Christmas 2009

This year I thought we would begin a new Christmas rotation and exchange as a FAMILY. This will help keep things simple. It is your choice to send one family gift or individual gifts. Be creative, work with whatever your budget is. There is no pressure to spend a certain amount. Here is the list:

Bethany & Rich- Rebecca & Taber
Kimberly & Trevin- Eric & Cindy
T.J. & Michelle- Jessica & Skyler
Mark & Tracy- Rosalia
Stephen & Desirae- Bethany & Rich
David & Jana- Kimberly & Trevin
Rebecca & Taber- T.J. & Michelle
Eric & Cindy- Mark & Tracy
Jessica & Skyler- Stephen & Desirae
Rosalia- David & Jana

Kirtland

We also stopped in Kirtland on our way home. The presentation by the missionaries and tour of the Newel K. Whitney store was a little more than our smaller children could handle reverently. Bridger passed gas while the Sr. Sister missionary was sharing her testimony.

Niagra Falls

On our way home from Palmyra we stopped at Niagra Falls and walked around the park for an hour. I remember going there over 20 years ago.

Hill Cumorrah Pageant

That evening after swimming in the hotel we headed over to the pageant. The special effects were great, but right after Samual the Lamanite--it started to rain. They held the show for ten minutes--and the rain stopped, but the thunder and lightening continued so they called the show. We were a little disapponted but at least we know how the story ends. We hope to one day be part of the cast as a family. The Badger's headed back to the city early the next morning to make it back in time for church. Thanks so much David, Jana, and Breyton for letting us invade your space, we had a great time!

Palmyra

We went to the Sacred Grove in Palmyra New York. Here is the Temple in the background. Trevin noticed a senior missionary couple with the last name of Semadeni. Turned out they were Matt Semadeni's parents--Kari Karren's husband-and Kari was there with her family for their daughter's baptism--so we saw them along with Sister and Brother Karren. Sometimes the world is so small.

Central Park

Trevin took Bridger and Paige over to Central park while Jana and I took the 2-year olds and Brinley to the Metropolitan Museum of Art--also a donation museum. We viewed Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and other famous works of art. Bridger thought this person was a statue and was a little freaked out when it started to move after he touched it.

Staten Island Ferry

We enjoyed a New York City sunset on the Ferry. This is the free way to view the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the harbor. We love free.