Pedicures and Christmas 2009

A picture is worth a thousand words! Carly had the great idea to give the family pedicures. All of the girls were fine with that. We had to do a little talking to get a few of the other on board. (Blake and Tyler blew off their appointments.) Steve is always worth a good laugh with his extreme reactions....I told him that people pay good money for this. He also likes his showers luke COLD! Kaylee loved it and is always such a good sport. Joel is just letting the wax work away at softening his feet.

Grant went first. What would we ever do without that little guy??

Although we were in Idaho at Christmas we celebrated a few days later (Dec. 28th) when we all got together. Carly and Joel spent Christmas on the ship for their honeymoon. Tyler and Kaylee were able to spend Christmas in Arizona with Kaylee's parents. We were thrilled to have all of the kids together for a few days after Christmas.

Blake and Grant put bows on Max and Missy's necks and gave them to Joel and Carly for Christmas. I keep trying to give the dogs to one of the kids to take home...anyone want a couple of dogs?? :)

Carly and Joel with the Max and Missy. Those ungrateful kids left their gifts here at my house.

Of course Blake would get Grant another living present. This time it was a Hermit Crab. Grant, thought it was the coolest...Kaylee isn't so sure. She pretty much stayed at arms length.

They named the crab "Buddy".

Kaylee is a crafting queen. She knitted all of us something. She really is amazing. She can do whatever she puts her mind to. This is Camille's hat and I got a couple of great scarfs. Kaylee got a sewing machine for Christmas from us and I can't wait to see what she makes next.

Steve had just finished his online Financial Planning from New York University. We framed his diploma. It has been a goal of his to take this class. We are proud of him. I actually think he is also proud of himself!

Tyler and Kaylee made this great picture frame for us. It is the Family Proclamation with family snap shots around it. They did a great job. What a treasure this will be. Blake!??:)

Tyler, Kaylee, Carly and Joel.

Grant was always so willing to help all of us open gifts.

What a busy December we all had but it was very rewarding. We have truly been blessed and I am so grateful for the Lords goodness to us and for such great kids.

Our Talented Girl

Camille has been taking piano for almost 2 years now. She fought me in the beginning about taking lessons...I think it has surprised her how MUCH SHE ENJOYS it! She is quit good and the bonus is having her music fill the house. She must have Grandma Williams gene's as she also was a fabulous piano player. Here she is at her Christmas recital. Keep it up cam! Camille and her piano teacher Beth Ann Sands. Beth Ann is a wonderful teacher that is just hip enough to draw the kids in.

Crazy girls posing after their recital. Carly, Stephanie, Camille, Jessica and Mackenzie.

Honeymoon..Dec. 2009

So while we were all freezing in Utah and Idaho over Christmas...these two headed off on a week long cruise to the Caribbean. Camille was shocked that Carly would not be spending Christmas at home with us! :) Here are a few pictures of the fun they had. Check out bikini girl in the background...who walks around like that?! ha

I am thinking we got this all wrong....Steve and I should have gone on the cruise and Carly and Joel should have been home preparing for the receptions....

Williams Family Christmas Party. December 21, 2009

We were happy that we could attend the Williams annual family Christmas party at the Veenker's. It's not often that we are in town for the party of the year. Everyone comes together for dinner, games and of course the highlight is the Nativity put on by all of the kids. Look at these darling angles. Grant was a sheep. I must add the cutest sheep ever!

So focused!;)

We took the left over sparkles from Carly's wedding. They were a big hit!

My darling kids...minus Carly and Joel who were honeymooning!

Then we headed to Idaho to spend Christmas with my Mom. We stayed at my Sister Dana's house. It was a lot of fun and somehow Santa found us!

The Art Museum at BYU 12-21-2009

Perfect photo op.

The Spoken Word (Christmas program) Dec. 20, 2009

We stayed at the Plaza Hotel the night of Carly's wedding. Steve and my brother-in-law Rod thought it would be great to get up bright and early the the next day and go to the Spoken Word. It was their Christmas Program and all I can say is WOW....It wonderful and very moving! If you ever get a chance to go put this high on your list of things to do. It worth every minute and more. Our feet hurt So bad from walking in high heals the day before that Camille's motto was "Comfort before Pride" She opted for her tennis shoes. :) You go girl!

The gang waiting for the doors to open. We were so lucky to sit on the second row and that was by choice. Rod, LaNae, Blake, Steve, Kaylee, Tyler and Camille. Grant stayed at the hotel to babysit Grandma. ;)

Carly and Joel's Wedding Day. Salt Lake City, Utah December 19, 2009

Carly has always dreamed of getting married in the Salt Lake City Temple. It was a little crazy as we are from Texas and the Goodman's from California but everyone was willing so with A LOT of effort we made that dream come true. It was a delightful, sunny and beautiful day but it was winter in Utah and 18 degrees outside. By late evening it was at freezing! Not only was it one of the coldest days... it was the busiest as well. It was the day after finals at BYU and Salt Lake Temple had 76 brides to marry that day. Carly and Joel were married at 4:20 in the afternoon.

The Goodman's and the Williams outside right before the sealing. The Goodman's are wonderful people. We feel blessed that Carly found such a wonderful man in Joel and a wonderful family to marry into. You worry your whole life as parents about this crucial decision your kids will make in choosing a spouse. We are pleased with Carly's choice.

Outside the temple right before the sealing.

Dad with his little girl! I remember when Carly was born Steve was so worried about raising her in" this kind of world." He said...I don't know what I would do if anyone ever did anything to hurt her." He loves his girls.

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goodman....Coming out of the temple.

Family and friends at the temple! It was large gathering and so much fun to be around so many that we love.

Carly and Joel with her friends and roommates.

Three generations....Carly, Me and my mom (Loraine Emery)

We had a wonderful dinner at the Lion House hosted by the Goodman's. They were so wonderful to work with and so generous!

Matt Goodman making a toast. With WATER of course!!

Steve and I thanking those who came.

Carly and Joel taking their turn thanking so many for their support and love.

That's my boy...Grant.

3 foot long sparklers for the send off.

As they ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after.

The funniest thing of the day was when I came back into the the Lion house after sending the kids off....There was Steve all by himself at the table finishing his meal. ;)

**All of my kids were so wonderful and such great help. It was so nice with such a hectic day to see my kids all step up to help where needed without being asked. Tyler pushed my Mom around in her wheelchair most of the time, getting her where she needed to be. Camille and all of the kids were good to focus on Grant and be at his beckon call. Poor Blake, Tyler and Dave Smith ran around most of dinner time trying to get Carly and Joel's luggage gathered and where it needed to be before they left on their honeymoon. It not an easy feat as the traffic was terrible and so they literally ran back and forth from the hotel to the Lion House with luggage (big luggage) and it was FREEZING!! Thanks kids I love you...