Christmas past

For the first time, in seven years, our little family is on our own for Christmas. And so we have been reminiscing our Christmas's past. They all have been equally full of holiday magic. Here are just few of our favorite highlights.

Finding, chopping, transporting, setting up and decorating a
26 foot Christmas tree.

Opening our Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve. Connors face is classic.

David (Hef) and his girls.

Nights filled with endless musical talent, singing Christmas favorites.

Sitting by the fire because it's cold outside.
Gandmama and Papa Piller with Pearce.

Driving to the Cabin in Colorado. Todd shoe skiing along the way.

Dining and walking around Telluride at night with snow gently falling, while snuggled next to my honey.

Wendi, Eric, Camille and Todd. Telluride Colorado.

Skiing with our kids. Connor wore his goggles on and off the slopes.

Skiing and snowboarding with no lines.
I was so cold I taped hot patches all over my body. Believe me it helped.
Connor is trailing behind in red.

Defrosting.

Wendi and Connor just playing around.

Hot tubing in the snow, with Camille and Todd.

Ice skating with our family. Matthew, Connor and Kelsey.

Ice skating with our friends.

Finding snow in Hawaii. On the Big Island of Hawaii's highest summit Mauna Kea, which means White Mountain, sits 13, 796 feet above the ocean. The Astronomical community has recognized this spot as possibly the best place in the world to observe and star gaze. And this is why two dozen of the finest telescopes in the world call Mauna Kea home. These high powered telescopes can look at objects over 12 billion light years away, allowing scientists to look through comic clouds and watch stars being born. Now that's cool.

Playing in the first snow fall. Cottonwood Canyon Utah.

Snowball fights.

Looking out the window and seeing a beautiful blanket of snow.
Honest, this is a real picture I took.

Enjoying Christmas lights at Disneyland or at the Arizona Temple.
Kelsey, Pearce and Joci.

Wearing silly winter hats. Pearce.

Opening presents with everyone.
Here Joci's tackling a present with her teeth.

Watching our kids get really excited.

Watching Pearce open his first gift.

Relaxing with our family after the big event.

Hang'n with our family and eating really good food.
Where are Todd and Amy?

Okay, that was more than a few memories. A Big thank you to our family who always make Holiday time one to remember. We are truly blessed. And we miss and love you all.

Stinker

The other day Pearce made a beeline towards me and cautiously declared, " I smell poop." Concerned I asked, " Where do you smell poop?" Pearce leaned in and whispered with the answer, "I think its Daddy." Holding back my laughter, I asked " Are you sure it's not you?" Pearce very serious now, leaned closer " No it's Daddy." Naturally it was Pearce who produced the poop smell that filled his nostrils. But it sure was funny that he tried to pin it on his Dad.

Deck the halls

Pearce decking out the Christmas tree for the first time all by himself.
To hear the movie mute the auto playlist.

Happy Holidays!!!

DTP turns 60

DTP is my father in-law, David Thomas Phillips. DTP was one of the main reasons we went to Arizona in November, to attend his legendary Birthday Bash. Every decade he and his best bud, Wayne Arnett reunite their band 'The Retreads' and rock out all night long with 500 of their closest friends.

Lt to Rt: Sue and Wayne, DTP and Jane.

DTP's biggest fans, Pearce and Joci, hit the dance floor yelling "what I like about you Papa". So you can hear the band play in the movie, go to the very bottom of blog to the automatic playlist and click once on sound icon to mute.

My sister in-laws and I got to join the band. We sang the choirboys parts in The Rolling Stones 'You can't always get what you want'. It was such an adrenaline rush. I always wanted to be in a band. Now I can check that one off. Thanks for the gig DTP.

Lt to Rt: DTP, Wendi, Kelsey, Camille and Camille.

Wendi and Kelsey. Don't we look like sisters?

With my parents, Spencer and Pam Piller.

DTP's 60th Birthday Bash was a hit. And everyone left with smiles and a beat to their step. Not just because they ate well and rocked out to the Retreads. But because, DTP is one of the most generous, talented, adventurous, honest and happy guys who just leaves you feeling good. And I have to add, he is definitely the coolest father in-law I could ever wish for. Love you Daddy-David!

P.S. Back in the day, DTP's band opened for the Monkeys, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Credence Clearwater Revivals, and the Doors! Now that's cool.