It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The popular song has it right: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Here’s why it was so for our family:

•   Kadence and I went on a daddy/daughter date to the Forgotten Carols.      
•  Elizabeth and I went on a husband/wife date to BYU’s Christmas Around the World dance concert.
• We made it to the BYU Christmas party, complete with crafts, games, music, etc.
• We attended tithing settlement, as well as the baptism of an eight-year old I home teach.
• Our wonderful neighbors had us over for a delightful Souper Christmas party. Our gingerbread house stood up the whole season for us…a rarity!
• The First Presidency Christmas devotional was marvelous.
•  My birthday was special, thanks to Elizabeth and the kids, as well as messages and well wishes from many loved ones.
• We thoroughly enjoyed the high priests group leadership Christmas dinner.
• ·         I attended the Telefund Christmas banquet and the LDS Philanthropies Christmas social.
• ·         Darrell and Tanya has us all over for our monthly gathering.
• ·         Elayna and Aubrey were beautiful ballerinas in the Nutcracker, which had our girls mesmerized.
• ·         Kadence did a stellar job in her kindergarten Christmas program.

• ·         On a very, very cold day, we went to the Dicken’s Festival (at the Utah State Fairgrounds) and the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. It took us a day to thaw. 
• ·         We had fun sending/delivering and receiving Christmas cards and neighborhood treats.
• ·         We visited the Bean Museum’s exotic nativity.
• ·         The Festival of Lights in Spanish Fork was the best one yet.
• ·         We loved having Elizabeth’s sister, Denise, stay with us for Christmas. She regaled the girls with stories, played games, etc. Thanks for coming out Denise!
• ·         Christmas Eve was a delight as we had lots of family and friends over for dinner, stories, and our reenactment of the nativity. Adorable kids!
• 
  
• ·         Christmas day was magical, as all things are through children’s eyes. Santa and the parental treated the children well. The girls sang in the sacrament meeting program (tri-ward).
• ·         We also had Mom and Dad Torgesen and Elizabeth’s sister Andrea stay with us. Elizabeth’s cousin’s husband unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. The funeral was very powerful and spiritual.
• ·         We prepared to usher in 2012 (which officially will have to wait until next month).

                                            Christmas morning, before coming down the stairs.

Stockton has had an up and down month—lots of falls, bonks, bruises, and sickness (flu, fever, cough). He is still very much a daddy’s boy, which I love. He is one verbose little boy, learning new phrases each day. Tayah had another great month at preschool and will miss her Sunbeams teachers. She had a fun Christmas party at school, as did Kadence. We enjoyed several days off, listening to the music of the season, watching every Christmas movie imaginable, going shopping, out to eat, and so forth. Most of all, as a family, we felt the love of our Savior. What a remarkable season this is. 

Smith Family Christmas Letter 2011

2011 Smith Family Awareness Exam (SFAE) 2.0

The SFAE was introduced in 2008 as a way of testing their loved ones’ knowledge of all things Smith-related. As mandated by the governing body who administers said exam (us), it is now required to pass the SFAE every three years. Doing so will allow one to maintain SFA certification, thus remaining in their good graces—naturally the best Christmas present one could possibly receive. Read each question carefully. Cheating is not permitted (unless it’s terribly creative).  Ready?  You may now begin.    

1: The major components of Stockton’s (age two) life include the following?

□   A- Being Daddy’s constant, faithful shadow

□   B- Nursery each Sunday at church

□   C-Balls, trains, cars, and the occasional dress up party courtesy of his older sisters

□   D-Melting hearts everywhere with his contagious smiles and laughs

□   E-All of the above

2: Words used to describe Tayah (age four)?

□   A- Creative—has an amazing imagination and can entertain herself for quite some time

□   B- Inquisitive, as she is now attending preschool twice weekly (Ms. Mary) & Sunbeams at church

□   C-Adorable, thanks to her red headedness

□   D-Impetuous, thanks to her red headedness

□   E-All of the above

3: Kadence (age five) does what each passing day?

