Dinner with Elder L. Tom Perry

Yesterday we spent the most part of Saturday afternoon visiting Temple Square, and the Conference Center. We arrived early enough to go through some of the buildings before it got too crowded, then we walked around temple square looking at all the Christmas lights, and nativity.
After our Temple Square tour we decided to find a place to have dinner. A Chuck o rama was just up the street a few blocks so we decided to head up there. We were a large group so it took a little time getting a place for us together. When we got to our tables, and started arranging seats an older gentleman was trying to get by to get more food. As we noticed him, we realized it was Elder Perry at the table next to us having dinner with his family. He made a funny comment about squeezing by and smiled his trademark smile and confirmed his identity. I laughed and patted him on the shoulder as he passed. We were in the midst of eating when he and his family got up to leave. He said another cute comment to Brynlee, as she ate her fries, and then they went on their way. Garrett noticing the attention that this great man was getting asked Jen who he was. Jen told him it was L. Tom Perry a member of the quorum of twelve apostles. To which Logan replied with "So that's why he was wearing a nice suit!"
Elder Perry's presence in the restaurant caused quite a stir, because a few minutes later, a waitress approached Jen's Dad and told him that she had enjoyed is recent talk.
What a classic ending to a great trip to Temple Square.

Joseph Smith Jr. Memorial Building

Nativity in Main Street Plaza

Main Street Plaza Nativity

Salt Lake Temple with Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights and the Temple

Christmas Lights in a Flower Garden

Jen guiding the kids into the Orange Colored Trees

The Assembly Hall in the midst of Lighted Trees

Lighted Trees at Temple Square

The Whole Gang

The Family on the Steps of the Salt Lake Temple

The Kids

From the Roof of the Conference Center

The Girls looking from the Conference Center

Cousins at the Water Fountain

We had a really great Thanksgiving. There was lots of food, family and friends, and lots of cousins hanging out and having fun. It took 2 rooms to fit everyone for dinner, but it all worked out in the end. Most of the morning, and evening was spent stratigizing the shopping on "Black Friday". Everyone started arriving around 2 pm, and soon the feeding frenzy was in full bore, devouring 2 turkeys, and spiral ham and all the trimmings.

We also celebrated Logan's 8th Birthday later that night. He got to open presents in front of a large audience, and made multiple wishes over trick candles that kept relighting after he blew them out. Sadly, it took him at least three times before he realized that something wasn't right with the candles.

Today was a shopping madhouse!! After getting up at a little after 3 am. We got to Walmart shortly after 4 am. Jen assigned me to a gift for Logan that Walmart only had 9 items and about 12 people wanting them. I guess being my size does have it's advantages. Nobody was willing to fight me for my box. (Just kidding.) It was extremely crowded though and after I retrieved the said item, I attempted to make my way toward the front of the store where Jen was waiting with the rest of the stuff. The lanes were more crowded than an LA freeway. Most of the time spent in the store was just trying to get out again. After Walmart, Jen and her sister and sister in law went to Target, then to a couple other stores. I went to Big 5 and Cabelas with 2 brothers in law. After spending about over 2 hours in Cabelas waiting in line we were finally liberated, and made our way home for some relaxation. It was a crazy, but fun day, and I have gained greater respect for my wife who has braved the hysteria for several years now.

We have been getting ready for Thanksgiving next week. It's going to be a busy day at our house. We are going to have both the Card's and Poulson's over for Thanksgiving. Our biggest concern was Brynlee's blood counts, as she recoups from her last chemo. The nurse came over the other day and tested her blood. Everything looks good so far. She'll get her blood tested again on Monday, and hopefully we will see some improving numbers. We want her to be well enough for everyone to come over. We will post the results of her test on this and on her own blog.
Earlier today, I tried to go to the gun show to get some ammunition. Because of the election, everyone was in a frenzy to pick up any guns or ammo that they could get their hands on. It was insane. Needless to say, I walk out of the show empty handed. I think I'll try later or go online to get what I need.

Although it is nearly impossible to get a family of our size to all look at the camera at the same time this photo is about the best that we could get. This was taken on Kade's Blessing day.

We had a spur of the moment blessing day for Kade. The biggest factor was making sure that Brynlee, who was undergoing chemotheraphy treatments for Burkitt's lymphoma was feeling well enough to attend. She was doing well, so we made a few quick calls to family who lived in the area, and blessed him on the 19th of Oct. This is the most recent photo of the entire family.

At the time of the picture, Andrew is 12, Garrett is 10, Logan 7, Kenzie is 5, Sadie 4, Brynlee 2, and Kade 1 and a half months.

The Beginning

In an attempt to move our family in to the modern age, I have started this blog to keep family and friends updated on our family happenings and to serve as a type of journal for ourselves. Please have patience with us as we are truly beginners in the realm of blogging.