Weekend Fun

This month has been an interesting one. Lots going on for our family in Idaho. It's hard not being able to help them at this time of moving/changes. Send those good vibes our way.... The weather has turned hot. It got up to 87 degrees. We have tried to stay busy and upbeat!

The weather has been nice so the kids have been able to play on our 8x5 foot patio. 

We went to Devil's Punchbowl in hopes of finding water. No luck... we heard some, we just couldn't see it. 

One thing that keeps Landon hiking is chasing all the lizards. 

Hard hats advised. 

She tried to pick up every stick on the trail. 

 Another day at the temple and the zoo! I sure miss having the temple close. It takes a little more effort to head to L.A. 

Landon's favorite animal is the turtle. 

Hiking!

So here's our latest adventure... we took the kids hiking! Brave, right? We even went 5.2 miles. They  

walked by themselves part of the way. It was 77 degrees I think and a little windy. But, it was so good to get out and enjoy the outdoors.... before it gets too hot :-) I feel like we're backwards here.  

This is the waterfall that is suppose to be booming. Dry year... 

Despite getting tired, the kids did awesome. They love being outside, just like their parents. 

Pretty and green. Nice change of scenery. 

Christmas Time!

This Christmas was a little different. We were not close to family, so it was just our little family creating traditions. 

Our first turkey! Wayne is trying to find the neck....  It was still a little frozen.

Big girl singing jingle bells and dancing in circles. 

Christmas morning! From kitchen to excavators, and dolls to treats.... it was definitely a success. 

Kaylee learned how to say please on Christmas because there were so many treats and goodies. 

The day after Christmas, we hit the road to go to Beaver Dam, AZ. We stopped at the Las Vegas temple. 

We spent a few days with my grandmother, parents, and sister. We visited the St. George Tabernacle. 

Landon and Kaylee loved playing with their cousins! 

We also went to the St. George temple. 

Melissa and her kiddos

The lights were beautiful! 

Although it was a little chaotic at times, we had a wonderful time together. Thanks Grandma for letting us invade your house! Thanks Mom, Dad, and Melissa for coming to see us :-) 

On the way back to Cali, we stopped at Lake Mead National Rec. Area

And... Hoover Dam! Pretty awesome. 

This is from the bypass bridge looking down to Hoover Dam. 

Landon was more interested in the bridge. 

We were on top of that bridge on the left. This is the Hoover Dam from the opposite side. 

This little girl loves to cook like Mommy. 

Although it was after Christmas, we decided to use the cookie cutters Landon gave me for Christmas to make cookies for FHE/New Years Eve. We were all getting colds, so we just chilled at home. 

Wayne says this is therapeutic. Glad to help! 

Although 2012 has been an interesting year with many challenges and changes, I am grateful for them. We have grown closer as a little family. Hopefully 2013 is a good year! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December

Instead of having parades at the 4th of July, they have some in the winter. Who knew? Good idea.

 We had to make gingerbread houses. Wayne and Landon made one from Idaho... snow. Kaylee and I made one from California.... it had green grass and all.

 This morning we woke up to no heat. All bundled up together!

 We went to the zoo again!

 The best part was playing in the leaves. It looks more like fall...

 This is as Christmasy as it got at the zoo :-)

 We went to see the lights at the LA temple on Saturday!

May the true Light of the World fill your hearts this Christmas season! Merry Christmas from the Nelson's!