□   A- Attends dual immersion English/Spanish kindergarten (bueno!) with Mrs. Arroyo

□   B- Reads prodigiously

□   C-Loves journal writing at school and book writing at home

□   D-Adoringly dotes after Stockton, plays with Tayah, and helps Mommy and Daddy.

□   E-All of the above

4: Which of the following locations were travelled to by the ever voyaging Smith family?

□   A- Branson, Missouri for the biannual Torgesen family reunion

□   B- Mickey Mouse’s domain

□   C-Lake Powell

□   D-Park City for the Smith Family reunion

□   E-Hawaii twice for work

□   F-All of the above

5: What medical mayhem occurred for the Smith clan?

□   A- First ever emergency room visit, courtesy of a gash in Tayah’s forehead

□   B- Stockton fell out of a Costco shopping cart (we promise we’re good parents!)

□   C-Elizabeth finger went a different direction than the rest of her body

□   D- All of the above

6: Elizabeth spends her time doing what?

□   A- Being an incredible mother and wife 24/7

□   B-Remaining active—walking, volleyball, basketball, exercising

□   C-Serving as a Visiting Teaching Leader

□   D-Regular trips with the kids to Seven Peaks, the library, play dates

□   E-All of the above

7: David’s life consists of what?

□   A- Loving anything we do as a family

□   B-Working at LDS Philanthropies as director of annual giving

□   C-Blogging for the Utah Jazz website (utahjazz360.com) 

□   D-After five wonderful years, was released as bishopric counselor and now serves on the stake high council

□   E-All of the above

True or False:

T      F    8:  Jimmermania swept the Smith family

T      F    9:  Elizabeth is secretly enjoying the NBA lockout

T      F    10: Kadence and Tayah both mastered riding their bicycles sans training wheels.  Freedom!

T      F    11: The girls loved cheerleading camp and swimming lessons

T      F    12: Stockton already has 47 girlfriends, including sisters, grandmothers, Young Women, and neighbors

Pencils down. Yes, that means you! This concludes this year’s exam. We’ll go by the honor system, so please grade yourselves using the answer key included below. A perfect score of 12 puts you clearly in the upper echelon of our loved ones. Totaling between nine and 11 points is excellent and will keep you on our Christmas mailing lists indefinitely.  A tally between six and eight points is a passing score, but certainly indicates you need to step it up with your Smith Family awareness.  Five and below…no comment.  Just know that lumps of coal are coming your way.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From start to finish, 2011 has been another stellar year full of memories, growth, adventures, and love.  We’ve had ups and downs, but the ups far outnumber the downs.  We love all that life gives us and are grateful for each day.  Our sweet children remain our greatest treasures and we love all that they teach us.

We are ever grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, whose birth and life we celebrate.

May you feel His love now and always.

We think of you all often and hope for the best at all times. You have touched and continue to touch our lives in countless ways and we hope you and yours an incredible holiday season. 

We love you!  

David, Elizabeth, Kadence, Tayah, and Stockton Smith

Answer key: 1-E, 2-E, 3-E (you seeing a pattern here?), 4-F, 5-D, 6-E, 7-E, 8-T, 9-If you ask David, the answer is T; if you ask Elizabeth, most definitely F J, 10-T, 11-T, 12-T, although that number could very well be higher.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Gingerbread Houses!

Among many things we've done this Christmas season (we will give a full report soon), we had a wonderful get-together with our ward friends a week ago, including...gingerbread houses!

World's cutest boy!

The finished product.

Stockton has us all wrapped around his little finger. We love this little boy!

The Coat: A Story of Charity

The power of selflessness...

Utah Jazz interview with Chad Ford, part two

http://www.utahjazz360.com/davidjsmith/my-jazz-interview-with-chad-ford-part-two/

Here is part two of my interview with ESPN NBA insider/writer/reporter Chad Ford regarding the Utah Jazz. We discuss Al Jefferson, Andrei Kirilenko, Tyrone Corbin, Kevin O'Connor, Greg Miller, how Jazz fans are the most rabid in the NBA, and how the future is bright.

