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Christmas 2009 :

Christmas 2009

Updated: Dec 31, 2009 5:57pm PST

Santa, Kelsey's visit, and Brody's birthday :

Santa, Kelsey's visit, and Brody's birthday

Updated: Dec 09, 2009 7:41pm PST

Makenna's Birthday :

Makenna's Birthday

Updated: Nov 18, 2009 6:37pm PST

Vermont with Cormicans :

Vermont with Cormicans

Updated: Oct 28, 2009 8:15pm PST

Fall Break 2009--Utah :

Fall Break 2009--Utah

Updated: Oct 19, 2009 10:50am PST

Nate's visit to Chandler :

Nate's visit to Chandler

Updated: Oct 01, 2009 12:33am PST

The Perfect Weekend :

The Perfect Weekend

Updated: Sep 11, 2009 2:49pm PST

Birthday at the Arizona Grand :

Birthday at the Arizona Grand

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 10:20pm PST

Good times, sunshine, and summertime :

Good times, sunshine, and summertime

Updated: Aug 16, 2009 9:47pm PST

Reunion in Flagstaff 2009 :

Reunion in Flagstaff 2009

Updated: Aug 16, 2009 9:31pm PST

Wicked and American Idol Concert :

Wicked and American Idol Concert

Updated: Jul 30, 2009 6:06pm PST

Cowgirl Historical Foundation : On Saturday July 25th, I had the opportunity of being a guest cowgirl with the Cowgirl Historical Foundation for an event in Apache Junction.  It was National Day of the Cowboy, and I filled in as a guest.  My good friend Nicole is part of the non for profit foundation, and asked me to join her for the parade and other events that day.   We modeled off the vintage outfits we were wearing, and taught the crowd how to do a line dance. It was scorching hot, but was a great time and a fun opportunity.

Cowgirl Historical Foundation

On Saturday July 25th, I had the opportunity of being a guest cowgirl ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2009 4:17pm PST

4th of July Fun :

4th of July Fun

Updated: Jul 07, 2009 6:43pm PST

Chandler East Girls Camp 2009 :

Chandler East Girls Camp 2009

Updated: Jul 02, 2009 8:57am PST

Memorial Day BBQ :

Memorial Day BBQ

Updated: May 27, 2009 9:24am PST

Grandma Hurst's visit in May :

Grandma Hurst's visit in May

Updated: May 20, 2009 1:42pm PST

Camping in Payson May 2009 :

Camping in Payson May 2009

Updated: May 11, 2009 5:01pm PST

Spring and Easter :

Spring and Easter

Updated: May 06, 2009 8:53pm PST

Family Home Evening activity :

Family Home Evening activity

Updated: Apr 20, 2009 8:25pm PST

Spring Break 2009 :

Spring Break 2009

Updated: Apr 06, 2009 10:02am PST

Nate and Shanna's Temple sealing :

Nate and Shanna's Temple sealing

Updated: Mar 02, 2009 10:29am PST

Danica's baby blessing :

Danica's baby blessing

Updated: Mar 02, 2009 10:08am PST

Valentine's Day Surprise :

Valentine's Day Surprise

Updated: Feb 14, 2009 12:12pm PST

Hatch boys :

Hatch boys

Updated: Jan 26, 2009 5:35pm PST

Baby Danica : Welcome to the world baby Danica. Danica Diane Hatch was born on January 8, 2009.  She our sweet little niece and we already love her so much.

Baby Danica

Welcome to the world baby Danica. Danica Diane Hatch was born on Janua ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2009 5:32pm PST

New Year memories : So far the New Year has been full of sweet surprises and has brought plenty of smiles. Here are a few of the captured moments.

New Year memories

So far the New Year has been full of sweet surprises and has brought p ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2009 11:22pm PST

Christmas 2008 in Chandler :

