January--March 2013

January 2013

Yes-- It's May---at least it's not May 2014!  I'm doing good- only a few months behind :)

We were so excited to have Kate and Laura come out to visit the first part of January!!  Wow- what a party it is when we're together!  We started with a magical afternoon of ice skating.  So much fun!!    These kids have skills!

We couldn't help,  but show off our amazing talent!  Spinning-- twirling-- and all kinds of pizazz!

Afterwards these two chef's  came home to make us a super fancy lunch.  Complete with a selection of grilled cheese sandwiches-- all labeled (colby, cheddar.)  They of course added some freshly cut fruit (being the healthy girls they are) to the menu as well.  Mmm Mmm.

It's always so fun when these girls get together!
They come up with all kinds of wild ideas.  

Dress ups have always been a hit!

This time, they even made flower bows.  

And out of no where turned into Tiger girls :)- They're killin' me!  Not sure how they came up with these moves. 

And this kid--- is another little wonder!  He's got quite the personality these days.    He does not hide any emotion, or opinion.  We've discovered he hates the bath-- not sure why......or what happened......he just does.  And, don't go trying to make it fun by adding bubbles.  

That will really kill the moment.  

 We've discovered a whole bunch of other things as well.  Like......gone are the days for a clean house.    Jackson now unloads at an incredible speed.  I'm exhausted--all day just trying to find him and what he's into next.   But, he sure is cute-- so we'll rough it out, and pray we don't go crazy!

Allison turns 9!!! 

What a super cute -super talented- super helpful little joy she is!
Our little delight in every way!!!  

Allies favorites at 9:

Devree
Jackson

Chocolate Chip cookies without chocolate chips (funny)

Cute shoes
Soccer and Tumbling
Singing-Awesome voice
Math
Piano
Pink, Blue and Green colors
"Tom's" shoes
Colorful clothes-color pants
She's amazing at:
Being organized and responsible
Being SUPER Helpful--Often call her my right hand!!
She gets the job done-- and the best part-- it's always with a smile!!
Super smart and organized at school
disciplined and responsible
Funny-- and so fun to be around
What an incredible blessing she is in our lives!!!!

We are extremely honored to be her Mom and Dad!

WE LOVE YOU ALLIE!!!
Allie wanted crepes with nutella and powdered sugar for her birthday breakfast.  Mmm mmmm!

This is one of the happiest sights I get all day!  (Along with 3 other kids coming home from school.)  Allie comes home on the bus, and walks with her friends home everyday.  As she comes to the door-- we all get so excited!  Here she is on her birthday-- we were watching by the window to see her come- It's so cute, Jackson runs to the door so fast-- he almost always falls down :) 

For Allie's Birthday this year- we had a family party.  She chose to go to East Moon for their hibache grill.  Soooooo tasty!!  The kids were in heaven.  Well--- except for Zack.  The poor guy had a major reaction to shrimp (closed off) last time we went, and now has to pick up a hamburger to eat instead.  Bummer.

Allie wanted crepes with nutella and powdered sugar for her birthday breakfast.  Mmm mmmm!

She got what she has been wanting for a long time-- a Singing machine!!

Happy Birthday to our sweet little ALLISON!!!!

The Fort Collins Temple

We Fort Collinites--- Just couldn't be any happier!!!  Below is the land for the new Fort Collins Temple!!  We are so proud to announce that the City Council has passed the temple (so many restrictions saying it couldn't be built.)  So--We will now have a 112 foot temple out our back window.  This is the tallest building in Fort Collins (I guess it shares the tallest with 1st national bank, and the grainery way up north-this was a big fight.  No one thought we needed it that tall, and in the 3 hour meeting they suggested just taking off the angel on top :))  AND-- they get to keep the tower lit until 10pm (that was huge!)  AND-- it will now  have a rod iron fence- just like all of the other temples (instead of all of the tunnel feel wood fences only allowed in FC)  AND- they can even plant the kind of trees they want-- and not only the ones the city approves.  This is all just SPECTACULAR!!!!

We can hardly wait for the announcement of the Ground Breaking!!