Thanks for reading!

November Nuts and Bolts

Why we were grateful in November:

·       I had perhaps my best trip to Hawaii yet—very spiritual and motivating, thanks to amazing BYU—Hawaii students, colleagues, and donors. Also enjoyed the PCC, Honolulu, and an opportunity to interview ESPN writer (also BYU—H professor) Chad Ford about the Jazz. 

·        Was also grateful to return home to my beautiful family!

·         Grandma Smith’s birthday celebration.  We love you Grandma (and Grandpa—happy anniversary, too)!

·         Kadence continues to love kindergarten.  She was thrilled to be the Super Kid for seven days (the shortened week of Thanksgiving and the week afterwards). 

·         Tayah gave her first talk in Primary, talking about reverence (despite being anything but in sacrament meeting)

·         I gave my first high council talk and only 14% of the congregation fell asleep.  We’ll see if I can’t increase that next time around.  Rookie…

·         The right to vote on election day.

·         Hearing Elder Holland speak live in a quarterly leadership series for the Church managers.

·         Interviewing for and filling two full-time positions on our team at work.  So excited for their additions!

·         LDS Business College 125^th anniversary week—president’s donor appreciation dinner, a reception, and meeting many students.

·         Planning a mini mission reunion—our first in about seven years. You never forget those with whom you served. It was wonderful catching up with many. 

·         A get-together with my dear high school friends. I am so thankful for the friends I had growing up.  What amazing examples. 

·         The NBA lockout is over!

·         The children passing their dental exams, including Stockton’s first-ever. 

·         Smith Family Thanksgiving, including the Cranberry Rock-off. After never having lost in the first round (really!), I made it to the final four, where thankfully I emerged victorious. 

·         Thanksgiving dinner with the immediate family at our house. The food was delectable, the children adorable, and the family time priceless.  So much for which to be thankful.

·         Black Friday shopping with Elizabeth. It’s so odd to feel both ashamed and exhilarated at the same time. We got some great deals and the Christmas shopping is in full steam.

·         We threw up the Christmas decorations that same Friday. Nothing like doing so with the music of the season in the background. We also hit the Spanish Fork Christmas Craft show.

·         Darrell and I were treated to the Messiah Sing-in at Abravanel Hall. Supernal music in a beautiful setting.

·         Lots of fun outings, including dates with Elizabeth and dinners out as a family.

·         Together time!

Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them

We should always remember who we are--literal children of a loving Heavenly Father. Of all the things for which I am grateful this Thanksgiving day, it is this knowledge, as well as the knowledge that my earthly family can be together forever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Japan Tokyo North Mission reunion

Last night, we had a mini mission reunion and it was so wonderful.  We had about 18 missionaries and their families join us for some dinner and visiting.  What an amazing time! It doesn't take long for the memories to come flooding back.  What a choice experience it was to serve together in Japan. 

Here is a shot of Spencer Jones and I.  We were assistants to the president together for four months, my longest companionship.  It was great catching up!

Here is Don Weidinger, and Ralph and Rae Jones, the wonderful couple who influenced our mission a lot.  We were all in the mission home together as I finished up my mission.

 

It was surreal, but marvelous to see so many people.  Thanks to Elizabeth and the kids for joining in on the fun.  I already cannot wait until the next reunion (seeing as this is the last one we've had since seven or eight years ago)!

The Lost Purse

What a wonderful example of being who we say we are. The youth of the Church are amazing and I love being around them.

Obligatory Halloween Photo/Hawaii trip

Kadence loved being Ariel, Tayah Dorothy, and Stockton, our little tiger (he really didn't have a choice)!  Our Halloween activities: the BYU Halloween Spooktacular, ward fall festival, school parties, Springville's Main Street trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating at Dad and Donna's, and hitting our dear neighbors' houses.  I could not believe the loot they came away with!

