January Happenings!

Jacob and Lily celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up to be 100 years old!

The McClellans enjoyed some snow just in time for Camille's birthday

 Eating a bowl of snow!

 Camille took ice cream cone cakes to her class:

She was excited to turn 9 years old!

Joshua went to the temple for the very first time!

Hannah got to go too!

Afterwards: the temple glow!

Meanwhile back at home...

The Melanchuks made a trip to the Ponce de Leon lighthouse:

Everyone one in the family made it up the 203 steps to the top!

Meanwhile we are almost finished with this 1,000 piece puzzle!

A Little Surprise in January!

When I was shopping for some Christmas gifts for friends in December, I came across this bulb wrapped in wax.  It looked intriguing.

No need to water or do any special care; just leave it out and wait.

Not trusting to give it to someone and then having nothing happen, 

I kept it for myself!

After all of the waiting,

I have been pleasantly surprised with my Amaryllis!

 It has been beautiful and brings me joy on some dreary January days.

 You may be getting one of these next year!

Happy New Year!

The Perrys celebrating the new year:

The Melanchuks celebrating:

Sunday night meeting for the girls:

Preparing dinner at home by the boys!

Joshua just turned 11 a few weeks ago.  On Sunday he was ordained a Deacon!

Julia celebrated her 20th birthday in the Philippines!

Daniel celebrated his 10th birthday!

 The new year is off to a good start!

Christmas Day!

We had a very pleasant Christmas day.

We heard about the phone call with Julia!

Hannah made us a CD of her playing some Christmas songs on the piano.

She also designed this CD cover.

We got a new puzzle!

We heard about the Melanchuk's Shepherd's supper among the calves.

And we talked to them about what they all got for Christmas.
We also talked to other family members.

The McClellan girls!

Bethany and Aubrey celebrate Christmas in Canada!

A few days later at Lake Louise.

The Perrys came over and each brought two of their favorite gifts.

Lily liked her makeup set!

I got everything I wanted for Christmas!  I told Dan I wanted a back scratcher for when he wasn't available and a few gift cards--his choice.  

Voila!

We had a nice roast beef dinner with temple favors at each place.

Ice cream snowballs to decorate for dessert!

Merry Christmas 2018!

Christmas Eve, Part 2!

We played the chimes!

Had our Shepherd's Supper:

Read the Christmas story from the scriptures and sang Christmas carols:

Enjoyed turning out the lights and feeling excited!

And now it's time for...

(Jacob drew this picture for us!)