Knocker Balls and Brandon's Call!

Cute boys Christmas morning.  Kurtis woke everyone up at 6:30, that's the earliest they've gotten up in years.  He was so excited to give the thoughtful gifts he picked out for everyone.

We told them Christmas was snow boarding last month, so they were trying to be happy about the few gifts from relatives:)  Sally saved the day when they were taking out the garbage and she had Knocker Balls for all the boys!

This has been the warmest Christmas ever (75ish for days), but a little wet so we played inside at the church and outside later on.

Best gift was face-timing with Brandon - he sounded and looked fantastic!  He's working hard and said the time is flying by.  We love our favorite missionary~

Brandon updates at http://brandonaustinmission.blogspot.com

Awesome Winter Campout

Camp Thunder in heated cabins, rec room, showers, yummy meals indoors, and climbing, rifle shooting and archery merit badges - 2 nights and 3 days of scout heaven!

December Happenings

 "Clark" did a beautiful job on our outside lights!  Finally made him stop after 3 days:)

 Justin's Christmas Concert

Shooting, friends, school projects and fun.

Temple, puzzle, swim meets, Brandon letters, gifts, Nativity...love December!

Festival of the Nativity

I had the blessing of helping with the Festival of the Nativity

A beautiful Christmas event celebrating the birth of Christ

with the community ~ love this!

St. George and Brian Head

Split up and traveling all night, but we finally made it to
Grandpa & Grandmas for Thanksgiving Vacation!

Kurt loves the camera:)

Park and Soccer Fields

Climbing up the back way to Grandpa & Grandma's Home

Thanksgiving delicious dinner & desserts all week

Boys first Snowboarding Experience at Brian Head

After 2 hours of lessons, they were pros!

Ski, swim, wrestle, play...all in one day!

Justin's first temple trip ~ St. George Temple

G & G took us to My All American - a fantastic movie!  

Then to The Habit for a yummy burger.

Of course we had games going all week.

So fun soaking in the sun and enjoying beautiful St. George.

Thanks Grandpa & Grandma for another fantastic vacation!

Curb Appeal

Latest project...next step dirt and flowers:)

Thankful

Countless things to be thankful for - we are so blessed!

Blue Angels

Blue Angels from our backyard - Awesome!

Trunk or Treat

 Fun Friends, Fun Games, Fun Night!

Witches Brew aka Homemade Root Beer

Love our neighborhood Halloween Party - incredible neighbors and friends!

We are notorious for rain/hail get-togethers, but thankfully we have a garage:)

We truly live in the best neighborhood/city in the world~

Happy Day J

 Our baby is 12!  Justin thought that since this was a "big" birthday,
dinner at Nikkos was a must.
The golf-cart will never be the same:)  May take some time for J to pass the Daddy golf-cart check ride.  This sweet boy thought for a long time of what he wanted for his birthday.  He told me there was nothing he needed... oh to be content...we love that!  J finally decided on a Halloween morph costume and Nick bought himself one too:)

On Sun, Oct 25, 2015 at 6:05 PM, wrote:
Dear Bam-Bum,
 Today was very special for me! I'll give you a hint, (Oct. 20th) Have you got it... I'll wait... Got it? Good! The answer is *Drum roll* ... I got the Aaronic priesthood! It was pretty cool! After I got ordained, I went to the fireside at the Bishop's house! He talked about the Law of Chasity. It taught me a lot. I hope you are teaching well! I can't wait to hear about it! I hope God is blessing you so dearly!I love you so much and can't wait for Christmas, so I get to call you! Can't wait!
 From: Justin ;^)

THAT´S AWESOME BUDDY!!!!! That is sweet!!! Listen to everything he says! haha. I can´t wait either buddy I hope you had a great birthday and all is going well!! I love you too Justin!! Sounds amazing :)

Backpacking

Jeff, Justin and the Scout Troop went on a map and compass backpacking trip.
Six miles, a snake, sunshine and super scouts made for a great time!

Randoms

Love our cute boys and the beauty of October~

Ribs:)

Smoked Baby Backs brought to you by "Grill Master J" AKA "Bar-B-Cutie"

Homecoming

Sally loves parades - she gets serious tender loving care for hours before! 

I think the van needs to be in a parade;)

Tri

Jeff has completed the PTC Sprint Tri since 2006 - Yea!!!

Our cute "Tri Buddy" Liz was there too.

Electronic Detective

One happy Jeffrey! He's been trying to find this game for years.

Anyone who wants to play, come reminisce with Jeff:)

Court of Honor

Scouting is pluggin along...Nick a palm, Justin his star rank and both a bunch of merit badges.  Jeff is a fantastic scoutmaster taking the boys on campouts most months, working on merit badges & life skills, and teaching them to be great leaders.

His motto - Be Prepared...Stay Prepared...Prepare Others.

Redman

Awesome class with my kick tail hiney friend Kimber!

HHI

Quick get-away with our Trusty friends!

Love beautiful Hilton Head Island

Love this...

I have been blessed with incredible friends! My sweet Jill gave me this beautiful Brandon necklace with the countries El Salvador and Belize where he's serving his mission. Such a thoughtful gift...everyone needs a Jill in their life~

Home on the Range

Awesome Date ~Thanks Babe!

Random Fun

Finished therapy puzzle (almost 3 month),  kept turtle alive in backyard for 30 days (completed mb), and fun with friends (a favorite thing to do).

Back to School

No more elementary - why does school start in the middle of summer:(

Tender Mercies

Brandon actually being gone has been tough. So thankful for the texts, emails, calls, gifts and love from family and friends to help us through this "miserable joy". We got an email from Brandon stating that he arrived in Guatemala safely and was doing great. 

 I didn't get in the shower until late this afternoon (it's been a long 24 hours), and these sweet notes were smiling at me from my Brandon. 

 More tears, thanks and prayers...how did we have the privilege of raising such an incredible young man?! We are beyond blessed~

All of Brandon's emails and pictures will be posted on his mission blog: http://brandonaustinmission.blogspot.com/

Adios Brandon

Today Brandon finished packing, ate a baconator and frosty from Wendy's, and took a quick nap before we headed off to the airport.  He is ready for his new adventure. We will miss him dearly, but are so proud of the choice he has made to serve the Lord as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  One of the thoughts that Brandon shared in his talk on Sunday, was that he was serving for 2 years so that families can be together for eternity - so true and so very grateful for our eternal family.

Adios our sweet Brandon ~ continue to do incredible things...

Elder Austin

Lunch at one of Brandon's favorite restaurants Smokey Bones

A sad but happy goodbye to Grandma & Grandpa...see you in 2 years

Grandma made a pillow case for all to sign - we will miss you Brandon!

President Haskin set Brandon apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  So thankful for him and the leadership he provides for our stake.