Jones Thanksmas Gathering

We hosted our 2nd biennial (yes, that's really a word - I looked it up - for anyone who doesn't know - it means every other year.) Jones Thanksmas gathering the second weekend in December. We had a wonderful time together. It was pretty crazy timing, because we did the Monday night all-night flight home from Hawaii, got home Tuesday at noon and had family showing up 24 hours later. There was a bumper crop in the Jones family this year - 4 new babies so there were 25 of us this time. Although Mike and I didn't get much time to talk and it was pretty crazy, we loved having everyone here!




It wouldn't be a Jones gathering without game nights (after the kiddos were in bed, of course)




Grandpa's traditional "Rolly Pancakes" aka swedish pancakes - again it wouldn't be a real gathering without these!



We borrowed a Wii and had a lot of fun playing it until all hours of the night. We have some great facial expression pictures, but to protect the innocent (Mom...), I won't post them.




Alan brought his handcuffs and the "out-laws" ganged up on Jason to cuff him. Jason's a fighter though and I am not sure they were completely successful. Boys and their idea of "fun"!



Katy and I had a different idea of fun - making bows - because no baby girl can have too many bows!



Katy has made/collected costumes for the live nativity for the kids. And it is definately "live". Hopefully a fun ongoing tradition/memory for everyone.




Traditions are a wonderful thing! We started making these Christmas trains with our dear friends the Gwynns back when I was in middle school and we have continued it almost every year since. This year we had the most creative/unique trains. And we had a great time making them. Usually, we enjoy eating them too, but with so many little hands touching all the candy, and the sicknesses we spread around - the garbage got to enjoy them instead. This train was created by Whitney, Bridger and Grandpa and won the "most candies used" award.




The candy train and the Polar Express train (made by Katy and directed by Kennin and Cahlin) - I am not sure they helped much, they mostly ate candies. How can you resist?




The minature train. Created by Alan, Melinda and me. We couldn't recruit any kids and actually, I think Alan ended up doing most of the work because Melinda and I had to be in and out taking care of munchkins. But the tunnel was my idea - executed beautifully by Alan's master engineering skills.




Kenna, Bekah, Kevin and Lynette made this tropical train. You can't really see it, but they have a lake with fish and sharks and even a little palm tree.




Dale, Emmalee and Caloway made this last masterpiece. Like I said - we didn't eat any of them, although I am SURE no one licked their fingers.


Another of our favorite family traditions is singing together, although I don't have a picture of us all singing. Our ward needed a musical number so we whipped up a really neat Craig Petrie arrangment of Silent Night. I must say - our family has a pretty impressive men's section!




We were able to bless Brynlee over the weekend. It was a big weekend of meeting people for our little Brynlee. Uncle Jonathan came from Colorado. We were so glad he was able to make it.




Jenna and her family also came up - it was great to be able to be surrounded with so much family! We have such a loving and supportive family!




Aunt Nette met Bryn for the first time too. She is using her magic touch and song to lull our little angel to sleep.




Jake was acutally reading this book to Bryn - can you even believe it? He's a smarty.

Last Minute Hawaii Trip

We got home from Thanksgiving on Sunday evening. Monday night (Dec 1) BYU Hawaii called and wanted us to come out for an interview that Thursday, so we had 2 days to pack and make plans for Whitney and Kenna. Our trip was anything but relaxing and hanging out on the beach. But it wasn't intended to be a vacation. Mike met with about everyone on campus - he spent most of his time there. We have a family from our ward in Idaho that took a job there 2 1/2 years ago, so I got to spend time with them and learn about how it was to live in Hawaii while Mike was interviewing. We were able to spend some time at some campus events and that was neat. There is a great spirit on campus - it reminded me of the spirit at Ricks. We also got to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center and that was incredible! We spent from about 1-9:30 there and still only saw about half. The night show was amazing! I am sure we will go back again.

Our friends took me past several beaches. One of them was Shark's Cove - I am excited to snorkel there. I have only been snorkeling once and didn't go long enough to really get the hang of it. Believe it or not - you shouldn't be able to breathe under the water - I had a hard time convincing myself that I actually could. Apparently my middle name isn't Ariel. I didn't even get to enjoy the sting rays much because I was having such a hard time with the breathing, so I am excited to try again.

