father and son, enjoying Daddy's favorite bedtime ritual! following in his sister's footsteps! i'm sure he'll be moving on to videos soon too!

Christmas time is here!

we started the month of right with both our ward party, and Anna's school festival on the same day!

both parties included a special visitor!  Anna was more than ready to fill the big guy in on her Christmas wishes.

 Maddie was pretty silent. Avery and Colin wouldn't even sit on his lap.  i did coax the girls into this cute group shot.

 my little buddy pretty much stayed in the ergo carrier this super cold morning. 

 Anna's school festival was originally the "fall carnival", which was postponed by a high wind advisory.  this time, it was held indoors due to rain.  luck was not on our side.  but we braved the 30 degree weather for the fun!  the girls got their faces painted, won lots of candy, and ate cotton candy.  now that's a carnival!

student of the month

we were excited to find out that Anna was chosen as Student of the Month in her class for November.  our family attended the flag ceremony where she received her award.

of Anna, Mrs. Metz wrote, "Anna is an exceptional student.  she shines as a kind and responsible example to her peers.  she is respectful to others and tries her very best every day.  i simply love being Anna's teacher!"

it makes my heart smile to know Anna is so well behaved when she is at school.  she is setting such a great example to her younger sisters and brother!  well done Anna!

one night in Paris!

last year, the Laurels decided to implement another "travel program" for Personal Progress.  we did this before when we counted our value experiences and projects as "sky miles" an earned a trip to Hawaii.  this years destination: Paris!

i was released in Ausust, but still got to go to Paris with the girls!

what a beautiful and fun evening!  i sure miss all my fun Tuesday nights with the Young Women! 

au revoir et a bientot!

so long, Farewell!

in case you didn't know, i belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  yes, I am a Mormon.  you may have seen Mormon Missionaries in your neighborhood.  well, if you live in/around Paris, France, you may see my brother Collier very soon!  Collier has been called to serve for two years in the Paris, France Mission.  as per tradition, our family gathered together to attend church together and hear Collier speak to the congregation before he leaves.  it's always fun to get together, but especially to commemorate such a milestone, for Collier and for our family.  he is the baby, and the third son to serve a mission in our family!

my parents, now veterans of sending a child to a foreign land for two years, let us know that it only gets harder to say goodbye! 

 i love these faces!  they are going to miss their uncle Collier! 

 so, already Collier will not meet 1 new niece (due January 3rd). he asked how many others he may be expected to miss, here's my wish list: 3 total. (1 each, me, Ash, Holly....?)

in the meantime, Collier, I am so happy and excited for the experiences you will have over the course of your mission.   you will have the wonderful opportunity of sharing the Lord's great plan of happiness with many people.  I am happy to say that the road ahead of you will be full of new challenges.  yes, these will help you learn and grow, and that is a wonderful thing!  you are the best baby brother a girl could have, and i can't wait to see the man you will become!  i love you and appreciate the example you are to me and my family!

 

au revoir et bon courage.  je t'aime,

B

Thanksgiving Day

on thanksgiving day, we had a quaint family gathering of about 50 people for dinner.  as usual, my mom set up a beautiful evening and delicious food. 

 big cousins ate and played right-center-left,

 little cousins huddled around the tv watching cartoons,

 and had a craft night making turkeys.  this was Anna's idea, and it was a hit.  even the boys liked sticking googly eyes on their hand tracings!

i am so grateful for my huge, wonderful family! 

park day!

so, we went to the park with cousins and friends, and i thought it was so cute when all the kids put their shoes back on!