Indiana Visit

Nathan and Megan went all out for our visit a couple of weeks ago, arranging for the first real snow fall of the season the morning after we arrived.

We went to Ali's basketball game on Saturday morning.  She did great!  She made two baskets and a free throw, plus lots of assists, blocks, etc.  Way to hustle, Ali!  After the game, we went to Dunkin' Donuts to celebrate.

In the afternoon, Dad, Nathan, Ali and Kait played "Pac-Man" in the snow.  You'll have to ask Dad for an explanation.  Apparently it's a modern version of "Fox and Geese" or something.  (I never played that one either.  The most we ever did in the snow growing up was build a snowman!)

The highlight and purpose for our trip was Avery Rae Call's blessing on Sunday.  It was a wonderful, sweet event to be long remembered.

Avery Rae Call in her blessing dress from G&G Call, lying on the hand crocheted baby blanket from Grandma Carlson

Nathan gave Ava a beautiful blessing.  He told her of the love of her family, blessed her with the love and joy of learning, to have the desire to gain a testimony, and the desire to be married in the temple and to keep herself worthy.

Beautiful mother and daughter!

Ava's loving family--lots of personality!

Grandpa and Grandma were very happy to be there, too!

We enjoyed dinner that evening with the Carlsons and the Dowlings, Megan's sister and her family.

Kaitlyn's Star of the Week poster

It was 8 degrees (but with the wind chill 8 below) when Kait and Ali got on the bus Monday morning.

While Kait and Ali were at school, Grandma and Grandpa chilled with Max and Ava.

Dad replaced a hard-to-reach bulb in the living room ceiling fan.  High ceilings are great until the light burns out!

Ava is well--and gently--loved by her big sisters and brother!

Another highlight of our trip was participating in evening scripture study.  This wonderful tradition, not always easy to implement, is already blessing the family in many ways.  Ali and Kait are amazing readers and Max does a good job repeating his verse after his mom or dad.  I actually struggled a bit because the print was so small :).  (Kait is in a reading group by herself at school and her teacher meets with her out in the hallway.  A few weeks ago, the teacher had her read a story to the whole class.)

We had lots of fun making bread and rolls.  Ali, Kait, and Max became experts at making the tied roll design (Megan, too)!  As I recall, we made about six loaves of bread and about 80 rolls.  Am I right, Megan?!  And last week, Megan made another triple batch.  Dare I say it?  She's on a roll!

Children don't need expensive toys....Got a spare piece of carpet?!

Max and I had a lot of fun playing this hide and seek game--he never seemed to tire of it. And I never tired of his joy at being discovered!