Induction Ceremony for the National Honor Society His horrible mother made him take this picture against his will. He relented after a 3minute whisper fight.

Davin with some of his AP buds.

Here he is actually receiving his certificate.

No, Davin is not standing on a chair :), and yes those are his arms reaching end to end.

In other news I wasn't sure if I wanted to record on this family blog, I have been dealing with some health issues. I had a follow up today with Dr. V, and he is pleased with my progress. Unfortunately I am still stuck on the fact that I am even in this situation at all. I feel so blessed to live in a time and country where I can be treated for a painful condition. I am thankful the medicine seems to be working for me, thankful for the power of the restored priesthood that my husband has used to bless me, thankful for the most supportive family and friends ever. The kids fasted on a school day even through practices on their own because they have testimonies of the power of prayer and fasting already! My friends have taken me out twice now and even chose my most unfavorite restaurant knowing I couldn't eat and sat there for hours taking my mind off of everything. My sister and Mom and Dad have all tirelessly listened to me try to talk my way through the pain and thought roller coaster. My sister has been to every health food store and my mom is ready to take me to the acupuncturist at a moments notice. I feel more loved than ever. I am so blessed to be where I am at now and I hope this medicine and diet can make me even better!!!!!

The Annual Father Daughter Dance

We just can't believe that this year (2nd grade) Emmie had her dad all to herself! She is the only one at the elementary school this year. They had a great time at the masquerade ball and a fancy dinner afterwards with some of her friends.

Presidents Day at the Santa Rosa Plateaus Josie, Emmie, and Brody on the trail.

Brad and I were there too :)

Mr. Kellen got out at the picnic area and did some exploring.

It was an amazing clear day after the rain, and we even saw a bobcat jump down and race across our trail at which point Emmie begged to turn back!

Kellen "helping" me make dinner

This guy is soooo cute. He had the flu a bit ago and was miserable. He wouldn't eat or play or laugh or hardly even smile. It was so pathetic. He bounced back thank goodness and is a busy little love again. He loves his siblings and they love him. Every prayer Brody says he ends with "and especially thank you for Kellen." I sure hope it lasts :)!

Fashion disaster day at Warm Springs
This is my fun spunky girl going all out to be a fashion disaster. The only problem is, I just don't think she could ever be a disaster. I think she looked kinda cute even, but I refrained from sharing this opinion so as not to ruin her efforts.


Some other updates ...
Davin is nearing the end of his basketball season. He has had a good season and a good time. I will spare all the stats, but he is happy I believe. He is working hard at some tough classes and starting to look at possibilities for college. No girls right now, it is too much work he says.
Perry is finishing her first high school soccer season. Her team has done a good job, and she has played hard as the center mid. She has some challenging classes too, but she doesn't seem to be too bothered by it. No boys no boys no boys. I wonder if the constant repetition of the 2 words will really work?!?! At least it is worth a try.
Josie is playing lots of soccer having fun in middle school and getting a lot better on her flute.
Emmie is dancing her heart away at Dance Studio 31 - looking forward to the school daddy daughter dance on Friday - a constant companion for her mom(which I love).
Brody is learning so much these days I can't believe it. He really loves going to school now, which is great. He loves the park and riding his bike more though :).
Kellen still isn't talking. Brody did the same thing, so I am not worried this time. He is getting big fast though.

Boy Cousins Having fun!

Our Las Vegas family came for a long weekend visit. The boys played plenty of video games, but they fit in a basketball game and went to the NAM show - which was the whole reason for their visit. They even saw Stevie Wonder walking around the show!

Bye Bye Braces!

You may recall from an earlier post that Davin got his braces off after 3 plus years. Life just seems to be a little bit easier for Perry and the orthodontics were no exception. Perry, beautiful smile after braces for less than a year! Incredible!!!!!

Alyssa Turns 18!
It is hard to believe that my sweet niece is really an adult. She is almost a year older than Davin, and was even at his birth. Spoiled in style with a sleepover at the U.S. Grant hotel in downtown San Diego she said goodbye to her childhood. Thank you to her generous Daddy, we all got a girls night away at an amazing hotel :).

Kellen Climbing Again!

I guess he really wanted that IPod. The only good thing about the climbing is that he is very careful - he is not crazy. Hopefully the next post won't be about a broken limb. He is sad today because he has his first sick - first fever won't eat yucky bug.

Christmas Day 2010

The girls donning their new apparel.

The boys donning their new apparel.


Kellen eating his first candy cane.


Josie Christmas morning. Let me just say here that Josie is amazing in all ways. I never got to do her birthday post so I want to tell you, Josie, that I love you to no end!!! Your name means God will add, and did he ever when he sent you to us!!!!! You were a little fussy when you got here 12 years ago, but you have made up for it and more. Thank you for being a great helper, hard worker, joy maker, good friend, and a stud athlete (I get to say that cuz I am your Mom)!

Christmas eve waiting for family to arrive.



The following pictures are from Christmas Eve. I especially love this part of our family tradition because we have a Bethlehem dinner. We try to eat like Christ may have in his time, we read the story of his birth from the scriptures, we sit in a circle and share our testimonies of him, and then we have cake to celebrate his birth. I am always moved by what each family member has to say about Christ and his influence in their lives. They are all different and so profound. One family member gave a gift to Christ to stop gossiping, while another shared how learning how Christ treated the 10 Lepers has changed their lives and made them want to focus on gratitude. Brody got confused and told everyone that it was Christ's birthday so Santa was like a wisemen and was going to come and throw presents under the tree. It was the funniest part of the night! Then when the Orme side of the family leaves, we sit down and open all of the presents from the Guinn side of the family that arrive in the mail since we are all spread out. So fun!

This is what the boys did.

Grampy bear getting ready to read the story of Christ's birth.

Beautiful girls in the kitchen and Kellen (teething).

OUR ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DECORATING

Notice the missing ornaments from this section of the tree and the smile on Kellen's face! I have to say it has not been as much of a problem as I thought it would be - we just have a empty spot!

Emmie had a "winter" activity at school on the four days before break. I got to help with the tree decorating. I haven't been able to volunteer in her class because of the little boys so we really had a fun day together!

Finally decorating the Tree!!!

With the schedule we keep, I spent two weeks trying to figure out a day all could be present for the tree selection. We spent Sunday evening decorating it and talking about the true meaning of Christmas. A great book called I Believe in Santa Clause helped with this.

Little Brody came home from church today singing "Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, follow the prophet, he knows the stake." Too cute. Love this crazy busy guy!!!!!