he made it with the help of his friend.  I would say that is quite the accomplishment.  

All of them arriving home.

What to do while brother is gone

Elijah started this game.  He and I would jump over this rope then make it a bit wider then continue on till we couldn't jump over it.  Sadie and Jarom decided to play too.  I think that spontaneous fun can be the best and most memorable.   I didn't last as long as Sadie or Jarom.  I don't have as much flexibly as them for some reason.  Josiah was at a camp with his school class so he didn't get to participate.