I didn't take any photos this time, but my trip to BYU-Hawaii this past week was among the best I've taken.  I really felt strongly the spirit of these special places (the Polynesian Cultural Center being the other).  We took in downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, the PCC villages and night show, and many amazing restaurants.  The highlight: meeting memorable students and donors.  I also was able to interview one of my favorite NBA writers, ESPN's Chad Ford, who was kind enough to be interviewed about the Utah Jazz.  Stay tuned for my blog post.

All that said, I cannot tell you how much I missed my family.  I am saddened to have missed the trick or treating, but am thrilled they had a great time.  It pained me to be away...really.  If it was this bad being gone for six days...

I love Elizabeth and our sweet children!

The Power of the Book of Mormon

Please watch this video (just click on this blog post title).  It gives a great explanation for The Book of Mormon and what it means to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

The Book of Mormon has changed our lives too. It is the word of God, another testament of Jesus Christ. Along with the Holy Bible, we read the words of our Savior. We come to know Him and we receive the answers we need to life's questions.  The scriptures afford us peace and guidance. 

We've just finished the Book of Mormon for the first time with the children and it has been a marvelous experience. There are days where it's harder to get everyone settled down enough, but we always feel better doing so. We are grateful for the Book of Mormon and derive strength from it every single day.

Oh, by the way, we members of the LDS faith are indeed Christian...

October 2011 Nuts and Bolts (family newsletter)

Our big news: Stockton turned two. Absolutely incredible! He brings such joy to our lives with his smiles, hugs, and laugh. So much fun. He got a bevy of gifts, including a basketball set, trains, puzzles, and books. We celebrated in style at the restaurant of his choice…McDonald’s. He aced his two-year appointment and is one healthy little boy. He loves nursery, helping in the yard, and being his Daddy’s shadow.


Kadence and Tayah continue to love school. They are learning so much and can’t wait to tell us all about their days. Kadence is really grasping Spanish and loves counting, saying words, and singing in espanol. They both had fun field trips to different pumpkin patches and love being with their friends. They had a few days off that we took advantage of with some fun dinners out, activities, and shopping.

They also sang in the Primary sacrament program, Tayah’s first. They did such a good job, singing, smiling and being adorable! We helped Junola move a pair of Saturdays. We had a fun pair of FHEs, one up Provo Canyon and one with Dad and Donna miniature golfing. Carissa and I went to lunch one day, after visiting with Elayna who was on campus for a mini conference for elementary school councils. The new Springville Library opened up and we attended the open house. What a fantastic addition to our city. We also had our monthly gathering for October birthdays.

We went to our friends’ traditional Saturday morning breakfast and then General Conference was amazing, as usual (with many talks specifically given for me...). It was nice to have Dad and the brothers over to our place for the Priesthood session and dinner afterwards. We joined Sarah in performing a pair of songs at the Gandhi Peace Alliance ceremony in SLC that same weekend.

BYU Homecoming week is always chockfull of activities for our family. I participated in the biannual Alumni Board meetings, complete with some luncheons for the alumni honorees. We were able to attend not only the Homecoming Spectacular, but a reception afterwards where we met Broadway/television/film star Brian Stokes Mitchell. And on Saturday, our whole family was able to ride the Alumni Board float. The kids really enjoyed throwing taffy and practicing their princess waves (minus Stockton). Elizabeth and I went to the BYU/San Jose State game, with some excellent tickets. All in all, a very full week!

The very next morning saw me heading out to BYU—Hawaii for our student giving week. It was a nice week full of events and meetings. And some beautiful scenery, excellent food, and a trip down the PCC Haunted Lagoon! On Halloween day, I flew back for a second trip, for the BYU—H PLC meetings.

Speaking of Halloween, Kadence dressed up as Ariel, Tayah was Dorothy a second year, and Stockton was a tiger. We enjoyed the BYU Halloween Spooktacular, the Telefund party, our ward fall festival, trunk or treating in Dad and Donna’s neighborhood, and the regular trick-or-treating.

