January 2025

Many family photos looked just like this for 2 years. It is my favorite when all 5 of us would get on together. Dakota got special permission to wake up early in Germany so we could do Family Home Evening. We would study gospel topics and scriptures. It was truly a blessing for our family.

Our sweet dog Aile. He brings so much joy to our family. It is hard to describe the pure love of a dog. My friend told me many times when the kids were young, "Every little boy needs a dog", I thought she was crazy, but now I see. Its true, they truly save us in so many ways with their never-ending kindness and excitement to see us.

Kiley took the kids skiing a few times this winter. It was very unfortunate that the lift was broken and it made it very hard to use up their season passes, but they were very happy when they could make it up to Nordic Valley.

Aile had his first birthday and I made him a Pup Cake. He wasn't sure what to think at first but really enjoyed it!

More Robotics. Cam and Logan really loved all their years doing robots.

As a relief society we went to the Family History center together. We learned so much and had a great time being together.

Mom wanted to go to the Hoff Germanfest in Ogden in honor of Dakota living in Germany. It was quite the cultural experience. The music was so loud, but it was still fun.

Cam's robotic supporters. He had quite the crowd this day and also won the design award too! They worked so hard on their notebook and the design of their robot and the hard work paid off.

Grandma Julie had her 70th Birthday and we had a fun get together with appetizers and a beautiful cake made by Marley. 

Dakota and his district out doing P-day things.

 Grandma Becky made these beautiful aprons for all the girls in the family for Mother's day. I love wearing mine when I cook.

December 2024

Dakota in Turkiye for Christmastime with his Companion Elder Levvitt

I opened the front door in early December and the door caught my toe and nearly ripped it right off. So off I went to the doctor where he proceeded to rip it off with pliers and I was charged for a surgery. No numbing just a yank and I got charged for a surgery. I now know to just do it myself. It actually grew back in very well so I was happy about that. 

Shane did his first sponsership and got put on the hoodie for Cam's Robotics club at the Weber Innovation Center. Fusion Craft Design is the name of his laser business that he creates all kinds of things out of wood, leather, and metal. 

We got to go on a fun vacation to Judd and Shalee's house in St George. We had a great time hanging out, going to the temple, eating at some delicious places, working out, and hot tubing.

Robotics season was in full swing. This tournament was at Cam's school Weber Innovation High School. He had tons of support at this one because it was so close to home. 

We showed up to the Facer family Piñata party and Grandma Julie had decided that everyone was too old for a piñata. Well Geana and Denim thought otherwise (tradition is important!!) and so we built on out of boxes and paper and sent Denim to the store to buy candy. It was fun and now we will build it every year!

Our friends and neighbors Jeff and Nikki Hill were in Germany picking up their son Jackson from his mission and very kindly took a package to Dakota for us and also took him and his companion out to lunch. It was such a fun piece of home in Germany.

Cam and Shelby wore these amazing onesies for some dress up day at school. Cams didn't fit so they bought it and immediately ruined it by cutting it to fit. 

Our Annual Shepard's dinner where we dress up like Shepard's and eat a dinner similar to what they would have eaten. We then watch a movie called "No ordinary shepherd" about Jesus.

Dakota's Christmas set up with his sheep and his stockings

Our three person Christmas. Things were for sure quieter this Christmas Morning, and I am sure we had to wake Cam up, but it was still beautiful and fun. Braxton and Elly came down mid afternoon and we made the rounds like we always do.

Christmas with Chef Dakota. That boy loves to cook and feed his friends.