A Whirlwind Day of Fun!

Kim and John are always crazy busy, so we were thrilled that they could squeeze in a day trip to Phoenix.  It was 12 hours of fun.  My dad and I picked them up at the airport at 9 am.  John took off with my dad to do his thing, speaking at 3 different events throughout the day and Kim and I were off to the Deseret Book Store to surprise Nan.

 

It was fun to walk into the back room of the store and surprise Nan.  We visited for a while and checked out all the new books.  Nan is such a sweetie so it was great to bring some fun into her work day.

Then we went to watch some serious soccer.  Jessi's little Gwen and Ben's little Ryan played on the tiniest soccer field I have ever seen.  They did great!  It was fun to sit and visit in the cool weather and warm sun.  

We dropped Jessi's girls off at my house and got a bite to eat at Chick-fil-a.  Then went shopping at the most amazing accessories shop.  Almost everything is a dollar!  Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, headbands, pins, hair flowers, sequined fans,  and more and more.  It is like a candy store of pretty jewelry for super cheap!  (it's part of an alterations store next to Sally's Beauty Supply on 99th Ave and Lower Buckeye Rd.)  We bought lots of fun things.

Then we picked up John from his 2nd speaking gig and were on our way to gig #3, our Surprise Stake Youth Conference. 

It was awesome.  John really has a gift for teaching the gospel in way that kids can understand and be excited about living.  I can't tell you how many kids told me that the reason that they love to hear him speak was that they feel like he is their friend, not a just teacher, and that he really cares about them as individuals.  It truly was great and inspiring.

Tim and Josh were there too, somewhere in the crowd.  I guess I didn't get any pictures of them.

We ran home quickly so the rest of the kids could say hi and hug John and Kim before they left.  Then we took them to our favorite Thai restaurant.  It was great to have a little time to just chat and relax with some good food.  Sadly, the night came to end all too quickly and we had to return them to the airport.

(I couldn't get my flash to turn on. Bummer.)

John, thanks for spending the day serving so many young people.  They will never forget it.  And Kim, thanks for being my buddy.  I love you!  You are both dear friends and tons of fun and we can't wait to do it again!

Gila Valley Temple Trip

Sam, Josh, Tim and Sara got to go on a temple trip with these fine looking young women and young men to Gila Valley.  I heard that it was not only a beautiful and spiritually strengthening trip, but that it was full of entertaining silliness.  For example,  Sara was singing made up songs on the way home, for a really long time!

They are great kids and they have awesome leaders too!  Including my sweetheart, Richard.

I love that my kids are having so many of these faith building experiences.  It will be anchor to them when trials come, as they do for us all.

Shocking News!

We have a kitty!  I have said for years that I was done having pets, I don't have the patience for all the chores that come with dogs (though I can see their virtues) and I am allergic to cats.  I have plenty of  things and people to take care of already and did not want a pet to add to the list.  However, I had a moment of weakness when Dandi said that the house they were going to be renting in Colorado did not allow pets, I offered to adopt their kitty.  I don't know how it happened, but I am glad it did.  My kids are thrilled and she is a really sweet kitty.  

Her name is Lola Eevee.

 (yes, Eevee is a Pokemon)

She is a pretty cat and easy going.  Just the kind of pet I can handle.  Amazingly, she hasn't bothered my allergies much.  I don't touch her much and we vacuum everyday already, so it is working out great!

Dandi's Farewell Party

So, a couple nights before Dandi's big move to Colorado, we got together, just us 5 crazy Ely kids, for some fun at Hal O. Peno's.  Hal's has been a family favorite for Mexican food for years, and Dandi need it one more time before leaving.  

I love these photos!  If you look closely you can tell that Jessi's funny faces are because of Ben tickling her.  I love his smirk!  

 He wouldn't stop, it was just too funny!

This is me being sad that I wasn't in the pictures with all the fun. 

Ben said he could get one of us all together.  I thought he did pretty well.  Thanks, Bubba!

 Steph, Dandi, Jessi, Gavin and Ben

Just so there is no confusion (people have been kindly mistaken in my favor lately) I am the oldest, then Ben, Dandi, Jessi and baby brother Gavin.

Ok, so here is a brother shot, with Ben up to his old tricks again, surprising Gavin.  Hee hee!

Such handsome dudes!

It has been years since I have been to Hal's and it was as good as ever, complete with wonderful company.  It is never boring when the 5 of us get together.  I cannot even believe all the silly things we talked about.  It was a night to never be "unforgotten"!  giggle, giggle

The Best of Friends

The Klippels move to Ohio 1 1/2 years ago which took away two of my children's best friends, Travis and Turner.  Lucky for us, they came back for a visit.  Turner and his cousin Lilly, who is Sara's best friend came over to make up for lost time.  It was wonderful to see them all together like no time had past since the last hangout.  They are great kids!

I don't have pictures of Sam and Victor with Travis.  They were hanging out at Victor's.  It sounded like they had a wonderful visit as well.  We miss you Klippel boys!  Come back soon!

Halloween Season 2012

 Princess Sara

For a church class party two knights and a fair maiden

Nate, Sara and Drew 

 Just for fun, trying to figure out what to be:

Saraberry Shortcake 

and Laney

Laney and Daniel, battle of the dragons 

Drew??? 

Nate as Super Scout, for his WEBLOS meeting 

Sara, Sam, Tim and Josh got dressed up to go to the annual church Halloween Dance.  

Sara, our Super Girl 

Sam, the Nerdy Missionary and Tim, the Noble Knight

Josh and his friends Hallie and Matt went as Mario, Princess Peach and Luigi.  Super CUTE!

Tim found a lonely princess at the dance.

Halloween Night Trick or Treating Costumes

Drew and Nate, but especially Drew, wanted to be Jesters this year.  It was fun to make their costumes.  They were hilarious! 

Susanna fell and got a HUGE raspberry on her knee first thing.

Tim held the injured Suzu for the picture with these goofballs.

Our whole Trick or Treating gang.

Jessi and her buddy Krystal came with all their kiddos and Gavin, Cadie and Peter joined us too.  Later, Gram and Papa joined us.  Sam and Josh were gone to a party, the big kids went off on their own and the grown ups and the little guys went out together.  Every one had a great time and got back home safely with WAY too much candy!

Gram with baby Peter and Gwen

Daniel, Gwen and Heidi

"I Dream of Jessi" and Steph

Cadie, Gav and Peter 

Susanna passed out while sorting her candy. 

It was a great Halloween season; it's always so much fun to dress up!  (and get candy!)

Ely Family Sleep Over

My mom and dad like to have a "Camp Out" at their house every fall.  Those who want to can bring tents and  sleep outside, everyone else sleeps all over the house.  It is a great time for the cousins to bond and for the adults to get in some deep late night conversations.   We ate nachos and pie and watched silly internet videos, played games, laughed and talked and later the kids watched a couple of movies to settle down for the night.  

Watching Merlin with Papa

Tyson, Drew, Lucas and Nate

There was lots of snuggling.

 Gwen and Josh

Some coloring with Nellie and Daniel.

 Ryan- such killer eyes!

 Stratego with Madi, Laney and Heidi

Wrestling with Wilson and Tim

Chess with Justin and Lilli

 Jonah

Tim and Ryan

 Baby time with Emmett, Dandi and Josh  

Emmett is such as cutie!!!

It was a wonderful night, but sad that it may be our last one with everyone there.  Dandi and Aaron have moved to Colorado in the last week and will be gone for a few years.  And Sam and Josh maybe on missions when they move back.  I love that we are all so close and have such tight relationships.  Family is what it is all about!