As I sat in the meeting- I was so nervous.  Mark and I have only been to one other city meeting about the temple because we don't live in the exact neighborhood, but Kyle Cleverly had asked us to- so we gladly joined in.  It was so interesting.  First of all--tons of opposition.  Especially from some inactive (left the church) men.  I  didn't think things would pass.  Zack's good soccer friend Ritzi's Dad was one of the main council members.  At first he just sat there, and I thought oh great......he has already had a few discussions with us on how devoted we are to our church-- even that Zack won't even play when the team needs him so much.  So-- I thought, maybe he thinks we are trying to get away with something again.  But-- the Lord is so in charge.  As the meeting drew to the end, Geno (Ritzi's dad) cut the ice by saying, you know......these are good people- wanting to worship God.  These people do things right.  I have seen the way they handle things, they don't go 1/2 way. And, look at this presentation.  It's amazing!  This could be an incredible landmark in our neighborhood.  This is something that people go to Europe for.  The whole tone of the meeting changed.  In fact-- the spirit was strong.  I was crying of course.  One by one-- the council members were softened, and suddenly-- EVERYTHING the church was asking for was passed.  Amazing!!! This is the Lord's house!!  We told Zack the great news when we got out of the meeting- and let him know that his example had paid off. And......of course Grammie told everyone she knows- including her new friends sitting on the airplane next to her that Zack Crane got the temple approved.  :)  So if you here that rumor-- this will  give you some understanding of where that came from.  We love you Grammie!

Jack-Jack discovered balloons!!!! 

And- loved every minute of it!  

Zack and his awesome Artistry!  Great job Zack!  He is loving his art class in Junior High!

One day- I couldn't find Jackson anywhere.  I looked and looked- but no peep....nothing!  So- i started really searching hard. Looking behind the couch-- and this is what I saw.  If you look close---- you'll see his little brown sweatshirt on the other side of the guitar.  I about died--- he was totally hiding!  He held his silence so good.  Little Stinker!  We might be in for a wild ride with this kid!

We are getting organized!  It only took 4 years since we moved in, to finally go through each closet- and get it how we wanted it.   Jackson loved every minute of it--
climbing in and out of all the bins, and baskets!  

3rd Grade musical.  

Such a cute play. They had the kids dress up like the teachers-

and say the cutest parts-just like their teachers!

I looked over in the kitchen and saw these cute boys.  Jackson wanted both boys to hold his hands-- and sit there with him.   Funny!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!!!

What an incredible kid-- such a hard worker, with a great desire to do what's right.  

WE LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!

Josh's Favorites at 17:

Treats:  Choc. Chip Cookies, PB cup cake, and Mississippi Mud Pie

Ice Cream:  Cookies and Cream

Food:  Steak and Potatoes

Cereal:  Honey Bunches of Oats

Color:  Orange, Blue and Silver

Sports:  Bball, Track, Skiing, and his newest-- kicking the Football

likes cool shoes-- Nike Free Run's are his fave

He is:

Incredibly organized

Super hard worker

Extremely Disciplined

Smart Smart Student

Amazing Oldest Big Brother

(you should see him w Jackson-- cutest thing ever!)

Super big helper

Disciplined Seminary Student

Caring and thoughtful

Seriously--the biggest Honor to be his Parent!

Wow-- He teaches us SO much!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY---WE LOVE YOU JOSH!!!!!

Birthday Breakfast before Seminary--Waffles--mmmm mmmm!

For Josh's birthday this year- We planned a few dinners.  That's all he wanted.  No big party-- just a chance to be together and eat good food.  Here we are at Austin's Steakhouse on his Birthday!  

After dinner- it was time to rush off to the combined Young Men and Young Women annual "Polar Bear Plunge!"  I know-- they are crazy!  Every year-- all the youth jump in an ice hole in the Baer's pond. I used to freak out- thinking they wouldn't be able to get out, but it's nice to see they have their leaders there to help them get out!   Josh had a great time- and they all came home for some tasty hot chocolate afterwards!

This was his cake on his birthday--- His favorite:  A Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie!

And here we are celebrating his Sunday Birthday Dinner.  Allie ended up doing her sunday dinner that day too- since we didn't get a chance to do her Sunday dinner since every single 

Sunday was full in January.  Happy Birthday!!!

Josh got a Letterman's jacket for his Birthday--- It took a little longer than expected to come-- so he got it just after his birthday--- I have to tell you--He's looking pretty cool these days sportin' the jacket! 

Like I said:  Always hiding!  We're going to have to nip this  little fun!  I have to admit-- it's so cute!

I am forever grateful for Mark and all the little thoughtful things he does for me!  Love this  rose he's given me on the 18th of every month-- our whole marriage!  Happiest day of the month!!!

