Random November

Annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge.   I only had Julian this year because the boys were away at Camp Aaron for the weekend.  They were pretty upset about missing out on Great Wolf Lodge but I have to admit it was kind of fun just having Julian and his cute friend Nathan to look after:)

Julian and Nathan excited for a fun weekend at Great Wolf Lodge

We try to get out as a family and at least go for a small walk on Sunday.  Even if it's raining!

Peter killed 3 birds in 2 weeks so we made her wear this collar that is supposed to help birds see cats. It worked great and she didn't kill any birds while she was wearing the collar but it turns out she was allergic to the material so we had to take it off.  She was our little "clown kitty" for a few weeks:)  As you can see from the photo...she hated it!

Hyrum turned 42 on November 20th!  I made the cake and Julian helped me decorate it with blueberries

Jacob and Oma Durtschi came to Oregon for a Thanksgiving visit.  We all went to Portland to see a play (A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote) and then to Salt and Straw for an ice cream treat

Katrina and I getting into the holiday spirit!

I always love getting my nativities set up for Christmas.  This was one of my new ones that I picked up in China.

Thanksgiving

Our family once again spent the Thanksgiving holiday up on Mt. Hood.  This has become such a fun tradition.  It's nice to stay in the same condo, the boys love the outdoor pools and we can almost always count on at least a bit of snow to play in.  This year there was no snow at the condo but we went up to Timberline Lodge and found some icy snow to walk around in.  Mostly, it's just a very relaxing, family centered few days and I love it!

The holiday feast!

Snow!  Up at Timberline Lodge

We lucked out with a beautiful, sunny day!

Family selfie...poor Julian had the sun in his eyes:)

Trip to Utah

I got to spend a few days hanging out in Utah with my host Mum and Dad from Australia.  I love that they come to the States almost every year and I really love that I can hop down to Utah for a few days to play with them.  My host parents were so kind to me when I lived with them.  I have great memories of my time in Australia and I'm so glad I get to stay connected with these wonderful people:)

Helen and I spent a day walking around Park City.  It was a wonderfully sunny day!  We loved wandering around all the cute little shops.

We met up with Oma and Andrea Merrill for some yummy lunch and then we looked around the new Provo Temple.

All my dreams came true!  You can buy REAL caffeinated Coke on BYU campus!  Back when I was a student you could only get Caffeine free coke products:)  These new students don't know how good they have it!

Helen, Ron and 2 of their granddaughters, Kirra and Sydney.  We took a ride on the Heber Creeper railroad.  I had never taken this train before and it was kind of fun:)

Me and my host Dad...love this guy!

We spent Sunday morning in the Salt Lake City Tabernacle for a taping of "Music and the Spoken Word"  It was lovely to see the choir and orchestra live.

Walking around Temple Square.  My host parents were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple

I'm not a huge fan of Utah but I really have to admit...it sure is beautiful!

It was too short of a visit but I had so much fun.  I love my host family!