The Family Christmas Letter I Don't Send

I have never been energized enough to do Christmas Cards, but if I did, this is the letter I would probably put with them.

We are still surviving in Lehi.

I was recently called as the Cub Master and I am hoping they will release me as the Enrichment leader. I am slightly afraid they might just let me keep both. In my spare time I enjoy chasing two one-year-olds up, over, and around the house and watching Maggie and the Ferocious Beast on a daily basis. Periodically I also do mountains of laundry and dishes.

Dave is still the Young Men's president and a few months ago he switched departments at the church office. He is now the Finance Manager of the Perpetual Education Fund. It has been a great experience for him so far and we both have a new respect and testimony of the program. It is truly inspiring to know how the church is helping people around the world and it has made us so much more grateful for what we have. There are so many wonderful members of the church living in very different circumstances and the PEF is helping to give them the opportunities they need to change their lives.

Ashton is in third grade and enjoys math, reading, and playing with all his little friends--usually at our house.

Allison is in first grade and is turning into quite an artist. She also likes to play with her friends (especially playing dress-ups) and is enjoying gymnastics.

Hunter is four years old and my little sweetheart helper at home. He is a great big brother to his little sisters. For the last four months he has been going to the basics class at the literacy center and about two weeks ago he came out claiming to have read a book in class. My distracted mother response was, "That's nice Hunter," but later that evening he floored my by reading five beginner books. Who knew?

Kristen and Loryn are 1.75 years old and dictate a lot of what goes on in our home. They play really well together and it is very fun to see them interact. They seem to communicate well with each other and they hold hands as they walk around the house or give each other hugs. They also like to trash their room together instead of taking their naps. They are starting to talk and it is wonderful that sometimes I understand what they want because they can tell me. Loryn still gets herself mixed-up with Kirsten and will call "Loryn, Loryn" when she is looking for her sister, and Kristen makes the greatest pouty-lip faces when she doesn't get her way. Loryn is our little free-spirit and reminds me of a sweet little elf. Kristen is very enthusiastic and shows all her emotions on her face and through her body language. You never have to guess what Kristen is feeling.

In all we are doing really well and look forward to another year.

Merry Christmas! With Love,
April and Family

Halloween

We had a great Halloween.

Ashton as Egor, Dr. Frankenstein's assistant.

Yes Master

Allison as Rapunzell

Rapunzell, Rapunzell let down your hair. Hunter as Buzz Lightyear

To Infinity and Beyond
Kristen as a little bumble bee.
Buzz, Buzz

Loryn as our little mouse.

Squeak, Squeak

Primary Program Day

The kids had their primary program today. It went really well. Hunter's sunbeam class sang the second verse of "I Am A Child Of God" which he has been practicing for weeks. Ashton's CTR 8 class sang "When Jesus Christ Was Baptized", and Allison had a little speaking part. They were all very cute. Grandma and Grandpa Ashton and Joy came down for the program then stayed for the family dinner we had at our house this evening.

We took pictures outside after church. Ashton lost his tie and Hunter was acting his usual crazy self. The twins kept running in opposite directions and Allison was patiently trying to get this overwith. Considering all our challenges, this was the best picture we could get of all the kids together.

Say Cheese

Allison looked particularly pretty in this picture. I love her bright blue eyes.

The Zoo

For UEA break we took a day and went to the zoo. Dave even took the day off work.
All of us admiring the zebras while the zebras ignore us.

Most of the animals were carefully contained in their pens, but it seems an alligator got out and found a tasty meal in the playground.

Watch Out Ashton!!I Will Save You!!
Princess to the rescue.

Allison shows her alligator wrestling skills.

Near by, Hunter rides a giant, wild caterpillar.

Ride 'Em Cowboy!

We also took a train ride safari.

Hold on tight!

Laundry Room's Beautiful Floor

Last month Nielson came and helped me tile the ever-in-progress laundry room. Sometime during the summer I texturized the walls and painted. Now the floor is done. Hopefully I will get the sink and cabinets installed soon.

Hooray for Nielson the Great!

Loryn, Hunter and Kristen posing on the new and improved laundry room floor. It looks a lot better than it did, and it will be so much more functional.

I am so happy!

Old Picture but a Cute One

I accidentally clicked on this picture tonight and thought it was so cute.

Uncle James is holding Kristen and Aunt Paula is holding Loryn in the hospital the day they were born.

Hunter's Unofficial Birthday & Ashton and Allison Home

This morning Ashton and Allison flew home from North Carolina. The lady that sat next to them came up to me as I waited for them to get off the plane. She said they were so good and praised Ashton for being so nurturing with Allison. She was also impressed with how smart he is. I was so happy they sat next to someone nice. That was my biggest worry.

After we picked them up, we went to my parents and then all of us went to Chuck-a-Rama to celebrate Hunter's birthday. After that we went to Chuck-E-Cheese. Hunter has been begging us for months to go back, and Catherine and Brooke wanted to go to satisfy their lifelong feeling of deprevation from not going as children. We had a great time.

In the evening we went to Ardie and Lorraine's for Karen's birthday/24th of July party. They even put candles on a cake for Hunter and we sang to both of them. Then we all enjoyed a fireworks show put on be Scott Ashton and John Culpepper.

The kids basically collapsed in the car. Especially Ashton and Allison who had been up since 2:00 am our time.

It was a GREAT day!