2011 IN REVIEW...

Well, here we are at the end of another year; so here I am, updating my blog and doing a semi-short review of the Hales' lives in 2011.

January: 2011 Started with a bang! Callie dropped dance, but continued going to Preschool, which she loved! Brynli continued in tumbling. Trevin played basketball for Jr. Jazz and I started another volleyball season. Dan celebrated his 38th birthday (getting awfully close to 40) and Trevin turned 12. Trevin received the Aaronic Priesthood and now spends most Sundays (after passing the sacrament) on the stand being the bishop's go-to guy. Jaron received his Bobcat...rowr..."Crazy Hair Day" at school is always a blast!


February: I went with Brynli's class on a fieldtrip to the Tree House Museum (always a favorite!) and with Trevin's class to the Clark Planetarium/Ballet West performance (the 6th grade audience did NOT appreciate men in tights, something I have to admit I have a little discomfort with myself). Danny and I went to the ward adult Valentine's dance (Western theme this year) and celebrated the Chinese New Year (again) at the Mandarin with a Dragon Dance. It was also during this month that Danny's grandpa, Issy, passed away and we took a trip to California for the funeral. We ended up cutting it short when Jaron got sick, but luckily were able to hit the beach before we had to leave. My parents bought a house in Syracuse and moved Grandma and Grandpa in with them where my mom could help take care of their needs. It has worked out very well for everyone but me, who's travel time to mom's is now doubled (20 minutes!)


March: Brynli turns 7! Cabin fever sets in and the kids make blanket forts inside (a lot!). Danny and I celebrate our 14th , yes count the years, 14th wedding anniversary. I cut my hair - short.


April: As the weather started to warm, the boys went camping; so the girls and I did a "girlie night." We dressed in our best princess clothes, hair and makeup and watched a princess movie. Easter was fun using Grandma's big yard. Callie (5) and I (28...again) celebrated our birthdays together!


May: This was a big month for Callie: she had her first "friend" party - Salon de Calliente. 10 little girls all dolled up - hair, makeup, nails. She also learned to ride her bike without training wheels, while Jaron discovered how to ride without hands! Callie had her Preschool graduation, and got her first real haircut. Jaron and Brynli had their class programs and Trevin continued going on scout campouts.

June: The end of school; 6th grade graduation for Trevin; big grad party in the back yard. Hales' Reunion on the Heber Creeper (fun!). Jaron began Karate classes...and absolutely loved it! All the kids started swimming lessons and had some summer fun in the fountain at Gateway. This was also the month our ward was split; Danny stayed in as YM secretary and I was called into the Relief Society. We ended the month renting a boat and spending the day on the lake (first time with just our family).


July: Fireworks! Olson's come for a month, Danny and Trevin took Kason to Rexburg and Danny got to show Trevin some of his favorite places, see how things have changed over the years. Went boating and to Lagoon with the Olsons. Also our annual trip to the Dinosaur Museum. Trevin made his first big purchase (a bike - took lots of saving) and attended his first week-long scout camp (weird to have him gone).



August: Wrapping up the summer fun, we "bounced back" at Lagoon, had a "Princess Party" and "Macho Mixer" with Omi, went swimming at Farmington Pool and to Pineview one last time. I visited all the Home Parades I could :). We had a neighborhood back-to-school party. Trevin tried a new sport - Lacrosse - and absolutely loves it! School starts and Callie finally gets to go! The kids and I went to Colorado with mom and dad for Kobe's baptism and Kason's Eagle Court of Honor, and saw Dawn and Doug's new dental practice.




September: With school going again, I was back in business volunteering in the kids' classrooms. We went to Trafalga on Labor Day and life settled into a rhythm (kind-of). Cindy, my long-time friend and work associate, moved to Pheonix; it was a sad day for me. Jaron ran a mile to raise funds for the school. I started another volleyball season, and the girls got to be in the same dance/tumble/cheer class :)


October: Brynli loves babies! I went on a retreat and re-certified in Renewing. The KSL helicopter came to school, I went to the zoo with Callie's class, and of course, Halloween! Yes, those are butterfly wings :)




November: I lost a week of my life to the school book fair - but it was a tremendous success! Jaron turned 9 on 11-11-11 and we had a fun "Alien Invasion/Marshmallow Gun" party. Brynli wrapped her hair in a round brush and cut it out, hence a new do. Jaron earned his Wolf.





December: The girls had their dance recital - they were darling! We're so excited for all the family that is coming to Utah - both from the Hales and Wallace side. Can't wait to see you all. As the year nears it's end, I can't help but be grateful for all I've been given...the memories of this year, the good health and good times with those I care about. We wish all our friends and family a safe and wonderful Christmas Season!!!

