Gingerbread houses

Our annual gingerbread house decorating was a flop this year. For some reason the house wouldn't stay together and the frosting was just gunky so a few of us gave up 1/2 way through and just ate the candy (best part anyway.)

Finished masterpiece!

Hiking to the Y

photo op with smoggy Provo in the background

Conor on the middle of the Y

Almost there!

While Josie was snoozing we took a quick hike up to the Y. I was worried Conor might not make it. He made it with out even breaking a sweat or one tiny complaint. It is still just as steep as always, but the view is always worth the hike.

Temple Square

The Kellogg Temple Square postcard
Both kids were intrigued by the floating bubble lights and the nativity in the reflection pond

Josie hitching a ride on uncle Blake's shoulders

The Kellogg and Nielsen family

Exhausted from the fun filled day

We joined the throngs of people the first night the lights went on for Christmas. We went to the training table and ate yummy cheese fries with Blake and his family then we wandered around temple square and enjoyed the nativity and the excitement. We were able to meet Janet and her family and Grandma and Grandpa later for more fun. The kids were so tired when we finally got back to the car. I think they were both asleep before the doors were even closed.

Thanksgiving in Utah

Sharissa, Julie, Spencer, Megan, Mackenzie and Katy Playing Dutch Bliss

Janet and Galen

Great Grandma Nielsen, Grandpa and Grandma

Josie and Amber (talking on the phone)

Jessica and Conor

We were able to drive down to Utah for Thanksgiving this year. Well worth the drive. We had a marvelous time. The food and company were fabulous. I actually can't remember the last time I ate my Mom's yummy cooking for Thanksgiving. I had missed it so. We played a really funny game called telephone pictionary...remember the chocolate chip cookie watching over the tree?

Old BYU haunts

Kevin and Josie walking across campus

Josie, Kevin, Grandpa and Grandma

Julie and Janet
We spent a few hours on BYU campus for a walk down memory lane. We went to the new Hinckley alumni building, the creamery for lunch and ice cream of course. Then we were off to the good old Wilk for some bowling and shopping at the bookstore. Campus has certainly changed a lot since I graduated. Makes me feel so old, but always proud to be a cougar.

What the kids have been up to.

Josie watching...MULAN. I figured I should document her favorite pass time. If we would let her watch Mulan 24/7 she would be thrilled. If she is upset or angry this will pacify.
Conor made these cookies almost all by himself! I found the recipe in the friend and then he decorated cute paper bags with turkeys and pumpkins. He was extra excited to deliver them to our neighbors, our bishop and some twin boys in his school class.

Bonus Halloween material

As most of you know...Kevin and I do not dress up for Halloween. We are the first to admit that we are boring when it comes to costumes. This year we were invited to an 80's theme party and were assured no entrance without a costume. The pictures prove that we can dress up and that Kevin can be a very good sport. He even got a prize for runner up to best costume. I know it was the tights...I couldn't keep the girls away from him.

Chris, Tanya, Hilary, Kurt, Kevin and Julie

SEE! Kevin lookin mighty fine