Getting the Christmas Tree

We went again this year up to the Uinta's with our friends and scouted for a tree. The ladies first had to hit Walmart and snag their black Friday deals that, for some reason, are never sold out up in Evanston (go figure). Anywho, this year the road was closed and we had to spend a lot more time getting stuck and unstuck in the snow. It also took a lot longer to find a good tree. It was a fun time and we really enjoy doing it. Maybe next year I'll have a four-wheeler to make it more fun.

Here's the winning "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree.
We got it up and it's a little crooked, but we love it.

Ladies of the forest, Jodi, Michelle and Deb.

Lumberjacks, Eric, Dave and Bob.
(Sorry that the Cougs lost, Bob, maybe next year)

Conner making a fort.

The girls hanging out in the snow.

East getting lost in the woods.

Tree-huggers.

Can't wait for next year!

Birthday Time

Conner and I have our birthdays 11 days apart and that makes for a nice, festive November. Add in a few brother-in-laws and there's lots of cake to be eaten. Pile in Thanksgiving and the next thing you know you're 32 and a few weeks and have already added a few more pounds.

This is what happens when you turn 32.

Conner at his friend's b-day party getting Halo stuff.

The morning of the big 1-0. Can't believe we have a 10 year old.

Hanging with the homeboys.

Don't know what he's thinking here.

Halloween Time!

This year Halloween was really fun. Between the pumpkins, parties, and trick-or-treating in the rain it was a great time. Enjoy the pics because we had fun when they were taken.

The kids and Peyton on the tractor when getting pumpkins.

Which pumpkin would be the best?

Posing at Gardner Village.

Hanging out with Grandma and looking for witches.

Carving pumpkins with the McIllece clans.

Peace, Love and Rock-n-Roll. Michelle and I dressed up as resident 70s folk.

We had to eat a donut on a string without using hands or letting any fall on the ground. We lost.

Ladies of the night... partying at the Butlers.

The dudes... yeah, the dudes.

Little Emree bones.

Man, she is sooo cute. All in all, it was another good year with plenty of candy and memories to show for it.

Emree's Blessing

We blessed Emree on Sunday October 17th. We had fun with our family!

Michelle, Paula and Emree

Ella and her cousin Bella

Eric and his dad

Grandma and Grandpa with Emree

A Day at Daybreak

Michelle and her friends took all the kids to Daybreak Lake the other day to play at the park and picnic. What a rowdy bunch... no wonder she needs me to come home early. ;)

This has to be the cutest pictures of the girls just "hanging out".

Football for Easton

Easton in the huddle with Coach Butler (far left).


Easton going out for a distraction after hiking the ball (center).


His team has been really good this year and it's been fun to watch. If only we could get him to do some stuff on offense, but, as he says; "I play defense." OK, flagman, whatever you say.

Lake Powell 2010

We spent last week down at Lake Powell with Michelle's family. It was a great time and had been way too long since we've been down there. It is such a miraculous place to just sit back and take in the beauty all around you, whether in the day or night. We spent time in the water, in the sand, and looking at the stars.

Here's the whole gang.

Cliff Jumping.

1-2-3... jump!

Michelle hanging out with the girls in the front of the boat.

Looking at the cliffs for lizards and birds.

The chitlins.

East and I chilling in the back.

Two hambones striking a pose.

Conner's first fish at Lake Powell (a bass).

Grandparents and boys... that's trouble.

Emree trying to stay in the shade.

The fishermen.

The beachcomber looking for more shells.

Easton's first fish (a catfish).

Conner and I hiked up the Hole in the Rock trail where the pioneers came down the canyon in wagons and crossed the Colorado. He did a great job on the mile hike up and on the way down.

At the marker.

About 1/2 way up.

Ella wondering when she gets to take a nap.

The boys up Clear Creek Canyon, a cool little place off of the Escalante River arm.

What a great time it was... can't wait to get down there again soon!