drive home

All loaded up, tree in all…too bad we still have to drive all the way home (so much worse than the drive there). See you later Arizona. Hello Utah.

Oh Christmas Tree

I love the Hall’s tradition of cutting down Christmas trees Thanksgiving weekend.

I think Carter likes holding his daddy, even more than going on a ride in a boom, boom, boom.

 

ice skating

This picture of Carter sitting by a small tree reminds me of years past with Marlee.

Here’s Marlee in 2010:

And in 2009:

Laun’s pretty good at finding the perfect tree.

Jennette sure loves Carter.

We had lunch-sandwiches and sides.

Carter loved sitting by the marshmallow bag.

Laun’s so sweet, I couldn’t find my beanie, so he bought me one on the way out.

Hall kids-

They had a little too much fun throwing snow at me…

Lucy with all of her and Mike’s children.

And with all their spouses.

So sad that we were missing Jonathan’s family today!

Caden and Carter

We took our truck to Show Low, I’ll kind of miss it, but it will be nice to have 1 less vehicle at our house. Laun built that beauty.

Carter got all worn out.

All the adults went out for dinner tonight. I love visiting with all these great people. It was so good to see so much family this week.

cousins

Our kids have been having a blast with their cousins. Clayton has been at Pearce’s and Porter at Mason’s and Alden’s home, and Marlee has been staying the night with us at Ryan and Kami’s home. She is in girl heaven.

Today we found out that Reagan and Marlee really like bubble baths.

Some of the family babysat tonight while the rest of us went to the Snowflake Temple to do baptisms. I can’t remember the last time I’ve done baptisms and how great to experience it with family. Clayton is our only child old enough, but Porter will be 12 in March!

Then Jared treated everyone to ice cream, which was a crazy idea since it was so cold outside, but it was sure good.

Thanksgiving

Ryan and and Kami hosted all the Hall’s for Thanksgiving. Everyone brought wonderful food and it was an amazing meal. All of Laun’s siblings and families were there, except for Jonathan’s family.

tons of turkey

Porter & Jacob

pie time- 17 total

horse time

Carter is certain he needs a horse.

ranger & cousin time

Janae walked Carter to see the cows and he fell right asleep.

horse play

All Grandkids (except Jonathan’s baby Graham):

I love all these Halls!

My favorite picture of the day…Me and Laun.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of our engagement. 15 years ago Laun and I were dating and attending NAU. He took me to his sister Jennette’s home for Thanksgiving. When I fell asleep (the eve of Thanksgiving) he snuck in and placed a wedding ring on my finger. He came and woke me up Thanksgiving morning and I saw that ring and asked is this for real? It was and he never officially asked me to marry him, what a clever surprise. Best surprise of my life and still is.

more family time

We had a great visit staying at my parents home. They are always so good to us.

Then we met up with my brother Richard’s family at their vacation rental in Apache Junction.

The kids loved swimming and Marlee and Porter got to try out some mermaid tails/fins.

I love this brother of mine.

He’s such an example to me. He works so hard and is so caring. He’s an amazing person and I’m blessed to call him my brother.

My brother Richard’s family and our family.

We got to Show Low tonight and we are staying at Ryan’s home. Our dog Raggles was so happy to see Laun. They are reunited at last. We no longer have Dutch, he was eating the birds on the property, but we were happy to see Raggles.