Christmas 2008 in Chandler

Updated: Dec 26, 2008 2:25pm PST

Cormican Cousins : It's not everyday that you get your sister and her family staying at your house for 10 days.  What a blessing it was for such a visit from Molly, Brian, and their two children Beau and Abbie.  We had indescribable fun as we enjoyed warm temperatures of 75 degrees, blue skies, and a lot of sun.  We visited several parks, saw the Mesa Temple lights, caught lizards, made cookies, shopped, did craft and art projects, ate lots of good food, and even swam in the pool.  Okay, the little kids were the only ones brave enough for the cold pool, but we still had fun watching them.  One day into Molly's visit, Nate surprised her by coming down and spending 5 days with us.  It was great to have 2 of my own siblings staying in my home with us.  We spent a lot of time laughing and reminiscing and soaking in all the fun memories we were making.  My favorite night was coming home from choir practice with Brandon, to find Nate and Molly making a beef stew with dumplings in it.  We all ate a wonderful meal, put on our warm clothes and headed to the Temple.  We enjoyed the warm temperatures as we walked around and enjoyed the nativity and lights on palm and orange trees.  The best part of the night was when the kids couldn't help themselves in front of the camera and modeled during the musical performance.  Don't miss those pictures because they are a real hoot!!  Thanks to my family who came from afar to visit us this December.  It made our holiday that much more special and we can't wait to make memories like that again!!

Cormican Cousins

It's not everyday that you get your sister and her family staying at y ...

Updated: Dec 26, 2008 10:39am PST

Nate comes to town :

Nate comes to town

Updated: Dec 04, 2008 7:36pm PST

Emery's Christmas Dance :

Emery's Christmas Dance

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 3:12pm PST

Dad's Santa Claus Mania : Every year about one week before Thanksgiving, I receive a package in the mail. It always comes in a nice box to store it in, and I know before I open it what it is.  It is something that I highly anticipate every year.  It is very treasured to me, and it is something that I display proudly every year during the holidays. It is my Santa collection that has been pricelessly and selflessly made for me by my own dad.  I love that each Santa is unique from the others.  Some have significant meaning, and some are just really fun, ornate, and colorful.  I especially love the one of the Olympic Santa on skis wearing the American flag on the back of his snow cap.  This year I got one that was blue, with some yellow striped on his lapels.  That was an exciting one to receive because I don't have any with blue in them.  I treasure my very first one because it is of a backwoods Russian Santa (Ded Moroz or Father Frost).  He is wearing a traditional Russian Shapka and is carrying a bucket of apples. I love each one for different reasons, but mainly because they were made with love, carved with skill, and are one of a kind.  I've added some pictures on here of my dad in action carving a Santa on my back patio while he was visiting us for Thanksgiving. Thanks dad for the sacrifice you make for us kids every year.  They are a special keepsake and I treasure them more than you'll know.  Love you dad!!

Dad's Santa Claus Mania

Every year about one week before Thanksgiving, I receive a package in ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 2:20pm PST

Thanksgiving 2008 : For the first time in our 7 and a half years in Arizona, we finally got to host the Hurst family for Thanksgiving!!  It was absolutely wonderful to have them in our home and to celebrate this time of year together.  Grandma's birthday was a few days before T-day, so grandpa, Wendy, and Emmie took grandma to The Desert Botanical Gardens to see the Chihouli glass exhibit.  It was spectacular to behold. We enjoyed temps in the high 70's and clear blue skies.  Then Papa took us to lunch at Gordon Birsch, where we enjoyed wonderful food, and the fun atmoshpere of down town Tempe.  Later that night, as a surprise to mom and dad, Wendy taught them how to make Sushi for mom's birthday dinner.  We made pork wontons, and California rolls, all on top of sticky rice.  It was alot of fun to make it all together.  It turned out delicious and mom and dad walked away knowing how to make their own sushi. FUN!!  The next few days were spent enjoying great weather, taking naps, going out to lunch, site seeing, and waiting for Makenna and Tal to come home from school.  Every day was a joy, and we truly enjoyed the down time, and the time bonding with "Damma and Papa".  On Thursday, mom and Wendy spent the entire day in the kitchen preparing for the mighty feast.  We made green bean casserole, apples and yams, whole wheat rolls, and mashed potatoes, along with a peach pie and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Dad did the hickory smoked Turkey on the grill, the cranberry sauce made with cinnamon, walnuts, and orange juice with grated rind in it. Delish!!  And mom made the most incredible gravy you've every put in your mouth.  It was so tasty because it was made from the drippings of the smoked Turkey.  Superb!!  While waiting for the Turkey to finish up, we went to our next door neighbors backyard (while they were out of town) and the kids enjoyed playing on their swingset and jumping on their trampoline.  And dad even got to practice his putting on their mini course so he could at least say he did some golfing while in Phoenix.   Later Thanksgiving night we enjoyed an awesome yet eerie hail storm that pummeled our patio with pea sized ice balls.  It's something that you rarely see, but even more rare in Arizona.  We enjoyed how cozy it made us feel and gave us reasons to drink some hot chocolate. It was a trip that we will never forget. Thanks Papa and Geegah!!