Our Edemame Girl!  

And-- this boy has figured out how to feed himself.  He's not very patient.  If he's hungry, he just helps himself to the pantry and bread drawer. 

STEAMBOAT

Mark and I got a chance to get away for a weekend. . . . and it was GLORIOUS!!!!!!

Perfect Snow.....Perfect Mountain.....Perfect Buddy......Perfect Fun!!! 

We LOVED Steamboat.  I can't believe we haven't skiied there before.  Totally loved all the runs, and our favorite part was---that even the back country was easy to get to.  Here is our favorite run--No Names.  Usually these kind of runs you have to hike forever to get to-- but not here.  We were loving that it was only about a 10 min (not even super steep) hike-- to heavenly powder!!  SO. MUCH. FUN!!!


The whole mountain was awesome.  It had great bump runs, good cliffs, and the best of all not too crowded.  Well-- except for this boy- who wanted to be in our picture :)

I really should edit these pictures- but oh well, This is what you get with a point and shoot.

Afterwards-- we ran up to the hot-springs.  It was so cool.  I hadn't been to any this big before.  Amazing with all the snow surrounding it- and such warm/ hot pools.  So fun!

As we left town-- we thought we should at least have the descency to look at Mom's (Dad and Peggy's) lot in Stagecoach.  Mom had been asking us to go up and see what it was looking like these days- so we took advantage while we were up there.  The only problem..... it is a bit in the boony's.  So-- we put on our snow shoes and went for a walk to find it. 

Being with Mark is the best!!  I am so grateful for him.  We snowshoed and snowshoed-- got lost a bit--Thankfully, Mark has a keen sense of direction- and got us back to our car.  I absolutely loved this little get away.  THANK YOU MARK!!!!! 

Sometime in February.........

We were lucky enough to have Disney's Beauty and the Beast come to town.  So fun to go together!!!

Fossil Creek Ward Young Women's Basketball Team

Hanna, Cambri, Sarra, Brighton, Maddie, Greta, and Anna

Slim numbers now that the ward has split :(  But they did awesome.  Maddie became one of the stars!  It's all that training her brother's make her do. :)

Another Crazy Weekend with the cousins!  

GARRETT'S MISSON FAREWELL WEEKEND

This was of course-- another "RDP"  Random Dance Party.  It happens A LOT in this family--- and it's pretty much..... the best times ever!  These kids have so much fun together!!!  

Cher and Bry were loving Dancing to Taylor Swifts-- "22" :)

After Church, just before,  Josh, Jackson and I flew home.  We were so happy we could be there for this.  Garrett's talk was truly- so inspirational.  All about Family History with connection to missionary work.  LOVED IT!  Here they are--

THE NEXT 6 TO GO OUT- in the next year!

Since I am typing this late ( 3 mo later) update:  Alyson- papers go in, in 8 days, Clayson is in Africa, Garrett is in Mexico, Josh-- papers go in in 9 mo. , 

Peter and James both got called to serve in Texas spanish speaking.  

Woohoooo!  Hooorah for Israel!!!!!

Best of times with these kids!  Looks like Garrett's giving Josh a little "Ripay- Lipay!" :)  

And..... Matt is now engaged to Casey (top left)  

We are SOOOO excited for them!!  She is SO much fun!!!

Josh and Garrett have been close buddies all their lives-- this was sad to see them say goodbye.   Josh will leave- before Garrett get's back- so they won't see each other for a while.  

The next weekend--- Was Clayson's Farewell in Reno.  We had such an amazing time being with Heidi and Clay's family as well.  They are the best!  We rarely get to go to their home- since we are so far from each other- so this was a special treat!  The kids had a great time-- and lived it up on all of Clayson's gift cards he needed to use before the mission.  Here they are just after they went to starbucks to get smoothies.  Mmmm Mmmm!

Plenty of BBall games-- and fun playing in the Jorgensen's yard.  Seriously awesome.  

The girls had a blast as well.  

One of their favorite memories--- Playing Fugitive at the school next door.  Maddie's words-- "FREAKY" in a place you don't know.  We are happy they all came back alive!

Feeling "Gangsta!"  by Alyson Young :)

Top News:  MEGAN DOLD is Pregnant and having a little GIRL!!!  Heidi just coudlnt' be happier!  She has already bought half the world for this little one :)  She is hilarious-- Megan announces--- and out comes Heid with little outfits -- boy and girl of course!

