Bowling Part II

You know, the funny thing about bowling is that you can go from the best player to the absolute WORST in the same week.  My arm must have been tired because I really struggled just to get.... hmm... what was it?  62?  Well, Brandy didn't even want to play because she said she was so bad but she ended up beating us all.  Thats why she's smiling so big.  Rachel did quite well with the lucky Mickey ball she found.  Aaron rocked it with his new bowling ball from Santa and Caleb didn't do too bad either considering it had been two years.  Johnny is still working on his swing.  Good times.

Bowling Part I

Bowling episode 1:  A few nights before Caleb's return we warmed up our striking skills.  I actually bowled my best game EVER!  I was the champion with a score of 134!  No kidding.  Poor Johnny is still recovering from his score.

A Second "Christmas Eve"

Aaron, Rachel, Caleb, Johnny, me, and Stephen sport our new P.J.s for "Christmas Eve"!

Caleb brought some really neat things from Uruguay.  My dad got a hand-made drum and my mom received a beautiful antique porcelain rose.

Caleb told us about the culture of Mat'e (can't remember how to spell it) in Uruguay and was kind enough to bring us some souveniers.  I love mine, but Aaron and Steve were especially impressed with their cups made from... some parts of a bull.  Johnny sports his new soccer jersey and beanie, while Rachel holds her new sign for her school office.

Long Time No See!

He's back!  And better than ever!  Welcome home Caleb!  We missed you!

On January 4th my family went up to the Salt Lake City airport to pick up Caleb.  Yes we were a little embarrassed about our big signs, with everyone looking at us way before the plane even landed.... but, notice who is not in the picture..... yeah, Steve, Rachel, Dad, even my Mom who made the signs!  Well, I guess she had the excuse, she needed to "be here to hug him when he comes over!"  I just liked how Johnny and Camden were sooo into it, flipping their signs back and forth "Welcome Home, Elder Hicks, Welcome Home, Elder Hicks!"  We had to make a deal- "no chanting."  We had already brought too much attention to ourselves.  He smiled when he saw it.... then looked down at his shoes and I think I saw him shake his head.  I'd say it was a pretty good welcoming party.  After the Airport we had a "delicioso" dinner at Good Wood in Provo.

Family, Friends, and Feasting!

   Happy New Year!  It's 2008, I can't believe it.  We are still here in Utah and will be until this upcoming Sunday.  Stephen and I left St. George and came up to Provo for New Years and to see my brother Caleb return from his mission- Tomorrow!  

   So far, I have been working long hours on my Europe Digital Scrapbook while Steve has been setting up our new blog which will be premiering soon... I will set up the link when I have it.  He likes the set up of this other one, so don't be surprised when we make the move.   

   Over the last few days I have gotten to spend time with some of my very favorite people!  Of course my family- including my grandparents and cousins.  Saturday, we hung out at the Marriott and played lots of cards while my grandma and grandpa just enjoyed watching.  We went to Temple Square to enjoy the lights and then settled into a booth at JB's for some sweetrolls and hot cocoa.  New Years Eve we went to the Patterson's for the countdown.  It was loads of laughs.... no alcohol involved- even though Brandy and I may look otherwise in that photo.

  Later this week we had lunch with Amy and Mitch Dansie, dinner with Ashley and Alex Muir, Breakfast with Jon Beckstead, and some casual visits with Levi Kohler and also Kelly Radmall (and her new baby, Felicity.)  It is so neat to hear what everyone is doing with their lives.  Everyone is moving on and doing such cool things.  I am soooo grateful to have such wonderful friends that I can still see when I come back home.  

Christmas with the Davis Family

Greetings from Utah!  This Winter Break has been a fantastic adventure.  It feels like so long since we got here just a couple weeks ago.  We have been really busy catching up with friends and family and just enjoying being away from the school scene.  Christmas was spent in St. George with Stephen's Family.  It was fun with everyone staying in the full house.... Mom, Dad, Lecia, Amy, Jesse, Eva, Joel, Kimmie, Eric, and Stephen and me.   Just a few highlights of the trip include:

• Playing with Eva and Joel- the cutest niece and nephew anyone could ask for.
  
• Driving and walking around to see the lights around town.  One house had a complete light show where you turn to a radio station and the lights do an incredible performance for passers by!  Spectacular!
  
• Hanging out in the family room by the tree and fireplace.
  
• Playing Rum-dee-dum!  A Davis Classic.  This silly game where you pass spoons around the circle... it gets faster and faster and people get out when they mess up.  I bet you can guess who was usually out first!  I'm new!!
  
• Doing the Tim Tam Slam!  Mmmm Chocolate!  Stephen and his mission companions thought this one up.  It's a treat when you sip hot chocolate through a chocolate cookie straw and then eat it all in a gulp.
  
• Seeing the live Nativity at the Tuachan.  This was beautiful and reminded me how important the true meaning of Christmas is.
  
• Meeting Santa Clause.  He's so jolly.
  
• Shopping for Christmas Decorations that were more than 50% off!  Thai Pan Trading is one of my new favorite stores!
  
• Eating good food.  Delicious dinners!
  
• Making cookies.  My "secret recipe" this family can't get enough of!  
  
• Going to Pizza Factory.  It's practically tradition now.
• Going in the "Cuzie"- as the little ones call it.
• Strolling around Kayente's art studios.  Strange- but cool.  We felt pretty granola.  jk.
• Watching late night movies.
• Just being with each other and relaxing.

I love how welcoming the Davis's have always been to me.  I love being in their family!