FUN Times Continue....

Sunday dinner at teh Ericsson home....great fun, good times, and delicious food.

Dozens of nativity sets were on display at the LDS Visitor's center.  But, the astounding thing is, they were from ONE LADY!  And, these were only 1/3 of them.  Oh, it was so delightful to go thru and peruse these amazing sets from all over the world.

One of the teeny tiny ones.  

The sister missionary's favorite one.  With Joseph tending the baby while Mary sleeps.  

Also on display were copies of stain-glassed panels from the Rome Temple.  There are dozens and dozens of significant details from the New Testament and the life of the Saviour.  It is marvelous.  It took the husband and wife three years to complete it.

Gigi and I were both inspired to see these remarkable and inspiring displays of people's talents.

The FUN Continues

Well, this is certainly true for ME! 

Jenni's incredible table setting for Allen's 85th birthday dinner; the Menu was amazing and I can't believe I didn't get a picture of the 7 layer salad, incredible meat, VERTS, potatoes, lemon curd dessert, and rolls that practically flew off the plate they were so light.  With Jenni's signature raspberry butter.

Here are both Bri and Daniel sampling the rolls.  One of the kids had FIVE rolls!  Man, they are so good.  Daniel was a big help getting ready for the dinner!  As was Janessa, of course.

These were the aperitifs.  I forgot to get one of the deviled eggs, but my goodness, this was a delectable table and holy cow drink!  Running on the television was a video of some highlights of Allen's 85 years.

Mike and Kristi Anderton wanted to meet up with us for dinner one night.  It was great fun!  We loved hearing more of Mike's stories.  He's such a great story teller.  Kristi shared with me some tender stories of her mother and family.  It was a GREAT memorable evening.

The Provo clan in Rexburg, Idaho.  Man, I love these folks.  They bring me great joy!

Merry Christmas to ALL!

 Quite an eventful holiday we are having.  And, it's not quite over yet; here are a few glimpses from the joyous times together.  Starting with a picture from the home front!

Thanks to Jessica and Charlie or Matt for putting this together.

Look at little 2 years Jaxon and 3 year old Bri.  So adorable for Christmas!

Is that a hug or something else?  HAHAH

Proud Stockton with his two adorable kids.

Look at that happy, proud mother?  She's the BEST!

Wonderful picture of Sean and his beautiful family.  They look so good.

Nathaniel and Garnder and families came for a visit; three cousins got the exact same dress from Santa Claus!

This is from a year ago.  I have no idea why Jeremy happened to be here around Christmas, but I'll take him anytime.

I love my family..

And one last look at what the holiday brought to us:

2 turtles from Gigi, homemade caramels from Kristi, healthy chocolate bars from Kristi, Ethel M Chcolates - each one of us a box from Daniel and Janessa, Home-made toffee from Jordan, See's chocolates - hand picked for Loni and Allen, Gerhart chocolates from Virginia from Jordan, 2 truffles from Tom and Susie, chocolates from Stephanie Gee, chocolate covered cherries form Gav & Libby, Ferrero chocolate from Gigi.

Please note: this does NOT include any of the many cookies, cakes, sweet breads, cinnamon rolls, more cookies that we got from friends and neighbors.  

So, here you see WHY we can NEVER lose any weight.

When the FUN Times Roll In!

BYU basketball is HOT this year.  With some mighty hot players.  Calder got his picture taken with two of the most outstanding players; A J Dybantsa - number 1 draftee in the country as a Senior.

and Richie Saunders as a Senior who is shooting great also.  So fun for Calder and for me, as well, as I watched this game while Clader was up in the high high nose bleed section, but he persisted to see both of these players.  Go, Calder.

Erika had Doris and Allison (not shown, she hadn't arrived yet) over for a ministering brunch.  It was so delicious and fun and such a great happy time.  Erika is powerful and so very good and committed to Christ.

These are the gifts given that day.  I love them both.  Special.    And, just look at that quiche.  Best I've ever eaten.

Walking in the mall with Dorothy.  It's always fun.  Not often, but sometimes we stop by at ten o'clock when See's opens for a free chocolate.  YUM.  She looks so great for 93.  She has lots fewer wrinkles than I.

What a fun surprise to answer the door and see the silly, fun, awesome ladies.  Gigi with her daughters, Peggy and Michelle.  Man, how I love them all.  They are THE BEST!

And, what's Christmas without going to visit Gardner and Stephanie, who only have 2 out of 4 children at home right now.  Here's that adorable Natalie. Sad to say, you cannot see it in this picture, but her shoes are pink also.  I asker her about them and she told me that she needed pink shoes for Halloween, so she painted her white Sunday shoes with pink permanent marker and VOILA!  PINK SHOES.  Very clever and ingenious, I should say.  

And right there are some very joyous moments in this old lady's life.

What's Happening in the Neighborhood

Jaxon Turns TWO big Ones.  Here are a few pictures from the party!

Lola loves that cupcake, especially the frosting.  

Look at these adorable coats and purses Jenni got the girls.  

They look like something from a fashion magazine.

Okay, FUN TIMES with Oakley while her sisters and parents are away.  We had such a great time playing Spot It and Rummi Kub, and just doing other stuff.  She is absolutely DEElightful!
 Life is beautiful with children in it.

Well Now, That's FUN!

We were gifted tickets to a fun, entertaining Christmas show starring some Mormon performers.  

It was delightful, but the very best part was that Justin had taken the photographs that were featured in the program and in the entryway.  HUGE posters of all the stars.   

GREAT job, Dear Justin!

 

Just Some STUFF!!

 Dee turns 100 on Sunday; what a hero he is to me.  He is SO FAITHFUL about coming to the gym; he's positive, happy, with a great memory.

One of my favorite pictures of my kids.  I like this.  Too bad some people are offended that we didn't include the outlaws.  But whatever.

Our beautiful last home in Rexburg, Idaho.  I loved this home and neighborhood; it was perfect.  Allen planted all those trees.  When we left, they were just so little.  Some days, I think I'd like to be back there now.

This just spoke to me.  So true of my parents' home.  It was always welcoming.  I love this.

Here's what I've been doing while we were watching The Chosen.  Series over.  Blankets done.  HAHAHA