Congrats to Megan and Jake!

We were so happy it was Leslies Birthday Weekend!!!  What a delight to be able to celebrate her together!!  We had to do it right- and make none other than a PBCup Cake-- rectangular style.  Weird-- but oh so good!  

I LOVE THESE LADIES!!!  They are such an inspiration to me!  Every single one of them pitching in to help!!  I am SO blessed to have such awesome examples in my life!

The cake decorating got a little hairy :)  It was quite the mass of frosting!

The best of ALL-- Singing Happy Birthday to LES!!!!  She is seriously such an incredibly awesome Sister!  Happy Birthday Leslie!!!

THIS GOES DOWN IN THE BOOKS--- right along with PYLO.

Pylo-- is Grammies plea given about 8 years ago- as these kids were all very impressionable.  We were sitting around the camp fire, and she made them all promise if someone came to them to offer them drugs-- then they needed to tell the person--- PYLO!  That meant-=- My Grandma will Punch Your Lights Out!  Grammie wasn't messing around-- this was serious stuff.  THANKFULLY so far-- the kids have held strong.  I'm not sure how many have had to use it--- but it's nice to know they are prepared what to say. 

SO----- This little promise below is-----

Hold up 3 fingers--- each finger means something.

I will....... Go on a Mission...... Marry in the Temple........Be obedient.  (Am I right on that last one?  The kids aren't home or I would ask them-- they are sure to remember.  If Im not- and you're reading this- please correct me- and comment below.  We don't want any missed promises :)  

MOM-- YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!  

You certainly add a little spunk to life-- 

and these kids will never forget your desire for them to do and be good!!!

Just like Garrett-- Clayson is Josh's other close buddy.  They've hung all these years.  Now it looks like Josh is stuck with all the girls.  I don't think he's complaining.  They are an awesome bunch of girls!!!

Josh's last farewell with Clayson-- Bummer - but so exciting!!!  Clayson also gave a stellar talk--- what an amazing spirit he brought to the meeting!  Such a great example to us all.

And-- One final picture of everyone that came together.  What an amazing support Group!!!!

And yet another......HOORAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!

It never gets old!

Zack is our super star-- that just keeps everything going.  He is so good at making sure he is ready -- especially for all of his Sporting Events!!!

Here he is after his last Bball Game.  He had an amazing season- What a great player- and amazing kid!  We LOVE YOU ZACK--SO much!

Just a little moment with my girls!  We were so grateful to have a rare day where Maddie and Allie were out of school.  The boys had other commitments- so we girls went out to lunch.  LOVED every minute of it!

Zack's amazing Math assignment.  Study of people's hair color- and the ratio between different areas.

Great job Zack!

The Annual Butterfly Kisses Dance

The girls LOVE this night.  Mark totally spoils them- and they have such a fun night!

Aren't they BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

Jackson was a little sad- and couldn't understand why he couldn't go as well. 

We have the BEST family history consultant in our Ward.  Wendy Smith is amazing.  Here she is teaching us all how to index-- and the importance of Family History.  

This girl rocks-- she did an amazing lesson- looking up our maiden/ mom's maiden names on Facebook-- and made a whole chart for us-- scavenger hunt and all to find our ancestors.   Then she made this awesome family tree- with cupcakes- each individually made with our hair and eye color.  Needless to say-- the kids are totally pumped about indexing (huge push in our stake right now) and getting their family history work done!!  She's doing this for all the families in the ward-- so awesome!  

I'm not sure how we will ever break this kid from the bink-----he's addicted that 's for sure.  Oh well--- at least he only gets it in bed-- it sure makes nap and sleep time awesome!

So.......I am delighted to say-- I took a photography class-- and actually passed!!!!   I know-- I'm a dork.  But-- I finally made myself take a real certified, turn in my work class.  Not so I can be some big photographer, but so that I can master shooting in manual- and finally stop taking blurry/ bad- white balance pictures.  So-- here is one of my first pictures-below.  Not the best, but I love how it shows this little boy of ours, and his love of books and reading!  There were many many more, but I spared you all.  And-- this post is long enough without all of my class pictures.  I must say though- it was awesome- to learn to only shoot in manual-- and am happy to say, I haven't  turned back since.
Shooting in manual 100% makes all the difference!

 

Zack-- and his countless hours of practicing his sports!  Love this kid!!!

