familiar territory

I am starting to notice that I am in familiar territory now.  I have a hard time with change and I like security, so this is a good thing. I remember of going to the Aberdeen tournament with Aubrey last year.  We got first place again this year. 

Dad wanted tacos and carrot cake for his birthday.  We managed to celebrate between sports practices and Kendal's work schedule.
Uncle Barry and A. Laurie made the day very special by taking Dad and I to lunch.  They were on their way to Logan to visit Brannon and his family.  

bangs

Each of our four daughters has wanted bangs at some point or other.  Marci got her bangs at the end of the summer.  Yesterday, Aubrey asked me how I felt about her getting some bangs cut.  I had a hair trim appointment for her and luckily their was enough time scheduled to cut the bangs.  Sarah, the stylist, told me Aubrey's hair is so thick that if they needed some help, to feel free to bring Aubrey in anytime. 

I told Aubrey that I was not against her having some bangs, but that she was in charge of making the appointments to keep the bangs out of her eyes and I did not want to discover she was taking more time getting ready for the day.

I can barely keep up with the regular trims and cuts. It is not that I am terribly forgetful.  The kids are so busy that it is a challenge to find a time that will work.  I am also spoiled by the "no appointment necessary" from years passed.  Here in Malad  you have to make an appointment and it will usually be a week away. 

Aubrey's basketball

The cool thing about this years "traveling basketball" team is that Kendal is the assistant coach.  Chris Hawkes, the coach , has a job that prevents him from being at some of the games.  Coach Hawkes runs the snow plows.  The games are on Saturdays and the girls usually play at least 3 games.

Time out instructions.

Resting between games and eating fishy crackers. 

Coach Hawkes is VERY SERIOUS  about basketball. 

I finally remembered to take a video during the third game.  The girls were quite tired.  They won the first and third games very easily.  The second was a very good, high energy games.  We lost by 2 points.

Dad skiing

Finally !  Dad went skiing after about 25 years.  The last time he went skiing, he went night skiing ( because it was cheaper) with his friend Jeff Jensen,  when we lived in Boise.Courtney was a baby.  We eventually gave away all his skiing gear.  Dad said the new skis are parabolic shaped and very nice. 

Marci, Caleb, Aubrey, Kendal and Dad.

Putting on the snowboards.

Dads all done.  I had to help him take off his boots, he was so tired. 

snowboarding

Almost ready, after renting boots and snowboards and acquiring the lift pass.  It was cold, 8 degrees.  The "run" that all four went down all day was in the sun.  Skiers coming from the harder runs said the windshield factor was -18 degrees.  Some men had frost on their facial hair.  We had to go this day because it was the only day Kendal and Aubrey could go with Marci.  Aubrey was a lot of help and Mechelle had been skiing but not snowboarding.

Mechelle, Kendal, Aubrey and Marci ready to start.

Kendal's boots were very colorful.

Kendal was off, Aubrey was well on her way, Mechelle was figuring things out carefully and Marci was trying to get up.  It is not possible to just be standing still on a snowboard for very long.  I did not see, even the best do that.

This is so hard!

Kendal and Mechelle on the lift.

Marci and Aubrey on the lift.

more snow

Some hungry birds stopped by for a meal, eating berries from a tree in the front yard.

This planter will be blooming with petunias in the summer--but for now it is a good snow holder.
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I can see this yard chime from the kitchen window.  It is a good way to know how much snow is accumulating.

This is the little yard chime that Bracken liked to play with.

I don't know if this is a bird bath or a water feature thing, but it is a yard ornament.

This is probably not a good shot, but the icicles can go in a retarded direction sometimes.

Dec. 25th

Dec. 23rd. Kendal was off to the high school Christmas dance.  The dance was girls choice, so Mechelle asked Kendal and Whitney asked Skyler.  They had dinner at a house with another couple, went to the dance and then played games until 12:30.  Kendal was home at 12:31--good boy !

Christmas morning.

The kids got goggles because we are going snow boarding  at Pebble Creek Friday morning, New Years Eve day.  I will drive and get comfy in the lodge, while Aubrey helps Kendal and Marci get started.