Happy Valentines Day

Several years ago we started a tradition for Valentines day. The weekend before the big day, Jon and I go out on our Valentines date. This year we went to Stockmans (yum!) and then to a movie. On the actual day of Valentines I usually plan a nice dinner that we share with the kids. We actually use the china and the stemware, light candles, sparkling cider, and everything. It is the one time of the year that everyone tries really hard to use their best manners. The kids are even especially appreciative of dinner, especially since I try and make something that everyone likes. No one wants to see their 9 year old gagging at a formal dinner. We always get everyone a special treat and then a small gift for everyone. The kids remind us every year when Valentines day is coming up so we have plenty of time to prepare for the big event.
Since having my thyroid out 4 years ago I have struggled to maintain a regular body temperature so this year my Valentine gave me a zebra striped snuggy! How how delightful to not be quite so cold while reading. BLISS! Jon got a gift too however, it's best not to post photos on a family blog (wink, wink :)

Chocolalala

It has become a holiday tradition for the Sullivans, Jensens, Chases, Pearsons, and us to get together and make hand dipped chocolates. Every year we think, "next year we should..." but then we don't write it down and by the time the next year rolls around, we can't remember what we said. We still managed to go through 24 pounds of chocolates, dipping everything from pretzels to oreos to carmels and nuts. We then make gift boxes to give to neighbors and friends. It is always a huge mess but ohhh so fun. Everyone really looks forward to it, including the kids.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pumpkin carving extravaganza!

What a fun evening! The Pearson, Sullivan, Johnston, Moss/Chase, and Jensen's got together to carve pumpkins. Everyone got involved. Some pretty impressive creations if you ask me!

What? A new post? Are you serious?

So, I guess there are some faithful followers still checking us out so this is for all of our 2 fans! Thanks for keeping up!

The only thing I can claim for not keeping up is how crazy life has been, but I'm just guessing that I'm preaching to the choir on that one! I really was hoping that things would slow down once the kids got back into school. What was I thinking? So here are some photos of us, just in case you don't recognize us any more.

Girls at day camp

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Pearson Family reunion

Our last big party before school started was the Pearson Family reunion in Utah. We started out in Tremonton at Paul and Ramona's house who, by the way, are fabulous hosts. We went swimming, ate snow cones, had a BBQ. Some of Aunt Anna and Uncle Harold's bunch came up and ate and played games with us. The next day we went to the Hill Air Force Base Museum. That was great fun seeing all of those cool planes. Ramona and her girls had made orange t-shirts for the kids. When we saw orange, we knew we had spotted one of the kids. It was really handy. After that we had a picnic then headed to Heber Valley Girls camp for the big Pearson Reunion. What fun that was!! The Robert Pearson family was the host and they did a great job. We had lots of yummy food, played fun games, paddled around Legacy Lake, and of course visited a lot. We had about 105 family there and that isn't even 1/2 of us. Of course we missed all of our loved ones that couldn't make it but we really had a great time. Can't wait for the next one in 2 years!!!!

We are still here

Yes we are still here. This summer has been quick and kind of busy. We started out the summer with not much planned but it seemed that we were busy enough. So now I will try and catch up on my blog with new photos of the Pearson family reunion and back to school. I know all 4 of you that read this blog are eagerly waiting. Stay tuned.......