This year the weather was crazy!!!  It was practically spring all winter-- we had glorious sunny days.  The kids lived it up- and spent a lot of days- playing outside.   The only bummer--- it snowed all spring.  But that's ok-- we got our water levels up!  Huge Blessing!

I love how much these older kids love their little brother!!!  Each of them love to take turns reading to him-- so sweet!

Happy Valentines!!!  We were delighted to get this amazing bouquet of Choc covered strawberries from Meemaw and Grandpa!  THANK YOU!!!  They were so tasty!!!

Allie making her valentines

Mark was so thoughtful!!  He got the girls both pink roses for Valentines-- He is so AWESOME!!!  It made them feel so special-- what an awesome Dad!

I truly don't deserve him!  He makes life so beautiful!!!  THANK YOU MARK!!!!

Valentine Pizza-- Yum!!

For Valentines-- We decorated, and made melamine plates.  Here are the kids working hard on them-- They are going to be amazing- and will be a great addition to our plastic plate collection!!

And Allie- made me this sweet rose out of candy! Mmm Mmm!

I'm afraid we have another Zack (and Josh.)  The kid will only wear sports clothes these days.  Here he is wearing Zack's header band for soccer.  And now is on to only cleats for his shoes (Allie and Zack's giant ones)  Let the games begin!!!

Mark's look these days :)  

The daily walks of life---- I'll miss this little body running around the house-- 

He is already growing up too quick!!!  I know I have WAY too many pictures of Jackson-- but let's be honest...... he let's me take them of him--and already knows that when the camera comes out--- say cheese! 

Allie likes pictures too--- The older kids have about had it though.  They die every time I bring out the camera!  They might thank me later though- I hope :)

I've been feeling like I'm missing the every day moments.  So--- here's more of that.  Maddie is an awesome pianist!  I love that she just sits down to play- and loves it.  What a blessing to be her mom!!

Beautiful Madison!

This was actually one of my class shots below.  I had to get a mood shot-using very low light.  I actually love it-- because it is so Maddie!  She has beautiful hands.  She loves this Irish Ring we brought her from Ireland, and has warn it ever since.  

I'm telling you....... I I love to   see my kids play together.  So Cute!

 Another one of Jackson's latest discoveries--the flour drawer.  

"Dog- Dog"

BRACES WEEKEND

and celebrating Ellie's Birthday!  

Ramping up the 4 square--PARTY IT UP!!!

Jackson loves uncle Dave!

The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade!!!  

Not sure how we got into this-- but we've been doing this for about 10 years.  Crazy-- it started as a tiny parade with a few businesses in town,  and now it's a huge old deal.  It's fun to go pass out toothbrushes- and walk college ave. together!

FONDUE NIGHT!!!!  The kids were wanting to try the Melting Pot- but then realized that would be quite the bill-- so we did it at home.  Mmmm Mmm-- it was amazing!

TRACK SEASON

Josh the LONG JUMPER.  This season he was  one of Fossil Ridge's top 3 long jumpers.  Jumping 19.6 as his final PR.  He did awesome at conference-- and represented the team well. 

And Maddie smoked it as well!  She PR'd almost every race.  She's quite the runner!

We finally got him to be "ok" with the bath.  Still won't sit down- but we're making progress!  Oops- the lighting is a bit funky. 

ZACH ELEMENTARY TALENT SHOW

Allie and her friend Kaylee (Devree ended up having to leave town)  did an amazing job on their dance for the talent show.  They looked so cute as they danced to "Call Me Maybe"   Great Job Girls!!!

SPRING BREAK
March 2013

Southern California

Here we are back to our old stomping grounds.  3250 East Sawtelle Blvd.  #206.  Oh- the memories!!!!  UCLA housing in West LA.  Above we are standing right in front of our building.  Incredible to see how the years have passed us by.  Such happy times there in LA-- we truly met the best of the best friends-- who we still adore today.    We had a great time walking through the housing complex, and commenting on the "simple, easy days,"  It's crazy how we thought it was the hardest to be in school.  Now we look back and laugh.  I guess that's life--- growing and progressing.  Such fun times!!

Josh can now almost dunk on the hoop he watched Mark play on all those years.  

The kids kept saying--  Everything seems so TINY!  Love it!

It really did take us down memory lane.  Mark kept mentioning all of his church meetings he had a various homes (since the church was far away, ) and I had several days, and nights-- with just me and the kids walking those paths while Mark was gone late studying.  Even the asian smells- smelt good this time.  Funny!  We could hardly wait to  leave those behind! 