Elizabeth and I had a lot of fun date nights: wallyball with ward friends, a Peter Breinholt concert, the Homecoming Spectacular, and a BYU PLC dinner. We even had the chance to chaperone a multi-stake dance. Oh, how we don’t miss those days! The girls and I had fun daddy/daughter dates, including a Sunday evening concert at the Springville Museum of Art with Broadway performer Dallyn Bayles.

A highlight for me was holding a live Twitter interview with former Jazz and current Washington Wizards player Othyus Jeffers. It was a great experience with a very genuine player. The interview had some nice coverage online, as well as local radio.

Wow…this entry makes it sound like we were busy or something… On to November!

"I've already been with you for several years!"

Stocktonisms (don't you love the Oreo face and hands?):

"Come on!"
"Class!" (when it's time to go to nursery)

Tayahisms (here they are on "in the past" day at school):

"Daddy, I'm getting starvinger!"

Some friends came to ask if the girls could play on a Saturday and we told them we had some family things going.  A few hours later (yes, a few hours later), Tayah comes up:

Tayah: "But, Daddy, I wanted to play with them!"

David: "But today's a family day. Wouldn't you rather spend time with us today?"

Tayah: "But I've been with you and Mommy for several years already!"

Kadenceisms (scouring over the well-placed Toys R' Us Christmas catalog):

"Stockton is the cutest baby I've ever had!"

A Twitter Interview with Othyus Jeffers

A Twitter Interview with Othyus Jeffers

Another article? So sorry. But here is my latest blog, detailing a neat experience I had last night: I conducted a live interview on Twitter with former Utah Jazz player and current Washington Wizards guard Othyus Jeffers. He was so congenial and welcoming and we both had a great time interacting. A true class act, through and through. We had a good audience following along on Twitter.

Feel free to follow me if you're on Twitter. I am at @davidjsmith1232.

Reactively Mourning the Utah Jazz

Reactively Mourning the Utah Jazz

Again, my apologies for you non-basketball and non-Utah Jazz fans out there (do note that there is still ample time to repent), but I enjoy sharing my blog posts I write for the Utah Jazz sight. Here are 25 reasons I am mourning this horrific, horrendous, horrible lockout (and why Elizabeth is probably secretly reveling in every day it stretches on :).

BYU Homecoming and Bridal Veil Falls

While BYU Homecoming was a busy week for us, we managed to have a wonderful time.  In addition to the aforementioned Brian Stokes Mitchell encounter, we were able to ride in the Homecoming Parade. The children sure loved throwing the taffy out, although they needed reminders to throw it out to people and not to just throw it out where no one was!

Here is Kadence with the Spanish Fork royalty...she wanted a shot with the "princesses."

For Monday's Family Home Evening, we went up Provo Canyon for a walk along Bridal Veil Falls. Such beautiful surroundings.  The kids had a delightful time.

Our adorable children are our everything!

Meeting Brian Stokes Mitchell

One of my responsibilities at work is to sit on the BYU Alumni Board.  It is a choice experience to associate with so many who are passionate about BYU, which our family certainly is too. 

As part of our recent meetings, Elizabeth and I had the great experience of attending the BYU Homecoming Spectacular and afterwards met Broadway/film/television star Brian Stokes Mitchell.  He not only put on an amazing show, but was extremely kind and genuine when we visited with him.  A class act, through and through.

Here's a brief video:Brian Stokes Mitchell- Stand By Me

2 Years already????

Happy Birthday Stockton! It's hard to believe it's already been 2 years that we've had you with us. You are full of hugs, kisses, and love! You brighten our home!

So Stockton got a few books and a basketball hoop that he has been playing with non-stop except to eat lunch, diaper changes, and a nap. He can't get enough. When he's not shooting the ball, he's got his new books in his hands, wanting to read them again and again. He has been walking around the house the last week or two "counting" (by saying two for everything), and if he has a snack, he says, "Two" and won't stop until he has 2 of whatever it is...apples, fruit snacks, books, everything! It's a good thing he's 2, since apparently this is his favorite number. We love our little boy! Happy Birthday little man!