We did the night flight home on Monday and got home Tues at noon. My family started showing up 24 hours later (all 25 of them) and then we had company until Monday at noon. That doesn't lend well to being able to talk to Mike much and make a major life decision. Then less than a week after they left we headed to Washington for Christmas. See why I haven't posted?!

My lei was so fragrant - the next day when I was straightening my hair, I could still smell the flowers. (By the way - I might as well kiss straight hair goodbye! Humidity and my hair being straight doesn't happen.)

Eating our $7 salad at our condo at Turtle Bay.



The Polynesian Cultural Center

No I didn't have an accident - Brynlee did. It just happened to be in a rather unfortunate spot. Believe it or not - the extra outfit I packed for Bryn wouldn't fit me. An extra one for me doesn't quite fit in the diaper bag. Luckily it was warm and dried fast.

She thought it was pretty funny. It's a good thing she's cute!!!

The Laie Temple. Unfortunately, it is closed for 18 months for renovation. But we will get to be a part of the open house and rededication, which will be neat and Whitney will be old enough to participate.

No time to edit me out - but I thought that this would look cute.

Putting up Christmas

We only took two pictures of decorating the tree and the other one didn't really turn out. They are in their lovely dance attire - don't worry - they don't go out of the house like that. Grandma and Grandpa Bowman have given us Christmas ornaments most of the years since well before I was married. The girls love to go through the ornaments and find the ones that are theirs. They are extra special because Grandma has hand written the names and years. They will be cherished forever. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

Thanksgiving in Montana

We made Brynlee's longest trip and first time out of the state for Thanksgiving in Montana. She is a great traveler. And so are Whitney and Kenna. We are spoiled parents. I love having a holiday specific for remembering our many blessings. And they truly are many! We were the only ones at Grandma and Grandpa's house so we got to have our "only us" trip after all. It was very laid back and relaxing - just the way I like it.

Sorry about the bad lighting - but we had a yummy feast!

These two are the best of friends! This is a completly unposed picture. I know - hard to believe that my girls weren't posing, but I loved to see them all snuggled up and just giggling hysterically. When I see them like this and laughing together it is payday!



Playtime with Grandpa



Brynlee wore him out! "Grandpa . . . Grandpa . . .Grandpa?"

And Grandma too.

Looking at Grandma's amazing scrapbook

We went for two hikes - one Friday and one Saturday. Heavenly Father has sure blessed us with a beautiful world! This is at the top of the "M". I hadn't ever hiked it before - it sure has a gorgeous view.

Mike carried Brynlee in our little kangaroo pouch and she just slept. I love this outfit - notice how I matched up the stripes.

What's a family get together without some games? Mike didn't tell me he was taking this picture - can you tell I was getting beat?!

Princess Brynlee

"Don't look at me - I didn't do it!"

"Now seriously, Mom. Do you have to take pictures of me in the tub? A girl can't get any privacy around here."

"Put me in, Coach!" Yes those are real pockets.

"I'd give her a ha and a hi-yah . . ."
(Name that movie!!)

Santa

We went to the Festival of Trees this year to watch the Desmond girls (All 4) do their clogging performances. They all did great - it is fun to live close so we can go to things like this. There was a Santa there and Brynlee got to meet him. It made for a cute picture.

This would have been this year's Christmas card, but cards didn't happen yet again this year. So this will have to do. Maybe I will send Valentine or Easter cards instead.

Proof

This is proof that you CAN have a picnic in November in Idaho. (November 8th to be exact). Notice Whitney isn't even wearing a coat. We didn't even see one flurry of snow the entire month of November. It has been a gorgeous fall.

I had to take this picture of our little pear trees. They blossomed this spring and then were beautiful this fall! They were two of the last trees in the neighborhood to loose their leaves. I can't believe how much they have grown this year! I LOVE the fall!!!

More Halloween Pictures

Here are some more Halloween pictures - I got after my friend for not posting any pictures of her on her blog and I don't want to be guilty of that - so here is one of me and Bryn.

We had to get Brynlee and Cooper in their outfits together - don't they make a cute couple? They are almost the same size now. It took him a little bit, but he has caught up.

Brynlee and Brody. One of my Young Womens' leaders, Arianne, stopped by when they were in town. Brody is her grandson. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures with the two of us. It was great to see Arianne and her family and meet Brody - thanks for taking time to come see us!

Beautiful Brynlee. Arianne took this picture of Bryn to give to Mike's Mom since she hasn't been able to meet her yet. (Jessie and Arianne are in the same ward.)