Thanksgiving 2008

For the first time in our 7 and a half years in Arizona, we finally go ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 12:55pm PST

Makenna's Baptism : Makenna's baptism was quite the momentous occasion.  Imagine how you would feel if your daddy pulled up from the airport and out hop both sets of grandparents and your favorite aunt Kelsey. The love and excitement immediately overcame us all as we celebrated the reason we had all come together.  Everybody was quickly put to work in the kitchen to prepare for the open house that was to follow the baptism.  Aunt Kelsey was put in charge of doing Makenna's hair and readying her for the big moment. We piled into two cars and headed for the chapel for her 4:00 baptism.  There, a large crowd awaited us including current ward members, but mainly close friends from our Ahwatukee ward.  It was great for Makenna to have so much support around her.  Even her old primary teacher from Lakewood, Sister Sipes was there.  We had grandpa Jones speak on Baptism, Grandpa Hurst speak on the Holy Ghost, both Grandmas gave prayers, and aunt Kelsey led the music.  Uncle Jordan, along with our friend Kelton acted as witnesses.  For the open house, our friend Susanna made 60 bread bowls, and we served homemade cream of Broccoli soup, Chili, and Chicken Noodle. We also had 2 giant salads, and plenty of desserts.  It all turned out lovely and there was enough leftovers, that we didn't have to cook the next day.  Thank you to our wonderful friends and family who came out to support Makenna on her very important day.

Makenna's Baptism

Makenna's baptism was quite the momentous occasion. Imagine how you w ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 12:50pm PST

Makenna's 8th Birthday Party : On November 21st, just one week after Makenna's birthday, we had her birthday celebration with her friends.  When all 7 girls had arrived, we planned on driving to Skateland to do some roller skating.  I called to make sure that they were ready for our party and I was told that they don't do public skating until 8:00 that night.  I had promised that the girls would be home by 9:00.  So I sat there with a panicked look on my face and didn't know quite what to do.  My good friend Diana came to my rescue, throwing out suggestions of things we could do with them.  She came up with the brilliant idea of taking them to As you Wish to paint pottery.  It was a great idea and the girls absolutely loved it.  The most impressive thing about the whole thing, was how Makenna handled it.  She had been so excited to go skating.  When I pulled her aside to tell her we couldn't go skating, she said, "it's okay mom. We'll think of something." I was impressed how grown up she was.  It was so mature for an 8 year old, and I was grateful to her for making this loser mom, feel not so much like a loser.  She was thrilled to tell her friends that we'd be going to a painting place instead.  After the pottery painting, we came back home where the girls had pizza, rootbeer, and cake.  They opened Makenna's presents, and played in the basement.  Then we had a rousing game of Disney Scene it.  Then we drove each girl home, and yelled their names out the window as Makenna walked each one to the door and gave them big hugs.  A sad situation turned into a successful party.  Thank goodness!!

Makenna's 8th Birthday Party

On November 21st, just one week after Makenna's birthday, we had her b ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 12:40pm PST

Mt. Lemmon on Makenna's Birthday :

Mt. Lemmon on Makenna's Birthday

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 12:34pm PST

Halloween 2008 :

Halloween 2008

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 12:23pm PST

Tal's 6th Birthday : Talmage's party this year was a Pirate themed party at the park.  The play set at the park was their ship where they made believe for awhile.  When they got hungry we had hot dogs, and litle red juice bottles labeled "Shark's blood". They shot black water balloons (canons) out of a water balloon launcher to harpoon the whale ( a painting by mom and Kenna on a large piece of cardboard) that was far out in the grassy area.  This was the hit of the party.  Then later they took their pirate cups and dug for buried treasure where Brandon had buried very deep, a shoe box that had small treasure chests for each boy filled with fake gold coins and candy.
The best part of the whole event was that it wasn't at our house.  The noise, and mess were contained at the park and allowed us to come home to a clean house. Yippppeeeee!!  Ahoy matey--it was a swashbucklin' good time!!!

Tal's 6th Birthday

Talmage's party this year was a Pirate themed party at the park. The ...

