Awww...

"Mom? What does 'peace and harmony' mean? ...Because Lufer Martin King wanted to learn 'bout that." --Jessie

Mike's Introductory Flight

Today, Mike took his introductory flight at the UVU flight school. He flew from Provo to Heber, on to Spanish Fork, then back to Provo. He's got the bug!

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve was full of excitement--a dinner date for Mike and I, New Year goal-setting, a fun party with family members, and--to top it off--a party planned completely by Jonathan. This is the first year the kids have had friends over for New Year's (or any other event this late!), and Jonathan did a great job. He really wanted to be home with us for midnight, so he planned the party (many days in advance), invited his best buddy and his grandma (and let Jen invite two of her best friends, too!), shopped for all the groceries, baked pound cake and cut fruit and made fondue for his chocolate fountain, set out all the dishes and needed goods, planned the entertainment, and had everything ready by the time Mike and I got home from our festivities. It was a great party. The food was fabulous, the company was delightful, and everyone had a wonderful time. Happy New Year, all!!!

Our Newest Family Member

We've missed our dearly departed Bob. He was with us for 2 years, and the kids have been asking for a new fish for quite some time. Santa was kind enough to bring a beautiful red beta to them for Christmas. They were thrilled! Cranberry stayed with us for 6 days, then quietly moved on to a better place. She was quickly replaced by a vivacious, spunky, young red beta who seems to be much healthier...

Meet CranBob:

Thanksgiving Photos Now In!

Just got some pics from our Thanksgiving trip. Here's the fam on Thanksgiving afternoon:

4 generations!

Jen and Haylie at the feast

The whole gathering

At the St. George Temple Lighting the next night

Cousin time--Jer and Dubbie doing physics experiments

The massage table

A "late-over" with the cousins

Jonathan's birthday dinner at Golden Corral

Dessert!

The featured breakfast at Jonathan's birthday-morning party

Care and I

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!!

A Very Happy New Year to All!

Christmas 2009

Last week was crazy--2 birthdays, a bridal shower, a dress rehearsal plus 3 Nutcracker performances, and a wedding! This week, we had a beautiful and calm, relaxing Christmas. It was perfect!

Christmas Eve brought the traditional Richards Family Christmas Revels. We all dressed in costume, and we feasted and entertained like there was no tomorrow! 'Twas a fantastic party. (Thanks Dale, Cynthia #1 (Mike's mom), and ALL involved!)





Christmas morning was magical. Santa managed to perfectly please all the kiddos. They thoroughly enjoyed their gifts all morning.

Waiting on the stairs to see if Santa came...

"Princess Barbies", as requested

Jonathan's Chocolate Fountain

Jen's new DS game: Imagine Designer: New York

Jer and his new erector set

Mid-afternoon, we went to visit Gram Cannon and celebrated the holiday there. Then we went home to prepare for the evening's Vance Family Soup Party (also relaxing and delicious!)
The Christmas celebrations were wonderful, the family and visiting even better, and the rememberance of Christ's birth the most wonderful of all!

(p.s. Jer's erector set--with motorized parts, I should add--is "The Gift that Keeps Giving"--here are his first THREE creations!)

Forklift

Helicopter

Robot (his very own design)