Cousins and a Cruise 11/2013

We had so much fun having my sister's families in town! 
Cousins Felicity and Annie went to Build-A-Bear together and came out with two new beloved friends. :)
They kind of look like their bears don't they?
Meanwhile, siblings were passing the time in the play area!
We all (mostly) went to Coeur de Alene and went on a Christmas cruise!  Poor Jessica had the throw-up flu so Alexis was sweet and stayed home with her.  The lights were beautiful!
The kids we're happy to have hot cocoa while on board. 
The mostly silly pic.
Mostly not silly. 
I LOVE MY SISTERS!!!
These two cuties packed their new teddies for the adventure! And opted for coordinating cowgirl boots.
The kids had a great time watching fish at the resort.  What a fun night!


Pumpkins 11/2013

It was one of those years that we didn't get around to carving pumpkins for Halloween, so I had the idea to paint them instead.  This is cousin Felicity's turkey (that Asher messed up the face) and Annie's pilgrim!

Noack Thanksgiving 11/2013

My lil' sis Becca, her Husband Christian and baby Hallie with Nana at our big 50+ people
Thanksgiving dinner in Liberty Lake.
I was in charge of organizing this year...we had enough for leftovers! Yum!
This picture is SO sweet.  Asher and cousins Christian and Hunter Kidd completed a pirate map puzzle.
Cousins in the hallway!
We had a great time playing games afterward.  Thanksgiving is the best!

Michael Buble Concert 11/2013

Jesse and I went for a night to Seattle and stayed in the Embassy Suites Hotel where we had our wedding luncheon.  Here we are at a Michael Buble concert.  Loved it!  We had such a great time.  I was a teensy bit disappointed that he has a little bit of a raunchy sense of humor, but overall it was awesome.  I have all his CD's.  He's got an amazing voice!
Seattle has my heart!

Spokane Weather and Veteran's Day 11/2013

Spokane's weather can change quickly, here are our four youngest on our back deck.
Six days later, the snow was gone for Veteran's Day!  Isn't John the cutest cub scout?

New Era 11/2013

We got a package in the mail in October from New Era magazine with two copies of the 11/13 New Era.  Alexis submitted a story when she was 12, and two years later, they used it!  We were surprised.  It was a fun package to receive!
 

My First Temple Trip

Alexis F., Washington, USA

I was so excited! I had turned 12 about two weeks ago and had received my first temple recommend on Sunday. My dad was going to take me to the Spokane Washington Temple for the first time as a birthday present.
On the day of our trip, I was ready to go an hour early! I was just so eager to go! We finally got into the car and listened to hymns on the trip there, which really brought in the Spirit that day.
My mom had prepared some family names for me and my dad to take to the temple. While I was entering the font I had expected this huge spiritual experience, but that didn’t happen. What did happen was that I was baptized for one of my deceased relatives, and I felt a still, small voice whisper to me, “You are doing the right thing.”
On the way home I really thought about what had happened at the temple. I realized I didn’t need the huge spiritual experience I had been expecting. I was so glad I had the Holy Ghost with me that day so that I could hear the still, small voice.
I’m so thankful for the temple and all of its blessings! The temple has brought me and my family great blessings, happiness, and experiences with the still, small voice.

Bowling 11/2013

Bowling with cousins in the middle of the day....a benefit of homeschool!
Annie and cousin Eliza!
John-John.

Halloween 10/2013

Alexis and her friends decided to dress as Disney Princesses, here she is as Merida!  We found the velvet dress at Value Village (score!) and she hand sewed the sleeves. 
The kids at the annual Library party.  They have fun games, although every year they are bummed the library doesn't hand out any treats. :)
Our Frodo found his friend Samwise at the ward Halloween Party!  It was a happy reunion.
Thankfully my little Frankenstein conked out just in time for me to run my cakewalk booth, it was very thoughtful of him!
Taking care of business at the donut on a string game.  Asher didn't think the no-hands rule made sense. 
The sweetest Strawberry Shortcake with authentic red hair that smells like strawberry shampoo!
This Frankenstein is cute even when he's trying to be scary!
Female Dr. Who, an angel, Frodo, Frankenstein, a pumpkin and Strawberry Shortcake.
Our older kids went trick-or-treating on their own.  It was fun to focus on our youngest two.  They loved it!!
Jessica helped me pass out candy when we got home.  She sat waiting at the window for a long time. :)  Happy Halloween!