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.

Richie's Birthday

Richie turned 6 years old on October 28th! Richie has made such great progress over the last year. We are so proud of him. He is such a happy person with a wonderful smile. He loves school and is a very hard worker. We are so grateful that he is part of our family!



For Richie's birthday we all went to Going Bonkers. We had a lot of fun!

All of the family in the party room.


Richie blowing out the candles.

Richie with his best bud--Grandpa Foote

Richie and Jacob are great brothers and friends.

Aunt Ann came for a visit

One of our favorite people came to visit us--Aunt Annie. Ann has been called to serve in the San Fernando California Mission. She came to see us in October before she went into the MTC. She has now been in the MTC for one month and is doing great. She is also learning Spanish. We miss her terribly and are so proud of her. We are grateful for her example and for her willingness to serve the Lord. We love and miss you!

Ann with the kids--before the tears began.

One day while Ann was here, Connie, Jackson, Rachel, and I (mom) went with Ann to the Dallas zoo. We all had a great time and the weather was GREAT!