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 8:42pm PST

Wendy's Mission Reunion : The real reason for my trip to Utah was to see Kolya and his wife Yulia who were in town for Conference all the way from Perm Russia.  Perm was the final city of my mission, and I swear that I left a piece of my heart there.  Kolya's family is very dear to my heart and we spent many many nights in their home eating together and discussing the gospel.  Kolya was a teenager when I saw him last.  
     I attended a birthday party in Alpine Utah for Kolya, where to my surprise another friend from Perm named Alla arrived.  My elation was such that I felt that my heart might leap out of my chest. My companion and I had the marvelous opportunity to teach Alla's mother, and see her get baptized back in 1996. Ludmilla was thrilled at her new found faith but Alla was less than thrilled, and as any obstinant teenager might be, she rejected the gospel message.  Shortly after arriving home from my mission, Alla called to tell me she too would be joining the church.  My heart was full. A few years later I received a letter from Alla.  With the letter was a picture of her and her companion standing next to Elder Oaks serving in St. Petersburg.  
     The joy I felt was overwhelming at seeing her after 12 years!!  She then told me the news that I could not have predicted.  Her mother was also in Utah and would be with her at the Mission Reunion a few days later.
     The moment I was able to embrace Ludmilla, and have her kissing me all over my face was a taste of paradise.  If that is what it feels like to be in the highest kingdom, then sign me up!  The happiness I felt was unbelievable!!  

10 hour drive with 3 little kids---exhausting, getting to see close friends and family---excellent, getting to embrace long lost Russian friends----PRICELESS!!!!

Thank you Permskii Elders for coming after Brian and I begged you to come.  It was a memory I shall not soon forget.  In the group picture from left to right: Brian Shelley, Daren Hafen, Kolya Ustuzhaninov, Josh Mangum, Wendy Hurst Jones, Sean Pitts, Anderson

Wendy's Mission Reunion

The real reason for my trip to Utah was to see Kolya and his wife Yuli ...

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 6:05pm PST

Fall 2008 in Utah : The Jones kids had 2 weeks off for Fall Break. Mommy piled the kids in the car and made a 10 hour car ride to Utah to enjoy cooler temperatures. After a quick overnighter in Vegas, we arrived in Salt Lake safely just in time to see Grandma and Grandpa off to New Hampshire.  We sure had a great time! We got to play with cousins Jarrett and Sabrina, visit our friend Cami, see cousins Chad and Heather and their new baby Grayson, Mommy got to see some close friends from her mission, went to lunch with Nate and Shanna, spent a day with great grandma and grandpa Workman, swung on the rope swing over the creek,played hard with cousins Ryker, Cole, and Oakley, celebrated Tal's birthday with Sadie and her family, jumped on the neighbors trampoline, picked up lots of pears and apples, enjoyed cooler weather, had a sleepover with Aunt Kelsey, watched Conference with family, went to a Workman family party on Conference Sunday, had a cousins lunch at Pizza Factory, went to Gardner Village to see the witches, had a sleepover with cousin Riley, stayed up late watching movies, slept in late, ate out almost every day, painted some cabinets for Nate and Shanna, hung out with Riikka, met up with Meaja and her kids at Gateway, went to breakfast with college friend Tom and his wife Jill, hung out with grandma and grandpa Jones, went to an Aquarium with Grandma Hurst, spent time with granpa Hurst in his yard, went to an outdoor reception with the Jones fam, drank lots of hot chocolate, woke up to two inches of snow on Sunday morning, picked up daddy from the airport, went and saw a 3-D movie at the dinosaur museum, went to church with grandma and grandpa, and made the 10 hour drive home with daddy. WHEW!!!! Sure was a fun trip!  Couldn't possibly have packed more in.  Thank you to all friends and family who made our trip so very memorable.  We loved every minute!!

Fall 2008 in Utah

The Jones kids had 2 weeks off for Fall Break. Mommy piled the kids in ...

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 4:53pm PST

"The Little Missionary"--youth play in a day : WOW!!!! What can I say about my play in a day experience??  I was called on by the stake to write and direct a play for a group of youth in our stake.  We started at 8a.m. on a Saturday and worked our buns off to have it ready to perform at 7:00p.m. that night. I was assigned 26 wonderful youth from our stake, and we had a tremendous experience all working together to get it ready.  I had excellent people on my staff including the bishop's wife, Sis. Campbell that is worthy of sainthood, and 3 18-year old BYU bound girls from my ward.  I could not have done it without them.  It was so fun to hand these kids the play I had written and watch them make it come to life.  I love each of them so much and I will never forget the fun time we had that day.  A big thank you to my cast, and crew people who made it a day I'll never forget!!!!