Opportunities to Do Good

September Nuts and Bolts (our monthly family newsletter entry)

September came and went so quickly. Sometimes it’s amazing how that happens. Here’s our rundown of September happenings:

• Tayah had her first day of preschool, attending twice a week with “Miss Mary.” She loves it and is enjoying all the things they do and learn there. It’s a fairly small class and they are focusing on the children learning how to learn and associate with other children. So far, so good!
• Kadence continues to adore kindergarten. She is learning so many things—many Spanish words, phrases, and songs; new skills, while enhancing things she knows. We have loved our daily reading. We’re asked to do 15 minutes with her, but have so much fun, it’s often 45-60. She is making good friends. Elizabeth helps out in each of the girls’ classes once per month.

• The girls had their school portraits taken. Adorable!

• We also went to the school carnival. Lots of fun and a good turnout.
• We put our autumn decorations up and bought a lot more. Our family loves fall…in fact, it’s one of our four favorite seasons.
• Stockton really is picking up words left and right. Our favorites are, “sure” (when we ask him to do something), “sorry,” “yes” (never “yeah”), “Nanence” (Kadence), “Taytay” (Tayah), and “BOOM BABY!” (from Emperor’s New Groove.
• Elizabeth and I had some wonderful date nights, including sealings, the Jon Schmidt concert at Thanksgiving Point, and going out for dinner and shopping.
• Stake Conference was wonderful, as was our annual Stake High Priests social. Our new building in our stake was also dedicated that weekend.

• Labor Day was a little different for us, as it was Kadence’s first holiday from school!

• The Utah State Fair was wonderful, as usual. I think we’ve now gone every year of our marriage. The kids loved it, especially petting some baby piglets.
• Thanks to Grandpa for having us over for pear-picking.
• Work events: WAGON meetings at UVU (all the annual giving colleagues from schools in Utah and Idaho), LDS Business College’s 125th Anniversary kickoff (where I was on KSL TV in the background), alumni chapter chair training, and our yearly Signature Scholarship and Mentorship luncheon.
• We had flu shots (the two youngest did great, the oldest? Not so much…) and dental check-ups.

• With Dad, Carissa, and Darrell and Tanya’s family, I went to Jimmer Fredette’s All-Star game where drafted and undrafted rookies played a “real” NBA game. It was just nice to see some actual basketball in the midst of this horrendous lockout. I don’t know what I’m going to do if things continue; I also don’t know what Elizabeth will do with me!

• We’ve watched the ups and downs of the BYU football team and hope they can find some semblance of consistency. I enjoyed hearing Bronco speak at Cougar Club with Dad

• The girls attended some birthday parties for friends.

• Church-related: kept very busy with my new high council calling—lots to do and lots to learn and we’re loving it. As I’m over physical facilities, we’ve only had a few minor emergencies thus far. Such a blessing to serve. Elizabeth is playing volleyball weekly with our ward and is entering tournament play. I continue to play basketball with our ward weekly. Elizabeth greatly enjoyed the General Relief Society meeting.

Life continues to treat us marvelously. We feel so very blessed to have choice experiences. We are always grateful for our sweet children who are our everything.

Boom Baby!

Kidisms (no longer just Girlisms, now that our Stockton is becoming quite the verbose baby boy):

KADENCE
After watching "Ramona and Beezus," Kadence was telling me how much she loved "Morona and Jesus."  We're teaching them well :)

TAYAH
On our monthly Daddy/daughter date:
Tayah: "Daddy, where does the sky end?"
Me: "It doesn't sweetie."
Tayah: "I think it takes 20 or 25 steps to get to the top."

