Pure Christmas Magic...from Hill to Hill

We received an invitation to come down to Arkansas for a dinner with the Hufford side of the family. We have been politely declining for so long, I almost said 'no' out of habit. 

I'm so glad we didn't.

I can feel our family changing and I know these kids need more time with their family. I figured a trip down to see their grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins would be the very best way to spend the short time we had together for Christmas. 

We arrived a little early and headed down to Lowell to visit our old house. It was neat to see it, but what the big kids really wanted to do was visit Treasure Hill. I'm not sure if they already knew that the "hill" was really just a little slope that I used to bury little shiny rocks and coins in for the kids to find. 

They didn't seem to mind. I still felt all the love and magic right there. 

We drove over to the "new park" and walked around a little before heading over to visit the family at the Allred's lovely Donkey Hill. 

We had a pizza feast!

We had a nice time visiting and catching up with everyone that we haven't seen in so long. As the last people were heading out the door at the end of the night, we could here a robust rendition of "How Firm a Foundation" coming from the music room. It was so fun hearing the boys singing together with Megan on the piano. 

And then we sang and sang and sang.... and my heart was so happy. 

We even persuaded Bryce into playing his baritone for us and it was absolutely gorgeous. I love that rich and mellow tone. 

And only Aunt Sarah could convince these kids to put on an improv dance performance. Anyone reading this....go find the videos..because they are FABulous. 

We sang our last songs of the night, our very favorite, 'Colorado' and 'Camel Rock' by Chuck Pyle...and we were off to sleep. It was an extra gift to have the chance to have all of my Six right there to hug and tell them I love them. 

I woke up the next morning and came out to see these two. 

I thought they were birdwatching out the windows, but they were really talking to Kassie on the phone! Even better. 

We had a quick bowl of cereal, wished the donkey's a happy holiday and headed home for our Christmas Eve activites!

Unforgettable. 

Pie Night Upgrade

 Singing at the top of our lungs on the way to Pie Night is a very good way to spend an evening. 

I upped my game this year and borrowed a spring form pan to make this Pumpkin Cheesecake. It was perfectly delicious and I only had to spend 9.99 on gingersnaps...who knew they were a hot commodity?

Gotta get me one a them spring form pans. 

Best Ever Mother's Day

This was one for the books. 

They've totally figured me out. 

The only thing that would make it better is having my boys home again. But alas. 

I will focus on the good things!

Raspberries and whip cream on the way to church. Nailed it. 

Foot rubs. Nailed it!

Arm massages. Nailed it!

Papusas and Curtido?? On the special plate? Nailed it!

Vegging out with my homies.... you know it....nailed it. 

 And just because we are who we are...a Mother's Day Sundae Sing Along! 

Happy Mother's Day to me!

The Sunny Side of the Street

I got to pop in on Anna's final choir tour today. They were singing all over town, and I met up with them at the district education center. The acoustics are amazing.

And there was this moment when I looked at Anna's face while she was singing and I could tell she was feeling that music and watching her teacher and not worried about other kids or worries or homework or anything at all. She was just soaking up that song and happy.  We both needed that. 

 Mr. Braun will always be on my hero list. Long live Sunnyside Singers!

Laney sails into 14

Birthday smoothie!!

Decorations courtesy of Megan! 

And what better that Laney's current obsession for dinner? A double pan of fried rice!

I am telling you, if you have the ability, go watch the video of us singing "Happy Birthday" to Laney. It came together in a cosmic vortex of harmony. It changed who we are as a family and we will forever be chasing that feeling! 

 Happy Birthday, Laneybug! We are so glad you belong to us!

Sabbath Discovery

We were just minding our own business and singing Book of Mormon stories after a very lovely home sacrament meeting when we realized that there are LOADS of verses to that song...

And we couldn't resist singing them all.

Mark provided the questionably offensive raindance strumming.

You really never know what's gonna happen in Hufford First Ward.

Mark turns 14x3

Forty-two!!

What happens when you turn forty two and you just went on an epic trip to Maui?  Your wife forgets to buy candles for the occasion. So there are always a few leftover from each package and that will have to do for now...we have 14 random candles...we will make this work.

The streamer placement was spot on this year.

After all that eating out we did on our trip, Mark was ready for a simple homecooked meal. Ham and potatoes, rolls and watermelon.

We lit the candles three times and sang three different songs...just to make up for the candle snafu.

It's got to be our best performance yet.

Anna knows what he truly wants for his birthday. And she delivers!

He didn't hesitate in diving in to his favorite present...his own cake.

Happy Birthday, Mark! We love you more than we can express!

Sing us out, Laney!

Look at this girl!

Still going strong after singing at every mall, convalescent home and Bass Pro within a 30 minute bus drive of the school. She's a trooper! And she will be rewarded with a kick but summer.

Aaaaaalmost there!L