"The Little Missionary"--youth play in a day

WOW!!!! What can I say about my play in a day experience?? I was call ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2008 6:06pm PST

Jones Family reunion 2008 : We had a very successful Jones family reunion in Duck Creek Village near Cedar City.  We stayed in a cozy cabin just a 5 minute walk from a beautiful lake.  We fished, nature walked, played in the stream, roasted marshmallows, played bubbles with grandma's coveted bubble maker, ate way too much, and stayed up way too late.  The cousins got along wonderfully and we all worked well together on nap times and early bed times for little kiddos. The tradition is now set and we can't wait for the next one!!  Thanks grandma for putting it all together!!

Jones Family reunion 2008

We had a very successful Jones family reunion in Duck Creek Village ne ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2008 8:09pm PST

Emery's 3rd Birthday :

Emery's 3rd Birthday

Updated: Sep 02, 2008 7:27pm PST

Family Summer Fun :

Family Summer Fun

Updated: Sep 02, 2008 6:58pm PST

Girl's Nights Out!! : This summer has been full of fun girls nights out.  It has been great especially because Brandon has been away at 5 different youth camps this summer with the bishopric.  I've felt like a single mom at times.  So getting out with the girls has been a real treat for me. I was lucky enough to go to the Keith Urban/Kenney Chesney concert with some good friends, then the IDOL finale party with women and young women in our ward, then a lunch date for Diana's birthday, and then the SYTYCD finale party with ward girls again.  Soon to come are some pictures Diana snapped with her cell phone at my overnight birthday party at the Marriott. Six girls went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner, then to see "Mama Mia" which was so fun to see with girls, and then a sleepover at the Residence Inn.  It was so much fun, that I almost forgot that I wasn't in college.  It felt like old times!!  Thanks to all my girlfriends who have made this summer a real party!!  (especially Thanks to Diana who did sleepovers with me, her kids and my kids while our husbands were gone :))

Girl's Nights Out!!

This summer has been full of fun girls nights out. It has been great ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2008 1:08pm PST

Mexico June 2008 : These are pictures of our June trip to Rocky Point with Kris and Amy Bailey and their family.  We went for just 3 days and 2 nights, but it was well worth the trip.  We had perfect temperatures of 95 degrees, and the ocean water was just right. The slide at one of the pools was a hit with the kids.  For sure check out the 3rd page of this entry and watch a few of the video clips.  The first clip is worthy of some YOUTUBE award for sure.  Enjoy the wipeout as Brandon and Emery take out a little girl climbing up the slide.  ADIOS!!

Mexico June 2008

These are pictures of our June trip to Rocky Point with Kris and Amy B ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2008 3:40pm PST

Makenna Swim Meet : On Saturday July 12th, 2008 we attended a 7am swim meet as a family to watch Makenna compete.  We had a great time cheering her on.  She had a really great meet and we're always proud of her because she always gives it her best.  The video clip below is of her best stroke, the back stroke in which she took 4th place out of 8. The pictures are of her doing her freestyle and she nears the finish line.

Makenna Swim Meet

On Saturday July 12th, 2008 we attended a 7am swim meet as a family to ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2008 3:20pm PST

SUMMER 2008 :

SUMMER 2008

Updated: Jun 23, 2008 6:55pm PST

Spring Sillyness : We've had a very silly spring.  Makenna has many times dressed the younger two up in costumes.  This is just one of those times.  Tal unfortunately has way too many photos of him in girl's attire.  This one was too good not to share.  Emmie gets the camera on her and she turns into a little ham.  She poses and smiles and is never ever serious.  Makenna looked so good this past Sunday that I took a picture of her with her best friend Cydnie, and with little sis, Emmie.  When Emery gets mad she runs to the nearest corner and pouts, but when you call her name she turns around smiling.  The kids also hid in the game cupboard one day and it was too irresistible.  And it was only fitting that under the Sillyness title, we add pictures of "silly papa".  He was here for a 3 day business trip and we were fortunate enough to have him stay with us.

Spring Sillyness

We've had a very silly spring. Makenna has many times dressed the you ...

