Sunday, January 9, 2011

England

The first day and a half were really spent trying to adjust to the time change. On our second night there, all of the kids woke up at 2 am and were wide awake for at least a couple of hours. Recovering from our travel was my challenge! The girls did manage to help grandma trim the tree and put up Christmas decorations. We went to a traditional English carvery for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, which was really neat (although I don't have any pictures because the airline lost my baggage...which contained my camera!)
Friday~Warwick Castle
Top left- We learned that Rian, as a female redhead, would have been quite the sought after young lady back in the day. Apparently, her urine was considered to be able to cure disease! Bottom right- Jack, worn out after such a big day. After all...he was crowned "Knight of Warwick Castle"!
Saturday~Dad got tickets to the Aston Villa vs Arsenal soccer game for us...what an experience! We had amazing seats, and although it was freezing out, it is still a memory that will last a lifetime (especially for Dave!).
After the game, we took the train to New Street where we met the rest of the crowd (grandma was kind enough to keep Jack and Rian so that I could go to the game also) for footlong German sausages, one of papa's favorites!
Sunday~After attending a stake conference where mom and dad spoke, we headed to Wales with stops at historical church sites on the way. Above, Benbow Pond where Wilford Woodruff baptized some 1600 saints.
Monday~ Cardiff, Wales for shopping, a street carnival, and a stop at an arcade.
Above- the view from our hotel room.
Tuesday~Travel home from Wales with a stop at St. Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life.
SO MUCH SNOW!!!
Christmas in England.
Wednesday~ Transfers...a very special day for us. It was so neat to be able to meet so many of the missionaries and really see mom and dad in action! Dakota and Rian even got to stand on the Rameumptom and get the customary EBM introduction.

Plenty of Fish-n-Chips!
Thursday~Trip to a Star City Mall for Mini Golf and a super yummy lunch (the only restaraunt that we visited with a soda and ice dispenser...heaven!)

New Street Shopping Center to watch some of the missionaries carol with the young single adults.
Cookies and Crackers!

Unfortunately, our amazing adventure had to come to an end. We are so grateful to have had the chance to go to this gorgeous place, to see some beautiful sites, and most importantly to spend some precious time with grandma and papa!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful job!


"BodyPump"



"BodyStep"




I feel especially lucky that this job has introduced me to 3 girls that have now become some of my closest friends! This picture was taken on the day we rolled out BodyStep 80...dressed in theme! (Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of "BodyAttack", which is my favorite program to teach!)

(Stacy, Kelly, me and Alejandra)

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Halloween 2010

This Halloween book is Jack's first choice every night this time of year. Here is how he explains this particular page...

The purple monster is mommy, scaring the cute little girl, who is Rian. The wolf is Dakota, who is comforting Jack. Jack is crying because he dropped his lollipop into the bush.

Should I worry that he immediately sees me as the big fat monster???


Dakota got the chance to haunt at Fear Farm again this year with her friend, Willow. I could hardly look at her with this super creepy make-up on!

Pumpkin Patch


Carving Pumpkins...



Jack (Luigi), Rian (Vampiress), Dakota (Sorceress)


The kids made some friends while trick or treating near grandma & papa C's house...




All the Cameron and Shepherd children (+1) at the Trunk or Treat.



Dakota & Rian trick-or-treating...


Our favorite Halloween tradition...MONKEY MAN!!!

Once again it was Jack's year. Much to Jacy's pleasure, Bailee and Kendall did join in his terror!
Until next year Monkey Man!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Happy Birthday Auntie Bree!


Happy Birthday to my amazingly brilliant, bonkers talented, crazy sweet, and absolutely beautiful baby sister! I love you!!!


"I love Aunt Bree because she read me and Cameron stories before we went to bed in Washington! Happy Birthday Aunt Bree!" -Rian


"I love Aunt Bree because she inspires me to write just like her! Happy, happy birthday Aunt Bree! I hope you have a great day." -Dakota

Monday, October 4, 2010

Happy Birthday Papa!

Happy Birthday Dad/Papa!

Take 1...

Take 2......

Take 3...

Take 4...

Take 5...

Finally!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Our Stars...and Jack!

Ok, ok...so the title is a little bit mean, but read the entire post before you judge!

Yesterday all of the parents were invited to Ms Neal's 3rd grade class to listen to the children's recently published stories. Rian wrote such a cute story and read it proudly out loud to the group. Looks like she might take after her brilliant Aunt Bree! Afterwards, there were treats for all.


No shocker here...Dakota was named Student of the Month for September. This officially means that every year (besides 2nd when she attended a different school) she has received this honor either the 1st or 2nd month of the school year. The students have a reward/punishment system in their class where they have to write Mr. Schooley a check out of their fake bank account for misbehaving. Dakota's goal is to not have to write a single check the whole year. I know she can do it. However, they have to write one if their parent doesn't sign the agenda every night...that's alot of pressure on me!!!


Oh Jack...sigh. My son came up to my room the other day COVERED in YOGURT!!! What would possess a child to do such a thing? I don't know. But, he was super excited about it. I guess that's what I get for ignoring the fact that it was dead silent downstairs, so that I could have some quiet time. Which, by the way, was totally worth it!