African Safari

 No I didn't actually get to go on an African Safari - I got to see it second hand, but still so cool!!! And WAY better than the zoo. :)

My aunt/uncle (dad's sister) are serving a mission at the Temple in Ghana, Africa. My dad's siblings and spouses go on trips together every year or every couple years. About 8 years ago they went to Norway, that was before my parents served their mission there 2 years ago. I remember them going on that trip because my sister and her husband went along (not knowing they'd get to go again to visit our missionary parents) and Jeff and I were suckered into watching their 5 kids along with our 1 - Lea. My sister was very organized and we split time among my brother and his wife, and my brother-in-law's sister. It was an interesting experience. :)

Anywho, this trip they took to Africa - Lucas was excited because they were going on a safari! (Didn't know he knew what that was, but he did!) To prepare for the trip, they had to get 3 shots for malaria, yellow fever and something else. They had to take medication before, during and after the trip. Other than that, they said it was a wonderful trip. :) They stayed in resort type places and enjoyed good food.

Enjoy a little taste of the African Safari:

 I love the giraffe!

 Lunch??? In the Seringetti

 A hot air balloon ride of the African country side - so awesome!!! My dad's older brother, Ken and his wife Geri went, and my dad's oldest sister Vivian.

 They visited a school one day and the kids loved my mom - not surprising, this is where she loves to be - with the children.

The Accra, Ghana Temple

These were our souvenirs from Africa: each of the kids got an animal necklace, except Ammon (no worries, he'll complain when he's older.... ha!) They've worn them every single day since they've arrived. I was SO very nervous to let them where it to school. But it's come home, Abbey's has gone through the wash.....

An elephant, a turtle, and an alligator

I got a necklace and a bracelet with my name on it, Jeff got a hand stitched bookmark and my favorite is this:

A wooden Nativity. It's gorgeous and unique!

The 'placemat' is also from Africa. We decided to leave it out to enjoy it since it'd be a while before Christmas decorations came out again. 

Thank you mom and dad! Thank you Bud and Gaye for serving a mission!

Risenmays come to town

 Aren't we so happy!?

 Sporting our BYU hats - honestly I can't remember what game was on, but there was a BYU game, so we watch - must have been basketball.

 This girl loves to dance!

 BYU did something GREAT - actually it was the Super Bowl.....shows how much I cared. :)

 See, there the Risenmay Grandpa and Great Grandma are - Ammon is teaching them how to 'sort cards'.

 Clearly the game was so exciting. :)

 More card sorting. Grandma and Grandpa were fighting over the 'good' cards, ummmmm, Ammon didn't care.

 We put together a puzzle that Lucas made in primary:

 We love it when our family comes to visit! Uncle Vacamaca Steven, Grandma Judy, Grandpa Riz, and Great, Grandma Riz who might never come back and visit as a result of the activities in the next picture. Sorry. :) Some of us are really competitive, others like to sabotage, others just like to pester - some like to do all 3......just saying, but I'm sure you could figure out who does what. As a side note: if you want to beat Jeff, have someone call him while he's playing - he can't multi-task! :)

 Another snake was made - this was our Christmas present from Crazy Uncle Vacamaca Steven.

 The snake ate Lucas

 Then ate Abbey and Ammon.

 Then became a jumping spot, soon to be filled with:

 pillow, blankets and stuff animals!! Seriously isn't that a bit excessive for Arizona???

Snake Guy

I sent Jeff, his brother Steven and Lucas to Lucas' friend's birthday party - the Snake Guy was coming to entertain. I don't like those types of animals and neither do my girls - we opted to stay home with the visiting in-laws.

Smarts

 3rd Qtr came with one small hitch - both kids received awards for their grades. Lucas made Principals list with all A's, Lea made Honor Roll. Principal's list kids got to dress down the following Monday....this brought much tears from the eldest child because she didn't get the same reward. We're very proud of both of them as long as they try and ask for help when they struggle.

 Had to sneak pictures of Lea - she was too embarrassed or too cool for me that day. oh boy.

Merry Christmas!!

  Jeff hung Christmas lights we purchased LAST Christmas in the kids room....Everyone slept through him climbing on the beds, stepping over them and making quite a bit of noise. Luke's room glows!! The girls have multi-color lights - not quite as bright as Luke's, but they were sooo very excited!!

 Jeff helping Ammon read his new book - Brown bear, Brown bear, what do you see?

 They were more excited about the food and new toothbrushes in their stockings.

 Lucas has been wanting a 'mote control car' since last year. Couldn't find any.....I really did try. This year I found a whole bunch! This one was awesome.....and lasted all of 6 hours before it broke. We returned it a few days later for a pimped out truck. Oh well - see how happy he is?! :)

 Accountant + Statistician = 4 very happy kids with calculators!!

 Wahoo - a Kindle Fire!

 Testing the durability of our legos. ha!

 a new game, water cup, lunch box and picture of Christ for Jeff

 Off to Church in our new clothes!!