Updated: May 27, 2008 7:29pm PST

Mother's Day 2008 : This was one of my most favorite Mother's Days.  My kids were so darling. They made me sweet cards.  Makenna wrote me one that I will forever cherish and had me in complete tears.  Makenna and I sang in Sacrament Meeting with two other moms and their daughters.  It was pretty special.  Brandon bought me flowers, and YES!! That is Brandon baking dinner for me.  He went shopping for all the ingredients and made me the most delicious creamy enchiladas ever!

Mother's Day 2008

This was one of my most favorite Mother's Days. My kids were so darli ...

Updated: May 27, 2008 6:36pm PST

Camping Fun : Spring has been great weather for camping so we've done a lot of it! In April, we borrowed our next door neighbors camper and headed to Payson for a night.  We were the only ones parked out in the woods.  The scenery was beautiful, the weather perfect, and our hike with the kids the next day was filled with treasures and fun.  Don't mind Tal in a girl's jacket.  Mom forgot to bring his and Makenna brought two. The first three pictures are of Tal and Daddy at Fathers and Sons campout with the ward.  The remaining photos are of Wendy and Brandon's backpacking trip with their good friends Kelton and Melissa.  We hiked Mt. Wrightson for 6 hours on a Friday.  We set up camp in freezing temps that night, stayed in our tents chattering our teeth, and hardly slept due to the wickedly fierce winds blowing outside our tents.  We awoke early the next morning and summitted the peak which gave us 360 degree views.  One side was Mexico, and the other side was Tuscon.  Wendy was blistered and sore by the end of the hike, but she did it!!  It was well worth the pain.  On the last page of photos you can see the peak behind us. Those pictures were taken after we had come back down the mountain.It was great spending time in the outdoors, with best friends, and without kids!!  Thanks Kelt and Melis for putting it together for us.  We accomplished a 14 mile hike over a 4,000 foot vertical ascent.

Camping Fun

Spring has been great weather for camping so we've done a lot of it! I ...

Updated: May 27, 2008 6:30pm PST

Disneyland 2008 : Riding on scary rides. 100 screams.   Watching scary 3-D shows.  25 tear drops.  Keeping warm on the chilly mornings and at sunset.  5 jackets.  Having the time of our lives as a family and with our cousins. Priceless.

We couldn't have asked for a better time!!  Thanks to our Utah family for meeting us there.  We had so much fun.  Thanks to our daddy for making the trip possible and providing us with a good hotel, yummy food, and a schedule that allowed us to ride 25 rides our first day, and 23 on our second.  Doesn't get much better than that.

Disneyland 2008

Riding on scary rides. 100 screams. Watching scary 3-D shows. 25 te ...

Updated: Mar 03, 2008 10:01am PST

January and February : Our January and February were filled with wonderful memories.  A few weeks ago Makenna had a musical performance at her school.  We attended as a family.  Unfortunately we were so far away that you couldn't even see Makenna in the sea of faces.  So instead I turned the camera on a very anxious little sister who was eagerly watching her big sister perform.  The kids were quite photogenic that night so I'm please to show them off in these pictures.  Check out the 2nd and 3rd photos on this page.  Emery is such a little character.  Also, grandma and grandpa Hurst came for a visit.  They arrived on Valentine's Day and stayed for 5 days.  We had so much fun with them.  As you can see, there was no shortage of kissing, hugging, snuggling, and hand holding.
One other picture is of me with Alex Odell who was recently baptized.  I had the privelege of teaching him the discussions in Russian and speaking on Baptism in Russian on the big day.

January and February

Our January and February were filled with wonderful memories. A few w ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2008 1:55pm PST

January Fun!!! :

January Fun!!!

Updated: Jan 20, 2008 7:23pm PST

Updates to the house :

Updates to the house

Updated: Jan 07, 2008 10:58pm PST

Home updates

Updated: Jan 07, 2008 10:21pm PST

Christmas 2007 : This Christmas was an absolute riot!!!  Grandma and Grandpa Jones came to town and brought Aunt Kelsey with them.  Here are some of the things we did during the holiday:  birthday party for Kelsey, hide and go seek with flashlights, play time at the park in 70 degree weather, dancing to Enchanted soundtrack, dance off to Polar Express music, candlelight vigil on Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve program by the grandkids, seeing lights, talking to Sister Jones in Germany, hickory smoking a Turkey, shopping at an outdoor mall, and girl's night out.  It was a royal party and will hard to beat!!

Christmas 2007

This Christmas was an absolute riot!!! Grandma and Grandpa Jones came ...