Josh and Maddie standing outside Brianne and Brandon's house.  They begged every day to go play with them-- such fun times!

On our way up to the school-- we passed "Daddy's School Bus,"  We laughed-- because that's what Josh called it-- EVERY time we passed it when he was little.  So Cute!

We had a great time driving around the temple- and wished our flight got there sooner so we could go inside.  Oh well-- it was beautiful to look at!

We also loved passing our old church.  Our kids were surprisingly wanting to hear all the old stories of those days.  It was awesome!

And then of course-- we headed up to UCLA---  and of course drove by the dental school- where Mark pointed out all his old stomping grounds.  Then of course we landed next to the  Fox theater--- where we saw many movie premier's (back in the day.)  Not on purpose--- just cuz we happened to be going to Diddy Reese. :)   

 Last stop was --- DIDDY REESE!!!!  Our FAVORITE ice cream cookie store EVER!!!

Seriously-- the best!

DISNEYLAND!!!

We loved playing a great game of "Life" while we stood in line for hours and hours!  

Tower of Terror

The highlight- was meeting Emily and Ella there!!!  Jackson and Ella really hit it off-- and had a great time together!

This kid started getting really comfortable!  He came to know "Mittey Mou" and loved every minute of it!  Here he is- forging his own way into toon town.  The kids were dying laughing.

California Screamin'  Going with a baby- is pretty much a pain.  But we handled it well.  We were determined that we weren't going to split up-- cuz that's just lame.  So-- we took full advantage of the stroller pass.  Mark usually went first with them-- while we waited, and then em and I went- and got to take some extra's.  It was sweet!

Being spring break, it was so fun to see a few families from home there.  

We were so happy to run into the McKinnon's!! 

LOVED being with Em and Ella!

A few times we even got to go together- while Maddie watched the kids.  Thanks Maddie!

The kids loved the new Car's land- especially the new Cars ride.

Fun times walking to and from our hotel!!

Jackson loved "It's a Small World!"

And the biggest treat, was getting ice cream at the "Gibson Girl"

The flowers were Beautiful!!!!

Jackson wasn't so sure about meeting Mickey.

But, after a while, he warmed up and loved them all.

Zack, Jackson, and I had to fly home early for a State Cup Soccer game.  So on our last day there, we met Jonelle, Carter, Annabelle, and Meemaw and Grandpa at the beach.  What a fun time to be together with them!!

It was so fun to hang out!

We could hardly believe  that  Meemaw and Grandpa came.  We thought it might not work- because they are so busy- and it was so far to come.  When they told us they were coming- we all got so excited.  I still can't believe they came.  They drove 5 hours -- only to stay for about an hour and a half, because they had to get back to other commitments  . Wow-- what a sacrifice to see us.  

THANK YOU!!!!  WE LOVE YOU!!!!

AND--I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Jonelle-- Seriously??? 

She must have been chasing Annabelle in this picture.  

Bummer-- She always looks so cute! 

Jackson and his head full of sand!

I'm not sure what Annabelle thought of Jackson!  He's got quite the obsession with balls.  Thankfully he decided to share that day.  Still working on that!

After the beach......on our way to the John Wayne Airport, we stopped by the Newport Beach Temple. It was so cool to see the different architecture.  They say this will be a similar size as the Fort Collins Temple- with a large tower on top.  So cool to see!

So Beautiful!!!!

Jackson getting ready to fly home--wiped out from such an awesome trip.  We had to laugh-- we looked at the weather before we left- and it was snowing.  We went anyway- because there was no word of canceling.  Sure enough as we landed-- they had cancelled the game.  Bummer!  We would have loved to stay and be there a bit longer.  Oh well,  Mark, Josh, Maddie, and Allie had a great time staying for an extra day.  They had planned to see a Laker's game with Jonelle and Stephen.  But-- ticket prices never went down-- so they were lucky enough go see Jonelle and Stephen's new house-- and hang with them for a night.  Paul and Steph were on a Anniversary trip to Vegas- so they missed them, but were grateful that they also got to hang out with Camila.  So fun!  Thanks guys!!!  Jonelle and Stephen shared the best news ever with us- that they are having TWINS!!!!!  Wow-- 3rd set of twins on the Crane side in only 19 mo.  The crazy part----They are all girls.  Jackson is going to be a bit out numbered.  I'm sure he won't complain--- They will be so fun to learn from!