December

Rob, Lorianne, Clark, Becki, Elroy, Sherry, Lloyd, Lorianne D., Tina

 December began with my "Elroy's" annual Christmas party over at Tina's.  Jacob wasn't feeling well so Jason stayed home with him.  Missing several, but it was fun to see those who could come.

We went to dinner at my mom's the second Sunday and she gave us a pretty nativity scene.

Here it is by the fireplace.

Max, Brook and Emily came to dinner too.  Fun to see them.

Monday, the 23rd we went with Catheys to Airborne Trampoline park.  They have a mini America Ninja Warrior course and Jason got to the end where you try to go up the warp wall.  He made it to the top, but could not hold on.  Came back down the wall (it is not slick) and turned his ankle.  Not a bad sprain, but he had to treat it with care the rest of the break.

Growing up my family always had people over on Christmas Eve.  We had families that matched up with our ages, older couples, the missionaries....it was always so fun and a great memory.  I've wanted to do that with our family, but finding families with kids Jacob's age, who are not already with family is hard.  We did have Michael, and my friends Judy and Gwen over a few years ago, but just not the same.  So this year I just went out and bought Cafe Rio.  Maybe a new tradition. 

Jacob's mug with pictures of our adventures in 2019.  Jason with his neck warmer and head warmer.

Jacob opening his new school sweatshirt

Opening videos from Mom.  Jacob opening his gift of $20 from Grandma Safsten.

No, this is not a duplicate picture.  Jason also got a balaclava--which looks MUCH like the neck and head warmer he received earlier.  But, in his case, you can never be too warm!

Opening the flood lights for outside.  Nice gift, but didn't keep it.  Kind of like the iPad back in 2011 for Christmas.  Didn't keep it.  I repurchased it for Father's dad in 2012 and we kept it.  Waiting to see if this, or something like it is repurchased at a future date.

 I got hot pads, socks, a new coat, dish towels, a new dress and quilting material.













 And here was the best part of Christmas!  Jacob opening this game cartridge and finding it was for the Nintendo Switch, rather than for his current Xbox 360.  I played along a bit and looked at Jason kind of saying, "Did you get the wrong game?"
We told Jacob that we could take it back, we had gotten the wrong one and he could pick out a new game for his Xbox.

What are you thinking Mom and Dad???

 We opened a few more gifts and then pulled this out of the back of the tree.  Jacob opened it and the best pictures were on the video I took.  He looked at us with surprise.  He said, Is this, is this really...It's a Nintendo Switch!  Oh my gosh!  No!  No!  How?  What?  Yes, yes!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Woooo!!!"  It was so fun to see!!

 We went over to Randy and MarySue's for the rest of the day.  Here they are wrapping won tons for dinner.

 Everyone watching each person open their family gift exchange gifts.

These hats are hilarious!  You push at the bottom of the flaps that hang down and it makes the ears on each of the hats flip up.  So funny!

 Singing Mele Kalikimaka for Aunt Vina and Uncle Roy (sending it to them).

 After Christmas some of the boys did a Nerf gun war over at the church.

We went with Catheys to Funtopia for climbing.

Sunday afternoon, putting an erector set car together. 

 We went skiing with Catheys on the 30th.  Jason (due to his ankle) and I (due to my non ski ability) just went up and watched.  We're also trying to teach Jacob that we are not his Sherpas to pack his stuff.  :)

 New Year's Eve we went to Ahyou's and played games.  The kids played downstairs.  It was a lot of fun!

Happy New Years!!  On to 2020!!

November

 Scouts...Jacob has moved into a new troop this past year, in addition to the church troop we've always had.  This new one is nondenominational and is run by a couple of our neighbors.  They are very into scouting and they have meetings every week.  Here Jacob is with Ben and Burt working on a volcano. 
In general I think Jacob likes it.  Right now he is First Class and has about 1/2 of his required merit badges for Eagle Scout. 

 At school one of Jacob's classes is FACs, Family and Consumer Sciences.  Here he is showing the chips and salsa he made.

Carolyn, Jen, Alex, Richie

Prior to Thanksgiving we got together with Jen Fisher, her sister Carolyn, Richie (and kids), Gina, Brad and Kristiana (and kids). Fun getting together and seeing everyone.

Jen, Richie, Kristiana, Brad, Gina

We attended Jacob's Priesthood Preview where Brad Watson (the 2nd counselor and now Deacon's advisor) and the Bishop spoke to the kids about the priesthood and being able to attend the temple.  Jacob is looking forward to it.  We need to find some names for him to take to the temple to do baptisms.  

We went to Randy and MarySue's to celebrate Jenny's birthday. 

I have no idea what Jason is feeding Jacob in these pictures. 

Thanksgiving day at the gym with Marci and Steven

Had Thanksgiving at Josh and Irina's.  Played games, ate good food. 

Day after Thanksgiving we went to the Kmart hill and went sledding with Catheys.