Amy and Rick join us in Florida

Kirsten and Dalton had a very pleasant surprise when they got to Florida - Aunt Amy and her friend Rick were there to join us for our Disneyworld vacation! The kids loved both Amy and Rick. We had a great time together.

Kirsten was glad to have more people to go on rides with her.

Dalton was happy to see Aunt Amy

It was easy to say goodbye to Amy because we had such a fun time, and we were going to see her again in ten days at Lisa's wedding.

Rick was tall enough to get Dalton in a picture with Rocket (from Little Einsteins).

Kirsten and Rick going on the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger ride.

Rick scored the most points in our group.

Kirsten, Amy and Dalton in front of the Lake at Epcot.

Disneyworld

We had a fabulous time at Disneyworld February 8-12th. We took a family trip down to Florida and spent one day at each of the Disneyworld parks. We enjoyed the warm weather and a break away from school and work. Dalton did not like to get his picture with the characters as much as Kirsten did at this age (of course, her pictures were with all the princesses), but he did like to ride the rides. His favorites were Dumbo and Pirates of the Carribean. Kirsten also liked the rides and roller coasters, especially if she had to go twice - once with each parent while the other waited with Dalton.

McGhies at the Sorcerer's Hat at Disney Hollywood Studios.
Taking the corner too fast.

Spinning in the teacups.

Does Dalton look happy to be at Disneyworld? He calls it "his" castle.

Both kids got to drive on the speedway.

Family picture with the Mike and Sully from Monster's Inc.

Dalton riding on the carosel. This may be the happiest place on earth.

Christmas at the McGhies

We wanted to post some photos of our Christmas at home this year. We had a wonderful holiday together, but did miss our extended family.

We started our Christmas Eve with a traditional fondue dinner and Matt reading the Christmas Story from Luke 2. The kids "acted out" the story using the Little People Nativity set, then the kids had a sleepover in Kirsten's room.

Santa brought drumsets to both Kirsten and Dalton this year (and gave Angela a set of headphones). Kirsten has been playing percussion for three years and is really excited to have a full set to practice on.

We had a slow, relaxed Christmas morning. The kids were able to play with and enjoy each item that they opened. I don't have a photo, but Angela finally gave Matt he Bose Wave Music System he has wanted for five years. Matt got Angela a Cricut cutting system.

Do you think Dalton was happy to get a Buzz Lightyear? When Dalton got a little tired after playing all morning he watched "Toy Story" with is Buzz and Woody toys by his side.

Kirsten gave Dalton a new set of toy tools. He likes to wear the

tool belt and "work" around the house.

Angela is the camera operator there is not one photo of her on Christmas day. We will have to do better at taking turns with the camera next year. We did take a lot of video and did capture Angela in a few shots. We had a wonderful holiday and hope you did too!!

Williamsburg Thanksgiving

We had a great time at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. We went on a family trip for three days over Thanksgiving. It did get very cold, but we were able to balance indoor activities with outdoor ones and enjoy our holiday. We dressed up for an evening at the Capital of Williamsburg. Matt and Angela were invited to participate in the colonial dancing.

Matt was cast as a revolutionary leader in a colonial play.

Dalton learns to play a colonial game called "hoop and stick."

Kirsten plays colonial games with the locals.

The master of "hoop and stick."

Angela must have been in trouble (or at least willing to humor her kids).

Dalton learned to play his tin whistle just like the Fife and Drum Corps.

[I just love him in his tricorner hat.]

Colonial kids (after a night of dancing).

McGhies in front of the Govenor's Palace.

"I love sister, she loves me"

I took these pictures over the last few days. I would see my two kids together and know I needed to capture the moment. My kids really love each other! They love playing together and helping each other. What could make a mother happier?

Dalton is sick and Kirsten is watching movies with him

Playing gameboy together

Learning to play Monopoly

Hairdo time - playing with the mousse

I love them both with all my heart!

"Drummers can get straight A's"

Kirsten in her band shirt with her Gold award certificate

Kirsten's middle school had their 1st quarter awards assembly this week. They recognize students that have perfect attendance, outstanding achievement and good grades (Gold = all A's, Silver = A's and B's, etc). Kirsten played percussion with the Wind Ensemble for each of the assemblies. The band plays a fanfare for each of the Gold award recipients. The administrator says a few words about each student with all A's to honor them. When he was introducing Kirsten to come and get her Gold award he said "Kirsten is living proof that drummers can get straight A's." I thought that was a fun intro. She left her drums briefly to come and accept her award. If you can't already tell I am very pleased with all of her hard work in music and in school.

Life is Good

I was just feeling like my life is really good and I thought I would write about it. I am very blessed and am very grateful. I have a good husband and two beautiful children. We are striving to live the gospel and are currently very consistent with family scripture study (Thanks Matt). I get to be home with my children and also do family history. I am excited to be the new Assistant Director of the Family History Center. There are so many resources that are new and coming out soon that it is a great time to be involved in genealogy.

I had a fun time talking to my mom on the phone today. She asked about the family and we are all doing pretty well right now. Dalton had fun at playgroup this morning. He really loves to go and play with his friends, and I enjoy talking with mine. He is an adorable two year old and warms my heart with the cute things he does every day. He is happy and healthy and so I couldn't ask for more.

Kirsten is also doing well. School is good and her social life is good, so therefore "life is good." She just started her second quarter in middle school and things have calmed down from the last two weeks when she had projects due and exams. Middle school has been up and down, but right now it is up.

Our family is busy, but not frantic. We are enjoying activities and time together. I am working to get my class finished up so that I can prepare for an enjoyable holiday season. I hope that this year we can really focus on gratitude at Thanksgiving and our Savior at Christmas.

I am grateful for the contentness that I feel.