STOCKTON
"Boom Baby!' (from Emperor's New Groove; This one absolutely, absolutely cracks us up.
"Nice!" (usually said to Tayah, meaning, "Be nice to me."
"Sure." (anytime we ask him to do something, this is his response

Finding Hope - 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Tayah's Big Day and the State Fair (Lacking Creativity for the Title)

Tayah had her first day of preschool Wednesday and could not be more excited to be in Miss Mary's class!  She has some friends in there, loves the big classroom, and had "so much fun" the first day.  It doesn't hurt that she is right next to Kadence's class and has access to the kindergarten playground. 

And life continues to move on and our children keep disobeying us...by growing up too fast!

Thursday saw us hitting the State Fair.  Word to the wise: if you can, go the first day; not nearly as crowded as it usually is!  We so much fun we couldn't "bear" anymore.

These two pumpkins made us think about Cinderella's carriage.  By the way, gotta love Tayah's face here.

We were able to see a litter of new piglets and the girls were able to pet one of the babies.

It was another fun-filled family adventure...without a single fit.  WAHOO!

Adele - Rolling in the Deep (Piano/Cello Instrumental Cover) Steven Shar...

August Nuts and Bolts (The Real Scoop on the Smith Family!)

August was another month full of momentous events, changes, and fun adventures. Here’s out quick run-down:


• Kadence is now a kindergarten and our lives as we know it will never be the same. Gone are the days where we didn’t have to plan around a school schedule. She was so excited as we went about the registering, the open house, and the actual first day. Her teacher is Mrs. Arroyo and she is in the dual immersion Spanish program. She is loving it so far and Mrs. Arroyo says she is sweet and quiet.

• Tayah will also be going to Westside Elementary, for their preschool. We’re excited about this, as she will be going the same time as Kadence and will be playing at the same playground. She is looking forward to it, especially after seeing how much Kadence is loving learning.

• Stockton won’t know what to do without his sisters, but I’m sure he’ll love having alone time with Mommy. It is so fun to watch him add new words to his ever-growing vocab, including the word “Jazz.” I’ve never been prouder. Also says “Taytay” (Tayah), “picy” (spicy) and variations of Jesus, ice cream, outside, inside, and many other adorable things.

• Many, many family outings: three trips to Thanksgiving Point (Farm Country, Thanksgiving Point Gardens, the dinosaur museum), the Cougar Kickoff (where we met some football and volleyball players, as well as the cheerleaders), the Utah County Fair, the annual pilgrimage to Hogle Zoo, the BYU Paleontology Museum, and the BYU Museum of Art for home evening. We also had several dinners out and a pair of Daddy/daughter dates, both to Cold Stone.

• Elizabeth and I managed to have a few date nights. Always nice to just be the two of us.

• While I was on a business trip to BYU—Idaho, the other four had a ball down at Lake Powell for the annual get-together. The girls were pretty adventurous with their water escapades, the weather was nice and hot, the ants were out in full force, and there was plenty to do and eat. The girls talked about it non-stop after returning and Stockton misses Gramps and Granny. If it helps any, the trip to Rexburg was a good one.

• Tayah went to a friend’s birthday party.

• We had a great family dinner up at Danny and Mary Sue’s house to celebrate Mary Sue, Tanya, and Gavin. Choice times together!

• We also thoroughly enjoyed the big Smith FHE at the Lymans’ church.

• Work items: BYU University Conference, a few retreats/summits, the University Breakfast, LDSBC’s President’s workshop, and a leadership seminar with Elder Oaks speaking. While parking is more difficult, it pales in comparison to the excitement of returning students!

• Elizabeth continues to work really hard with her Visiting Teaching coordinator calling. It constitutes many, many hours of work, but she loves it.

• I was sustained as a Gospel Doctrine instructor, as well as counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. And then two weeks later, was released from both callings and called to serve on the stake high council. It’s been a whirlwind of activity, but we are humbled to have this new experience. Part of my calling entails being the stake physical facilities representative over our four buildings, as well as being the liaison for our home ward. It was fun sitting with the family for a few weeks.

Now on to autumn…let it come!

Kadence's First Day of Kindergarten!