2010 in Review

2010 has been another exciting year for our family. Here is a month-by-month breakdown for your reading pleasure:

January: Trevin started another season of playing basketball, Callie continued taking dance, Danny turned 30-something and Trevin turned 11.

February: Danny and I went to an 80’s dance (appropriately attired) – it was radical! Trevin had his first scouting campout. Jaron got to be king (for about 10 minutes) and Dan and I watched a dragon dance for the Chinese New Year.

March: Brynli turned 6, Callie broke her arm playing on the brand-new jungle gym, Danny and I celebrated our 13^th anniversary (my, how time flies!), and Danny and I took a trip to Cali to watch Sherry and Andy get hitched (sealed in the LA temple, actually).

April: Enjoyed General Conference, Easter and Spring Break all in one week! Jaron started spring soccer AND baseball, then dropped baseball after a couple of games (much to my relief) – it just wasn’t for him. Trevin started spring soccer as well, Danny organized/hosted the cub scout space derby, and I turned 28…again.

May: Callie hits the big 4, but doesn’t weigh enough to get out of her car seat – the booster will have to wait! Dance and soccer continue, and we have our first experience purchasing a side of beef (well, actually it was a quarter, but holy cow - that was enough!). Doug (Dan's brother) moved in with us while relocating his family from North (or South?) Carolina.

June: Kids are out of school (horray!), Misty helps decorate 3 model homes in four days (whew!), all the kids took swimming lessons, and the Olson’s came to visit!!!July: We had a fun 4^th celebration with my family, went to Lagoon with Dawn and her kids, then headed down to Cali a week later. 6 days of beach, 2 days at Legoland (which, by the way, our kids prefer hands-down to any other amusement park they’ve been to), and then back to Utah for Scout Camp and the 24^th celebration (why doesn’t anyone else party for Pioneer Day?). Brett, Amber and boys came for a visit (Amber did a fabulous job taking our family pictures), and the family took our turn cleaning the church. Grandpa Lewis recovered well after an extended visit to the hospital and rehab.
August: I tried my first trip without Danny (that’s a big step for me!). The kids and I went to Colorado Springs for some quality time with the Olson’s. Had a blast! We had our annual Hales Reunion in Logan, school started back up, and “Mockingjay” was FINALLY released.September: Brynli started tumbling and Callie began a new dance year. Callie also started preschool, giving me 5 hours a week all to myself J. I signed up to volunteer in 3 of the kids’ classrooms each week, and joined a city recreation volleyball league with some ladies in my neighborhood.
October: General Conference time again; I was amazed at how well the kids paid attention – our family is growing up! Jaron started his first season of basketball and loved it. This is also the month Jaron hit his head and had memory loss on the same night I was in charge of a murder mystery dinner for our ward (they had a good time while I was at Insta-care). Everything’s ok now, though – there was no permanent damage, we think J. We spent a day at Cherry Hill playing miniature golf, rock climbing, batting, and other fun things they have there. The Mower’s hosted a fun, fun, fun Halloween party, where Dan and I appeared as “First-time Triathaletes” (thanks to Damon for that idea). ON Halloween the Nasers played “How to Train Your Dragon” on a huge outdoor screen for after trick-or-treating fun (and it WAS).

November: Jaron got to go to a Jazz game with Danny. Triple overtime. Jazz won. Jaron turned…(drumroll, please)…eight! He had a real live magician at his party, it was a blast, AND he started cub scouts. I went on a retreat to Park City where I recertified in Foot Renewal, and we went to our first family skate night. We won’t miss another one now that we know how much fun they are! Brynli was discovered to be far-sighted and got her first pair of glasses. Thanksgiving was a wonderful time as we reflected on all the things we have to be grateful for.

December: The start of the holiday season! I was determined to get everything done early this year, but since my cards aren't getting mailed until the Monday AFTER Christmas, you can see how well I did. The most exciting event of the year happened on December 4^th, when Jaron was Baptized a member of the Church and received the Holy Ghost. We are so very proud of him and the choices he makes – he is such a wonderful boy! Trevin and Danny went to a Jazz game (Trevin’s 4^th – they always win when he’s there and this year was no exception). Danny was released as Cub Master and is currently awaiting a new calling. I am still the Primary Song Leader in our ward, and love it! During this time of year, we are so grateful for the opportunity to focus on our Savior; the blessing of His birth, and the greatest gift our Father has given us. We hope you had a peaceful Christmas season and wish you the very best in the coming new year!

2010 Family Pictures

Yes, it's that time of year again. My awesome sister-in-law, Amber, took these photos for us and edited them. I love this one, because it shows a true representation of our kids' reactions to a little PDA. Brynli especially cracks me up! We are going to be in sooo much trouble with her!