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.

Day #2 New York City

Wednesday we braved the crowds to visit the Bronx Zoo on donation day---you make a donation instead of paying the admission price. We enjoyed looking at lots and lots of people--and a few animals.

New York City

Monday night we arrived in New York City. David and Jana's apartment was actually much larger than I imagined--and the sleeping accomodations for our large family exceeded expectations. We hit some of the major attractions of the city--Jana was our gracious host guiding us from the apartment to the bus to the subway and then to the Museum of Natural History on day 1 of our visit. We enjoyed exploring the exhibits. Afterwards we headed to central park and then back to the Badger's for dinner.

Swimming Lessons

Bridger did a great job jumping off the platform at the end of swimming lessons.

Lake Michigan

We finally got some warm weather and decided to go to Kemell Beach to enjoy the day.

Soccer

Paige and Brinley both played soccer this past spring. Brinley's team took first place this year and she came in second place for the most goals scored.

Activity Days

Here is Brinley with Summer and Storm on one of our activity day activities.

Michigan City Zoo

I was able to go with Paige to the Zoo in Michigan City. We had a great time.

Happy Father's Day!

I'm so glad when daddy comes home, glad as I can be! Clap my hands and shout for joy and climb upon his knee. Put my arms around his neck, hug him tight like this. Pat his cheek and give him what---a great Big KISS! Today we sang that song in primary and it brought back memories of singing that song when I was in primary. I'm so happy to have been sent to righteous parents who worked so hard to have a gospel centered home. The early morning scripture study---Family Home Evenings singing "Love at Home" every single week (we never fought or argued, did we?), seminary music Dad always played in the car as he drove us to school. I appreciate all of that even more now that I am a parent--it's hard work! You made it look so easy, being a great Father must have come natural. Hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!!!! XOXOXOXO Kimberly

Hawaii

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and were very surprised to see David moonlighting as a dancer--first male on the left. We had a great time sipping yummy frozen drinks from pineapples.

Bruce and Mylese were fun travel companions and we made it to and from Hawaii--flying stand by. We were the last to make it on the flight leaving Honalulu when an older gentleman never made it back from lost and found and his wife did not want to leave without him. A mini-miracle. A HUGE thanks to Rosalia for staying with our 5 entergetic children!

Wedding Pictures

Maddison and Cooper at the end of Rebecca's reception. Who looks more worn out?

Wedding Pictures

BYU Graduation

Congratulations BYU graduates! We enjoyed attending graduation and seeing 4 of our family members graduate together! Go Badgers!!!!