Homecoming

He's home!!!

We are glad he's here. Tonight we catch up and let him tell all the stories. 

Tomorrow we mancala. 

 

Christmas Day 2021

Mmmmm....those peaceful morning moments. 

Yesterday's plan is perfectly executed...que celebratory jig!

Megan does the honors. 

Presents delivered to stations!

Megan clearly appreciated her new fuzzy chair...that's a station upgrade, if I've ever seen one.

A digital camera for Everly

Pottery wheel for Anna

Feeding Laney's obsession with The Mandalorian

Mathew was surprised with a Nintendo 64 system, straight from the home of a heavy smoker. Gives it that air of authenticity. 

All Cubbies, all the time.

The rest of the day we spent chatting with Elder Hufford

Trying out gifts (in rooms without carpet)

And dreaming of smoked ribs

There were plenty of new puzzles to choose from

Aaaaand we made it! Mostly in one piece. 

 

Snowflakes, cookies and mancala

It's been a few years since we've made a ridiculous mess cutting snowflakes out of coffee filters. Seems like it's been just enough time to feel relevent and nostalgic all at once. 

Cookies! 

Pretty good job considering we are working with a made up icing recipe and some plastic butterknives. 

And to top it all off...a video call from Elder Hufford! He is mastering the mancala. Mark has a few tricks up his sleeve too. I'm happy to be at the receiving end of "Look at me, Mom!"

And just for the heck of it...isn't the tree looking country cute??

 

Word from Washington

I love these calls!

 We even get to listen in on Elder Hufford's baptisms!

Zones, districts, service, activities and companions!

Independence Day in Gardner

When it comes to traditions, dragging all your friends to go see fireworks in Gardner is even more time-honored than shooting off fireworks!

But making the strawberry flag cake beats them both

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Loved getting our call from Elder Hufford before heading out!

This year we opted for Gardner's actual firework show, instead of pulling over and trespassing to catch a glimpse of whatever flammables the houses by the lake shoot into the air. We're fully compliant with the law (this year).

Happy 4th of July!!