Sinterklaas was here!

It has been quite the busy month but we did manage to celebrate Sinterklaas Monday. This is one of our most favorite family traditions and the kids look forward to it every year. I'm sure we don't get it exactly right but we love it just the same. For years Joel told me Sinterklaas always brought a box of cereal until Aunt Lara informed me that it was actually Santa Claus that brought the box of cereal to the Beckstead household. Oh well, we can't change the tradition now! Morgan wasn't that enthusiastic about her nicely wrapped underwear and seemed to be running a fever. Well, five days later, we are still trying to recover from the flu. It has been a very long week but she finally seems to be coming around, thank goodness!

Adam is the Man!

Adam was the best looking boy at the 3rd grade concert last Wednesday!

Wearing a suit was his idea.

I can't believe he's 38!

That sure is a bunch of candles! We were surprised the smoke alarm didn't go off! We hope you get your wish-We love you!

Little Anah

Christmas with Grandma

Grandma was smart this year and found a way to avoid climbing her tall ladder. She invited all the grandkids over to help decorate the tree and then treated them to homemade sugar cookies. She was also brave not knowing if sprinkles would end up all over the kitchen floor. The mess wasn't bad and the kids had a blast. Thanks for your patience and making memories, Mom.

It's Turkey Time

Thanksgiving was full of fun! I started the day with a quick run knowing I would be having some yummy pumpkin pie and the boys played football in the annual Ocotillo Ward Turkey Bowl. No injuries this year thank goodness. Lara's family was nice enough to let us tag along for their dinner and the best part of the day was riding in the go-carts.

Yes, our boys love to speed!

Adam was left behind, poor baby.

I get to see this face everyday when he doesn't get his way.

The Beckstead Boys are always ready for a little competition!

An Early Christmas

Yes, you see correctly. Christmas went by way too fast for me last year and I've been itching to see Christmas lights. Joel was home Sunday night and I put him to work. We didn't put as many lights on the tree this year because we didn't have a lot of time but I think it looks perfect enough. This horse ornament was giving to my mother when I was born. I love it and whenever I see it I remember I used to be small once.

Morgan was the only one who lasted long enough to hang most of the ornaments. The boys lasted a couple of minutes and then went back to playing football in the living room.

Morgan sure loves this guy!

You're never too old to play dress-up! Seth is doing a poor job while he tries to hide from the camera. These nativity clothes are always a favorite at our house. He would die if any of his friends saw this picture.

I Love to See the Temple

We are so excited for the Gilbert Temple to be built! What a fun experience to be part of the groundbreaking. Morgan and Adam joined the masses and even turned some dirt. We are so grateful for the temple and all the many blessings we receive from going there. It will be so wonderful to have a temple close to us.

It was a busy, busy week for us. Here are some highlights:

• Flag Football
• All three kids are learning to play tennis
• Day off with Dad on Veteran's Day
• The Mortensen sealing
• Connie's wedding (Joel actually conducted the wedding ceremony. He did an awesome job!)
• The Speroni Wedding Reception
• Day off with Dad on Veteran's Day
• The Talbot's baptism (Chris and Jasmyn)
• Yummy Mexican food with the Sargeant Family
• Stake Conference and delicious pie with the Lamoreaux's and Jablonski's
• A sad farewell to the Ross Family