Light the World

I am so excited for the Light the World initiative this year. We introduced it to our family at Family Home Evening by watching some of the videos the church had provided.



Then we talked about light and dark and how just one point of light can dispell darkness.
If each member of our family did one act of service in a day, sharing one point of light, that would be seven points of light. 
If each of us did one act of service for seven days, that would be 35 points of light.
If we serviced every day until Christmas, that would be 175 points of light! If we did more than one act of service, it would be even more!

And that's just our family. Think about our neighbors. Our ward. All around our city, state, country.

The church is inviting families all over the WORLD to participate in this event. That is A LOT of Light world wide. Imagine being able to see that from a distance. From Heavenly Father's perspective. What an amazing opportunity we have.

At this point the kids were really excited to jump on board and participate. So I gave them each a journal I had printed off with daily ideas and we hung the calendar up that Elder Bednar talked about.  

The fire's been lit and the children have a Light in their eyes as we prepare as a family to join with others to Light the World this Christmas season!

Thanksgiving - Parachute fun- AZ snow- Homestead

Life is never boring hanging around Dave and Susan. This trip, we got to play with the giant parachute Dave brought home from work.

Here is Bryce playing cat and mouse. He is the cat searching for mice hiding under the parachute.

Panoramic

We went on several bike rides with Dave. On one ride, we rode past the cotton field in full bloom, ready for harvest. I had to bring the whole family back for pictures in the Arizona Snow!

We also spent some time at the Chaparral Park. The kids absolutely loved going to the dog park and sitting on a bench watching all the dogs play with their owners and with each other. Such well behaved dogs. They would often come over to the kids looking for attention. The kids ate it up!

Bryce and I at Chaparral Park.

On Saturday, we went to the Brown Homestead and cleaned up a bit. For the first time in his life, after years and years and hundreds of time mowing the grass, Sterling sat on a riding lawn mower and took care of the lawn. He soaked it up. 

We check on the wine cellar.

Its still there.

Sydney counted all the bottles. Inventory is at about 5,500, still with space to grow.

We ended the night with pizza for the kids and a night out for the adults at the traditional Golden Canyon (chinese). We were instructed to bring back Bahama Bucks afterward for everyone to enjoy. 

Oh Arizona. We love you. Especially in November.

Thanksgiving - Saguaro Lake

The day after Thanksgiving we spent the afternoon at Saguaro Lake. Sooo beautiful. Though a little windy, the weather was beautiful. The rolling hills, the slant of the sun, the water. Couldn't have asked for a better day on the lake. 

The kids made good use of the paddle boat and the paddle board. 

Still taking care of left overs...

Some people eat pie with a fork and plate, but Parker, he eats pie like a pizza.

The day closed with going to Leisel and James' for a hotdog roast over an open fire and visiting.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day began with a beautiful hike up SanTan mountain. Perfect way to work up an appetite for the big meal to come.

We were joined by Uncle James and Peter, Uncle Clark and Spencer, Jordyn and Trisha, Dave and Susan and our own rowdy crew. And look at Bryce, trying his hardest to stay out of the picture!

I'm so sad I didn't get a picture of the beautiful tables Mitzi set for dinner. We ate till we couldn't move ourselves away from the table. All the traditional dishes were there plus extras. Ham, Turkey and all the trimmings!

The kids jumped on Clark and Mitzi's golf cart and rode to the park. A little later I finally pulled myself off the couch and walked to park to watch them play and burn a little dinner off.

The kids were playing football with a neighbor.

For a little bit, Sydney laid on the sidewalk like a gecco, soaking up the Arizona sun!

We returned home from the park, took a photo, and started in on seconds. 

From beginning to end, this Thanksgiving Day was a beautiful day filled with warmth, family, food and relaxation.

Most of all, Love. Thick, warm, lasting love.

Thanksgiving - Tempe Lake

ROAD TRIP TIME!

Thanksgiving in Arizona!

We left right after school on Tuesday (actually right after Camille's jump team) and spent the night in Kanab. 

Then we finished up the trip on Wednesday and headed straight for Tempe Lake where we hit the water in a kayaks and paddle boats!

Camille got a single kayak.

Sterling and I shared a paddle boat with Bryce.

Parker and Rachel shared a double kayak.

And Sydney had her own single kayak.

It was the perfect day to spend on a lake and a great welcome to Arizona!

When we were finished on the lake, we continued on to Dave and Susan's place in Scottsdale. We were welcomed with chili dogs and games at the church gym. Dave pulled out a huge parachute which was sooo much fun!