Greetings! Here are some highlights from our year. It has been a year with ups and downs... mostly ups!
In April we had a day of destruction in our county as a historical 5 tornados touched down in our county. Our family didn't have any damage but many many did. There were hours and hours of service provided.
In the Spring our property explodes with wild flowers. Jonathan and Christopher are checking them out.
Sarah joined the family at the end of June. She has been a very easy going baby and a joyful addition.
Sarah in her blessing dress.
Family from both sides of the family gathered for her blessing. On our side in addition to Jason's family - Brian and Aimee, Scott and myself and Laura and the rest of the Fisher family.
We did a huge garden this year. Fun to plan and plant ... no fun to weed and maintain.
It is official ... we are part farmer!
In spring and summer we have enjoyed sitting on the deck in the evening and watching our hummingbird come to the feeder within a foot of us.
Not wanting to heat up the house ... It has been so fun to use this sun oven to cook with. Leighann talked me into it and I LOVE it. here a cake is baking. We have cooked spinach casserole, desserts , rolls, ...anything you would put in an oven. It is great!
In July the Fisher Family came for a visit. The cousins loved being together. We had a ton of fun. In addition to the Fisher family coming we were thrilled to have Scott's sister Donna come. It was a wonderful family gathering with lots of memories being recalled and new ones being made.
Jonathan's first day of school. Turns out he LOVES school!
In April and October we have the opportunity of watching a conference from our church headquarters. We all (including the kids) love conference weekend.
This is Sarah enjoying a beautiful fall day! We had the perfect day to cruise down the Tennessee river and enjoy the fall colors.
Jason and Jonathan enjoying being together on the fall tour.
When cooler fall weather came we started having Sunday evening "firesides". They were very fun as we roasted hotdogs and marshmallows and enjoyed the fire.
We took turns presenting a lesson after we were done eating. Here Jason is presenting a lesson.
Before we knew it Thanksgiving was here.
We had two choices for Turkey. This turkey came off the big green egg smoker and was delicious. We put a turkey breast in the oven as well and that one was out of this world!
Christmas time brings a fun ride on the Polar Express to the north pole of course! Our story teller brought a look of "are you kidding me?" from Sarah.
Apparently Santa was fine. I don't think story teller lady could have held Sarah. She clearly had a look of mistrust to her.
Cute picture of the Silvenis kids with Santa and Aimee looking on.
Scott took hundreds of pictures of the Nut Cracker performance with Leighann and her family as participants. This is Clarissa as a mouse.
I wondered if Alex has ever heard of gravity! He sure has a high jump!
MaKenna looks beautiful!
Leighann and Brad are in the background and Alex has the drum.
Jessica is quite the dancer. She and Alex are in the professional production of the Nut Cracker put on by Ballet West.
The Gilson family in costume.
Annika Gilson.
It was a fun weekend!
Some other highlights of the year.... Brian and Aimee moved here in May. We have loved having them live close. Aimee was put to work at church right away as the pianist for the ward and for the Relief Society. Soon after that Brian was made a high priest and put into the Bishopric. Aimee was then released as the Relief Society pianist and called into the Young Women's presidency! In November our Bishop was put in as our Stake President and Brian was then called as our new Bishop. Jason was then made a high priest and put in as a counselor in the Bishopric. Scott is now serving on the High Council and I am still serving as a Stake Welfare Specialist over Emergency Communication. Maria is serving as the music leader in Primary for the children. Leighann is the emergency preparedness person in her ward. She had quite the successful drill which helped people know what they need to do in the event of a community emergency. She has lots of great creative ideas! Laura is the Stake Young Women's camp director and did a wonderful camp for the Young Women in her area this summer. She continues with her Say it on the wall business which she enjoys.
Life is busy and crazy at times but a wonderful blend of experiences which enrich our days and bring happiness. We wish you all a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous new year.
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