Colorado Youth Band

 This last semester Audra has driven downtown every Monday night for the Colorado Youth Band. They finally had their performance. They played beautifully, and the church they played at was also beautiful. We will miss watching her perform!

Winterguard

 Camille decided to try something brand new- Winter guard! It's color guard in the winter time.

It's a new program for ThunderRidge High School so they let middle schoolers sign up. She LOVES it!

They had their first performance and got to get all glittery, which she really liked. We had to drive down to Colorado Springs in the snow, but it was worth it. I about cried watching her perform- she was beautiful! Her movements and lines were stunning. She is simply unbelievable, and it was awesome to see her do something so different from anything else she has ever done. I'm so proud of her!

Continental League: Boettcher Hall

 Audra had yet another amazing opportunity- she made it into Continental League (the best musicians in the county) and got to play at Boettcher Hall. As usual, she's amazing. It's hard to believe this is her last time performing with Continental League as she heads to bigger and better things.

Game Night

For Christmas, the siblings and I decided to buy each other a family game. Michelle bought the DeCremer's a Clue Escape Room Game, and when they finished it they sent it to us so we got to play it, too. It was really fun!

BRRRRR!!!!

We are in the middle of a freezing cold snap- barely getting above zero, and well below zero at night. But, Ben is ready to go shovel some of the snow!

MIckey Mouse Waffles!

We are in some serious Disney withdrawal over here, but these Mickey waffles are getting us through! They are officially Ben's favorite and he makes them every Saturday. The girls get the batter ready, and then he grills them up. They are so fun!

 

Basketball

 We get to spend many hours watching Claire play basketball, for both JV and 3rd level. I actually think she gets more playing time than any other player on any team, because she plays a minimum of 2 periods for every 3rd level game, and then in every period for JV. It's really great to watch her play- she has greatly improved!!!

Cafe Terrocota

 Celebrated 20 years with this guy tonight (anniversary was yesterday, but you know....life).

With the family last night I said, "I feel like we've made it to the big leagues. 20 years is a long time," and Claire said, "nah, you gotta go at least 25."

But she doesn't know we are thinking of doing a kitchen remodel this summer, so it's highly possible we won't make it to 21.

(Cafe Terrocota in Downtown Littleton. Highly recommend)

It was really yummy!!!

Super yummy carrot cake! So moist and perfect!

                                          

Grandpa's Temple Experience

My parents have, of course, been really struggling with the passing of my brother. This is simply a horrible burden for them to carry. They have so many questions as to why this happened. It's been really, really hard.

They went to the temple and my dad told me about a really sweet experience he had.

With so many questions and a heavy heart, he went into the chapel and opened up a quad that was on the bench. Of all the verses it could have landed on, it opened up right to Alma 40:11-12:

Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection— Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

What's the likelihood that was a coincidence? 

Zero percent chance.

That was such a beautiful and needed answer to some of my dad's questions, and it brought him some peace. That doesn't mean this is easy- this isn't easy at all. But we all have a firm testimony that God has not abandoned us in our grief and sorrow, that Matt is with Him, and that we will be reunited again.

Disney Dinner

 Our ward and friends have really stepped up since Matt's passing. Even my Disney friends, who I have only met once or twice in person, rallied together and made us a Disney Dinner. It was so incredibly thoughtful of them! The love we have felt from so many has meant the world to us.

French dip sandwiches and No Way Jose. Perfection!

Torie was the ring leader and chef.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

For Christmas, my parents gifted us money to go have an experience and create memories. They sent it before Matt's death, but it felt all the more poignant afterwards.

We decided to take the girls on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, something we have wanted to take the girls on for years.

It was fantastic! It was so beautiful with all of the snow.

Ebeneezer Scrooge joined us and told us about his life and how he changed over the years. It was fun.

It was a bit chilly, but aside from that it was perfect!

2025 Predictions

 1. Audra will be at BYU and loving it!

2. Audra will make the BYU marching band and will be playing at a bowl game over Christmas break

3. Claire will be swinging up to varsity basketball

4. Camille will be playing RVMS basketball and will be back to her healthy, happy self

5. I will have a new car. Or a new kitchen. One of the two

6. Claire will be signed up to go to Africa in summer of 2026 with HXP

7. Camille will be signed up for the 8th grade trip, wherever that is to

8. Broncos make the play-offs

9. We will ride Tiana's Bayou Adventure

10. We will have a beautiful Celebration of Life to honor and remember Matt with friends and family