Christmas Traditions

The day after Thanksgiving my mother has all 21 grandkids come to her house to decorate the Christmas tree.  After they are done they all head upstairs to decorate gingerbread cookies.  This is a highlight for all the kids even the big kids think this is great.  Sugar overload is an understatement by the end of the decorating.  That evening around 10pm  the sisters the girls 12 and older head out to shop and will usually stay out until wee hours of the morning.  Even if you don't buy anything you still have a great time.  This year at the Parker Christmas party we decided to put items together for the House of Hope located in Provo instead of buying Christmas gifts for each other.  What a rewarding experience it was for all the family to help with such an awesome project.  Thanks to all my family members for making it a success.  

On Friday night we headed up to Zoo lights it was very cold, but we had so much fun.  My parents went and we met my sister and her family there.   I think this could become a tradition to try and do every year.
We had the Scott family Christmas party today.  I love going because there are some family members that I only see once a year.  Tyler was so excited to sit on Santa's lap he told him all he wanted for Christmas was more hugs from his Grandma.  The little kids thought he was so funny.  You can never be to old to sit on Santa's lap.

On Halloween we were so lucky to have a visit from Hannah Montana and her biggest fan.  Can you guess which Doctor is that I work with ?I am so lucky to work with such a great group of people at Utah Valley Pediatrics.  Shaylee, Polly and I decided to go all out and dress as M&M's the kids loved it.  I am still silently laughing about the lunch visitor.

Jimmy Buffett or BUST

yThis is the extent of our dressing up 2 beautiful lays.  We missed you Marq and Sarah, but Jimmy will be back next year and I am looking forward to a fun weekend again with you then.

Very friendly he/she they were the hit of the pre-party and I am sure the post party also
Three grown men in there 50 dressed as blonde beach babes funniest thing I have ever seen I asked one of them for a picture and got the biggest hug of my life from him

Party held at Margaritaville  starts at 11 am the day of the concert and people will hang out the entire day then attend the concert that night 

Joe in the lobby of the MGM  
On Friday we drove out to Hoover Dam its amazing to see.

This past weekend Joe and I were able to attend the Jimmy Buffett concert in Las Vegas.  Originally Mark and Sarah were on board to go with us, but certain events took place in there lives and they were unable to go.  We missed them terribly, but Jimmy puts on an amazing and fun show and its always fun to attend.  They host a pre-party where all the "parott heads" dress up come enjoy food and fun and drinking.  By the concert everybody is very happy and it turns into a giant sing along with Jimmy.  Here are a few photos from the weekend.

Proud Parent Moments

One step closer to getting her license Candace took her written final today with the state and PASSED!  She has been studying so hard for the past few days she was told by several friends its hard and you really have to know your stuff.  Joe and I are so proud of her for passing on the first try.  She will take her practical on the 16th in St. George once she passes that she can apply for a job, until then she is still working at Parkers and will tend for any of the neighbors. 

Tyler was in his first choir concert for the year.  Miss Warby is an amazing choir teacher the kids love her and she loves teaching you can tell she loves what she does.  It also helps that she is a member of the Tabernacle Choir or as the high school kids say Motab Choir.  Yes he can sing even though you never see him sing in sacrament meeting.  I am so proud of my kids its so much fun being a mom.  All  the sleepless nights when they were little are soon forgotten and now we have sleepless nights waiting for them to come home from dates.  I treasure every moment with them, because they will soon be gone and starting there own lives and families.

Once a month I get the opportunity to spend some time with some very special women in my life.  Yes you guessed it Bunco.  This group of friends have been getting together for over 10 years.  They are the best friends anyone could ever ask to associate with.  We have been through tough teenage years with our children the joys of marriage of children and have recently been through some very hard deaths of family members.  I know that I could call on anyone at any time for help or support.  I am so grateful to have such great friends and sisters.

2000 hours and finally graduated

Candace finished hair school today and she is ready for the next adventure in life THE REAL WORLD!  Joe and I are so proud of her and what she has accomplished in the past year.  Her goal was to finish under her 1 year mark she made it by the skin of her teeth.  We wish her the best of luck with taking her state boards.  CONGRATULATIONS WE LOVE YOU

Kayla always had a comb or brush in her hand wanting to do everyones hair.  Watch out Candace you may have some family competition.  Kayla loves hanging out with her older cousin
Uncle Brent heading out on a dangerous snorkeling adventure hopefully he will return safely 
Grandpa Bob with a mow hawk after taking all the grandkids in for ice cream.  The kids love  their Grandpa and Grandma Thanks for  a wonderful trip
This past weekend we headed down to Mesquite for our annual show at the Touchan we went to see Big River it was a wonderful production.  So far I have never been disappointed with any of the shows that I have seen.  Its always fun getting together with Joe's  family we have made so many memories that I hope the kids will never forget.  Most of the day was spent hanging out at the pool and relaxing.  Joe made sure that anyone that was dry was thrown into the pool to cool off he is always  thinking of others.  I am sure his sisters really appreciate him picking them up and tossing them into the water.  We enjoy spending time with family and hope to continue the fun trips and memories for years to come.