Aftyn's Festival of Trees

After church on Nov. 21 we headed over the mountain pass to Seattle to see Aftyn's festival of tree, tree.  Of course it snowed, of course we had to chain up, of course Michael and I are inept and Matt had to help us out--of course it's us, we wouldn't be Noftle's if we could put our own chains on.  The entire driving experience reminded me that I am RIGHT to be grateful everyday that we are out of chemo.

A close up of some of the "real" deers on Aftyn's tree, Carter knows they are real because he can see the fur--duh!

Four of the Noftle children are looking--good enough.

A close up of Aftyns sign board.

Aftyn KNEW we were all there for her!

At the Christmas story area.

Carter was never board waiting in line for Santa for an hour.  His fingers are swords, or light sabers, or guns--whatever the voices in his head tell them to be.

All the chillens in front of her tree.  I don't know if you can see but Adalynn's stance was cracking me up.  Was she about to do the splits, take off running--what was the plan here?

Aftyn did NOT take to Santa, but the Noftle kids are done crying over him and the Easter bunny---sigh. 

Football Injuries

Jackson's freshman year of football is over--they lost in the second round of playoffs.  A lot of people thought we were crazy to let him play.  People who loved him were so afraid he would be hurt, we knew they meant well and we love them for it.  I thought I would document our 2010 football injury...

A gash on the scalp.

But.....not Jackson's scalp, it was....

tough guy Carter's scalp.  Yes, Cougar man made the injured list on the last game of the season.  He should be off it by basketball season which starts----now.(sigh)

Braxton's baptism

On the way to Eagle Mountain we stopped in Treemonton to see my Great Aunt Eloise.  Her house is filled with things  I remember seeing at my Great Grandma's house.  I loved that my girls got to be there with us--four generations.

Showing us some of Great Grandma's treasures from her wedding and even some of her Mother's things that would be my girls great, great, great Grandma!

Uncle Charles wartime medals.  He was a POW in WWII for over 3 years.  He is the neatest man, in his 90's and struggling with his health, but the mind is so strong.  He told some neat stories.

The boy we came to see!  He was so sweet and I felt it was more than worth the 24 hours of driving, and 10 hours of sleep in 4 days to be there!

Heather and Brett--the proud parents.

On the way home we stopped at my Great Aunt Bonnies--the girls are turning my Great Grandma's butter churn.

Dad, Mom, Aunt Bonnie, and Uncle Frank

Aunt Bonnie, did just what my Grandma used to do--stand outside and wave as you drove off.

This picture is of my Great Grandma Louise Kunzler Puglsey.  It hung in my Grandma Bishop's basement and us kids would swear her eyes would follow us.  Now I'd love to have it hang in my basement and freak my kids out!

Halloween 2010 - hurry and read since it's almost Thanksgiving!

Carter-decided since he couldn't have his cutlass at school with his pirate costume, that he wouldn't wear it at all.  Authenticity is priority one--so he wore a ninja costume since a ninjas only weapons are himself!

Detton and Carter show their moves at the Kindergarten party.

Yet another ninja, I think there were four in his class!

I got to make witches brew for the Kindergartner's--I suspect they liked it from the squealing!

Carter and his "Mummy" team

Zoe the rock star

Sierra  discovers her Indian heritage.

For Halloween he was a Pirate, since the sword was allowed!

Avery and Adalynn-if you know Adalynn you know how perfect this costume was for the "blue" lover.

Aftyn the kitty-cat.

Sammi and Bailey before Bailey's annual Halloween bash.