So as I hinted at earlier, our youngest and boldest child is keeping us on our medical toes! As I landed in Utah December 30th, Brendon asked if I had spoken to Russell, as he was on his way to emergency with Skyler. He had hurt himself on his second outing giving snowboarding a whirl.Well, whirl it was, as he landed on his shoulder, (this is not him)
and separated the "AC joint" at his shoulder. We actually have a picture on DVD of how pretty his bone is sticking up, I tried to download it, but it won't let me. You can see the bump under his skin, looking at his shoulder under his shirt. When I looked it up on the internet, lots of pretty pictures. He is now 3 weeks into this injury, and just received a brace yesterday to immobilize his shoulder better and keep his arm from becoming too "weighty" to help the healing process.
The next Skyler adventure was this morning having 4 wisdom teeth removed. I tell you! I am pretty sure that Skyler won't let me to post his post-teeth removal picture, Go figure, some 19 year olds are so touchy about such things! His face is actually quite pretty still, not alot of swelling, and applesauce and jello are on the menu for tonight! I have not ever had any wisdom teeth myself , and my other 7 kids skated by with only Jordan having 1 to remove. We must not have much wisdom…:)
We were able to round up the family to celebrate and have a birthday dinner and game night. Complete with a Fajita Feast, and a ROUSING game of Hand and Foot. Russell even joined in the game adventures!
But it was fun to celebrate together.
He is a little ball of fluff, fun, and puppy breath! He is a maltese-poodle mix, and quite adorable.
We were nervous buying our first house, and I think I am just as nervous for my kids when they make that committment. A bit scary, but so amazing at the same time. Julia's Dad, Cole Warner, Russell and Skyler waiting out front...
Cole did a little watering of the plants while we were waiting. 
Grant is looking pleased with their new digs!
My New Year's Eve was spent in Utah! I went to see my sister Lori and her hubby Brent, and their boy Will in their new home. I love to see where people live after they move, so I can imagine them there when I am far away. My other purpose of going was to spend time with Brendon and Stephanie, as they are our kids in Missouri now, and they were in Utah for the holidays with Stephanie's family. As I arrived in Utah, Brendon and Steph came and picked me up at the airport, where upon I found out that Russell was on his way to the emergency room with Skyler with a dislocated shoulder from snowboarding. 
I wish I could show you pictures of the beautiful artwork there, but lets just say amazing. I received a tour again... amazing. Then on to bowling, Williams activity of choice.
Brendon and Stephanie met us there, and we had a fun time. My competive son, married himself an athlete. 
He wasn't so sure he liked it when she beat us all soundly both games we bowled. 
Brendon kept trying to knock her off her streak.... this is his mischievious face after seeing if his attempt worked. 
But, he tried... to no avail. William thought this 8 pound ball could be tossed about like his rubber balls, but nope not the same!
On to the Gibson's for a night of good food and fun. Brent getting ready to teach us all "Hand and Foot"
Lori's enjoying a story!
Stephanie's family is so great, and we had fun playing games and snacking. Thank you to Aaron and Sue for letting me share your New Year's celebration! 
Apples to Apples, and then her dad challenged her to a game of Spades, 
which she and Brendon beat him and her sister's hubby Tyler. It was her day, and she looks pretty proud of herself! 
Then ringing in the New Year! 
Missing my New Year's Kiss from my darlin' hub...for sure, but the couples here enjoyed this tradition!!
and his cousin baby Lilee. 
We had aunts, Russell's sisters Jennifer, Barbara and Marie, and Randi with Sara!
and cousins, Rebekah and Sarah, and Kate and Kris
Silly cousin Dane reminiscing with Grant and cracking us all up!
Grandpa reading the Christmas story,
and a Christmas sing -along.
On to the gift exchange and dessert, and a great Power Point slide show of the family giving love....
The kids do their sibling gift exchange....
Christmas morning with just 3 kids at home....still great, but missin' a few! A much smaller Christmas morning. Our traditional hallway picture before we join at the tree..
On to food and the Pitt Family for Christmas day. Skyler get belated birthday kisses from auntie Jana!
Crazy Uncle Loren always livens up the day!
Games and gifts and goodies.
And a call from our missionary...
Elder Cody Holmes is doing wonderful in Honduras! Although his packages have not arrived.