Updated: Jan 07, 2008 10:19pm PST

SOCCER :

SOCCER

Updated: Nov 11, 2007 12:15pm PST

Sadie and Jud visit Chandler : Judson had a 3-day business conference in Mesa Arizona!!  So Sadie got to tag along and come for a visit.  We were fortunate enough to host them in our home and have them share time with us.  It was great having them here.  The kids sure loved having the extra attention from their aunt and uncle.  During the day Sadie and Wendy played, went to lunch, and shopped.  The weather was in the mid 80's.  They even layed out by the pool one day.  How's that for November??  It was a very memorable visit.  Thanks for coming Sades and Jud!! We love you!!

Sadie and Jud visit Chandler

Judson had a 3-day business conference in Mesa Arizona!! So Sadie got ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2007 11:54am PST

Tal's 5th Birthday : For Talmage's 5th Birthday we wanted to do something really special.  We debated doing a big party for him, but realized in the end that as long as he had his family around, it would be celebration enough.  We left Emmie home and the rest of us went to a fun place called Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek.  It had lots of rides, animal petting zoo, a giant corn maize, pony rides, face painting, ice cream and lots of games.  The kids had a ball and we got home at 10:30 that night!!
It was a great way to celebrate with a 5 year old, especially to see the huge smile on his face.

Tal's 5th Birthday

For Talmage's 5th Birthday we wanted to do something really special. ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2007 10:57am PST

Halloween 2007 : WHEW!!!! Done for another 365 days!! Thank goodness!  Halloween was great and we did our main celebrating last Saturday night at the ward party.  It was quite a doozy with every room in the entire building set up with different games and themes.  Makenna chose to go as Hannah Montana along with every other girl age 6-12, Talmage went as a hunky and handsome Superman, and Emery used a recycled costume of Makenna's from when she was two years old.  See if you can find Makenna in the pictures below.  Brandon went as a rotten toothed pirate, and I kept it simple with a cowgirl costume.  Talmage also was the cat and the fiddle for a Nursery Rhyme parade for his school class. Hope you all enjoy your fall and look forward to more normal holidays ahead.

Halloween 2007

WHEW!!!! Done for another 365 days!! Thank goodness! Halloween was gr ...

Updated: Nov 01, 2007 4:02pm PST

Nate's Wedding :

Nate's Wedding

Updated: Oct 30, 2007 3:27pm PST

Wendy in New Hampshire : In October, Wendy was fortunate enough to take a quick trip to New England to visit Molly and her family.  It was far too short, but so worth it!!  They packed in a ton of site seeing, including a trip to Sharon Vermont to visit the birth place of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  The highlight for Wendy was playing with Molly and her kids and seeing the beautiful fall colors.  She especially loved taking pictures of her niece and nephew Beau and Abbie who were very photogenic.  Beautiful fall leaves, gorgeous weather, apple picking at Poverty Lane Orchards,  Dartmouth homecoming bonfire, Brian's hockey game, staying up late with Molly, visiting a local farmer's market, and shopping the main street in Hanover near Dartmouth College was an absolute dream!!!

Wendy in New Hampshire

In October, Wendy was fortunate enough to take a quick trip to New Eng ...

Updated: Oct 29, 2007 1:09am PST

Rocky Point 2007 :

Rocky Point 2007

Updated: Oct 01, 2007 4:42pm PST

Lake Roosevelt :

Lake Roosevelt

Updated: Jul 02, 2007 10:14am PST

Jones Family photo shoot :

Jones Family photo shoot

Updated: Jun 06, 2007 10:28pm PST

Our New House :

Our New House

Updated: Jun 06, 2007 10:08pm PST

Makenna Kindergarten Graduation :

Makenna Kindergarten Graduation

Updated: Jun 06, 2007 9:26pm PST

camping in Sedona Arizona :

camping in Sedona Arizona

Updated: Jun 06, 2007 9:15pm PST

Grandma and Grandpa Hurst :

Grandma and Grandpa Hurst

Updated: May 14, 2007 11:12pm PST

Christmas 2006 :

Christmas 2006

Updated: Jan 09, 2007 12:35pm PST

kids photo shoot :

kids photo shoot

Updated: Jan 09, 2007 10:14am PST

Polar Express 2006 :

Polar Express 2006

Updated: Dec 24, 2006 7:08pm PST

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Merry Christmas!