Monday was our Kadence's first day of school.  Where, oh where does the time go?  We were just bringing her home from the hospital yesterday. And tomorrow, she goes to college.  Or so it feels.  Parents know exactly what I'm talking about. 

Tayah and Stockton were almost as excited as their big sister!  So far, they've adjusted to her being gone for a few hours each morning quite well. 

The traditional picture by the porch.  Cliche?  Not one bit!

Gotta love these two shots: everyone getting in on...

...the ACTION!  This is one of Stockton's favorite words: packpack.

And here is our intelligent, sweet, gorgeous five-year old right outside the classroom.  We are so proud of you Kadence and we love you so much!

A Peanuts Medley - by Jon Schmidt featuring Steven Sharp Nelson The Pian...

Brimming full of fun!

So, what happens when you get woefully behind on your blog?  You get A LOT of catch-up.  Life has been busy, fun, and full of changes.  Here's just a sampling of our recent family outings.  Above, you see our girls with the BYU cheerleaders at the annual Cougar Kickoff.  We also got some autographs from football and volleyball players, ran a "race" with the track and field team, and saw Bronco.

Another yearly event for us is the pilgrimage to Hogle Zoo.  Again, a wonderful time together.

I must admit that I LOVE this shot.  What a sweetie.

Here the girls are with their Daddy...

Kadence and Tayah decided that they "love dinosaurs!"

Other happenings: taking full advantage of the $2.00 Tuesdays at Thanksgiving Point, we went three weeks in a row--to the Farm Country, the magnificent gardens, and by popular request, the Dinosaur Museum; we hit the Utah County Fair; also visited the Museums of Paleontology (keeping with the "love the dinosaurs" theme) and Art at BYU.  \

\Above all, it's just being together.  Nothing...and I mean nothing...is more important that just being together as a family.  That is where the true joy in life is found!

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Two-timing Jazzmen | Utah Jazz 360

Two-timing Jazzmen Utah Jazz 360

What do Raja Bell, Thurl Bailey, Greg Ostertag, Blue Edwards, Howard Eisley, and David Benoit have in common? Well, simply put, they were all two-timers! Read to find out (my apologies for the non-basketball fans who enjoy browsing our family blog).

Girlisms

I could include these posts every other day or so :).

Kadence: "Daddy, can you pour me some Snack Cracker and Pop?" (Rice Krispies)

Over a few nights, I was telling the girls the story of Les Miserables and our favorite protagonist, Jean Valjean.  So this morning, we heard this...

Tayah: "Daddy, can you tell us more about Jambi John?"

More Family Fun: Wheeler Park, Hires, & Tracy Aviary

Yesterday was another fun family outing day, this time seeing us hit up Wheeler Historic Farm, Hire's in SLC, and the Tracy Aviary!  Here are the children enraptured with feeding the ducks...

...and loving every moment of it, as you can see.

Next was a fun wagon ride around the park. 

Sorry for the fuzziness here, but it is so wonderful seeing how sweet Stockton's sisters are with him.  Here's Kadence "holding" him on the wagon ride...

...and keeping him company which he talks to the animals.  Love how our little man crouches down to get on their level!

Our beautiful girls up in the play house.

#1 and #3 honoring Jerry Sloan by sitting on a tractor. (and if you don't know who Sloan is, shame on you :).

Nothing like eating some old time candy...in an outhouse!  Oh, and this has capacity for two people.  So efficient, or something like that.

We took in Hire's in SLC for the first-time ever and weren't disappointed in the food and atmosphere (although we were the only non-teenage children in the whole joint; sorry no photos).  Next to Tracy Aviary.  We loved the bird show, where Elizabeth volunteered to have a toucan walk on her hands.  There were a lot of beautiful birds here, but none cuter than these!

And our baby boy got in on the action here too.

Such a fun day!  The kids just crashed when bedtime rolled around, another positive for Elizabeth and me.  Nothing...and I mean nothing...can compare with time together as a family!