Kankles

OK--This post is just for you Gordy. Gordy calls fat ankles kankles. So, I thought that I should show mine off. I think that they get bigger each day. The worst part is that the tops of my feet get swollen too. So, today I wore slippers everywhere. Not one pair of shoes would fit. But on the bright side--my toes do look nice.

Getting ready for Christmas

We got out Christmas decorations for FHE.
Rachel quickly found the non-breakable nativity to play with.

The kids got to decorate the tree all by themselves this year.

They did a great job!

Jacob's Baptism

ALL of the Foote's were together for Jacob's baptism. So, we took a family picture. We also wanted to have a picture for Mom and Dad Foote for their mission.

Our family right before the baptism.

Jacob and Rich all in white. What a special day Jacob!

Linnae and I posing after dinner. Linnae is also expecting a girl--just one month after me.

We had a lot of good-byes to say. Can you tell that I have been crying all day! Within 24 hours, Dallin left for his mission, Grandma Evans went back to Utah, the Vallerys went back to Arizona, and Linnae and Brett moved to Wyoming. Rich's whole family that was in town also left. It was very emotional. We truly loved being with all of the Foote's and Phillips for such a special weekend.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Dallin went through the Temple on Friday morning. It was neat to have so much family all together.

My good friend Gwen Jones had a baby shower for me on Friday night. It was so much fun to celebrate our soon to be addition--Rebecca probably.

All of my sisters--Sarah, Linnae, and LeeAnn--came to the shower.

Aunt Sharon, Grandma Evans, and Mom Foote were there too.

I was also lucky enough to have Mom Phillips, Brooke, Connie, and Maren there too.

The boys had fun playing Rock Band while the girls were at the baby shower.

Thanksgiving Day

Lydia started out the day by participating in the Turkey Trot. You go girl!

Everyone helped cook.

Devon helped get the turkey ready.

Jacob, Cayden, and Richie.

Lydia and Hadley.

Thanksgiving Week

The week of Thanksiving was a wonderful one for our family. We were able to have all of the Foote's in town and almost all of the Phillips too. The Vallerys came and stayed for a couple of days before heading up to the cabin.
Our kids and the Vallery cousins planned a great FHE. They told the story of Noah and the Ark. They acted it out and planned the whole thing themselves.

We spent one day at the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science with Grandma and Grandpa Phillips and Connie and Jackson. Rachel and Jackson had fun in the water.

The girls loved making bubbles with Grandma and Grandpa.

Student Council Elections

A while ago, Lydia ran for Student Council Secretary. There were about 8 kids running for each office. Lydia put a lot of effort into her posters--with the help of a couple of aunts. Thanks LeeAnn for the ideas and Connie for your great art work. At first, Lydia was very sad that she did not win. She came home from school and said, "Mom, it is just a popularity contest." She was right about that. However, we are so proud of her for trying and giving it her best. We are proud of you Lydia!

Cub Scouts

Jacob got to attend his first official Pack Meeting just a few days after his birthday. It was really fun because Rich is the Cub Master. Jacob is excited to start attending den meetings too.

Jacob with his new Cub Scout uniform.

Great Dallas Youth Orchestra

Lydia has been able to play with the DSE (Dallas String Ensemble) this fall. They are part of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra program. Lydia had her concert recently and did a great job. Lydia works really hard and we are grateful for her talents. Great job Lydia!

A visit from the Utah Phillips

Daniel and Jenny Phillips brought their family out for a short visit. Jenny had a couple of firesides that Daniel helped with. They were able to stay the weekend. It was great to see them and for our kids to get to know their cousins a little bit better. We hope that they can come again soon.

Silly faces! (Gracie is on Lydia's lap.)

Richie, Rachel, Kate, Lydia, Jonah, and Jacob

5th Grade Camp

Lydia got to go to 5th grade camp at Sky Ranch. She was really nervous to go without me. I put my name into the parent draft, but I did not get picked. Lydia is my child who loves to be at home and gets very homesick even going to a cousin's house for a day. However, she surprised herself and had a wonderful time. She came home all smiles and with lots of great memories.

Lydia with her bags.

The 5th grade gathered in the cafeteria before loading up on the bus.

Lydia sitting with the girls from her cabin.

Lydia's Soccer Season

Lydia had a great soccer season. Her team took second place in their division. Lydia had a great time. She is looking forward to the spring season already. At the same time, she is sad because she know that it will be their last season together. Her team will all split up after the spring as many of the girls will go and play select.



Lydia has become a great runner. I love this picture of her. She is not actually touching the ground.

Lydia's coach wore his crazy pants to get the girls excited about the play-offs.

Rich with Lydia after they took second place. It was a long play-off week. The first game got cancelled during the first half because of lightning. They won the next game on penalty kicks in triple overtime. They lost the final game in overtime. They played really well.

The Pink Angels with their medals.

Lydia getting her trophy from Coach Rob at their end of season party at Hard 8 BBQ.

Jacob's Soccer Season

Jacob has played soccer with the Rangers since the teams were formed when he was four years old. This was their last season together. So, we finished off the season with mixed emotions. Jacob had a great season though. He improved a lot and had fun. Jacob will go back into the draft for the spring season and we will see where he ends up.



Jacob holding the "Player of the Game" trophy.

The team huddled together. Rich was one of the assistant coaches. He will miss that next season.

Jacob running fast. Go #7!

All of his team at the end of season party at Pump-It-Up.

Jacob getting his trophy from Coach Mark.

Jacob's Birthday

Jacob turned 8 years old on November 15th. This is has been a long wait for Jacob. He has been so excited to get baptized. Jacob is such a wonderful addition to our family. He is great at doing what he is asked right when he is asked to do it. He loves his brother and sisters and is very helpful. We love you Jacob!



For Jacob's birthday we took him and his best friend Zack to Medieval Times. They had a great time!

Outside of the castle.

Jacob and Zack using their awesome swords.

Jacob got to pick his breakfast too. We all had French toast.

Jacob got very practical gifts this year. He has been begging for a suit to wear to church. So, he got that along with a new white shirt. He also got a new set of scriptures with his name on them. One other very exciting gift was his new cub scout shirt. Jacob has been looking forward to joing the cub scouts for quite a while. You will be great Jacob!

50s Day at School

The kids got to dress up like in the 50s for the 50th day of school. They had lots of fun.

Halloween Fun

The kids all had fun decorating Halloween cookies to eat and to share with our friends and neighbors.

Lydia really took charge of the whole thing and organized everything. She is so grown up now!

Lydia was Little Red Riding Hood.

Jacob was Indiana Jones.

Richie was Darth Vader

Rachel was a fairy.

All of the kids had a great time and they sure did get A LOT of candy!

We also carved pumpkins. The kids did a great job.