Michael and Shaleece's Wedding!

Amanda's brother Michael was married in December.  It was such a wonderful day.  They are perfect for each other.  We are so glad that Shaleece joined our family- we know how happy she makes Michael, and can't wait to get to know her more!

It was a little bit of a bittersweet day as Amanda's Grandma Owen had passed away two weeks prior.  However, during the wedding, the sealer talked about how people beyond the veil were there and he (as well as us) could feel their presence.  We really felt that Grandma Owen was there.

We didn't take too many photos of the actualy couple because there was a nice photographer there, but we snapped a few of our little family because we all dress up for once.  Lily had gotten a beautiful dress for the occassion- a big blue dress that went all the way to the ground.  She sure did love to twirl in that thing, and sorta became vain when she wears it because she always says "I know" when someone compliments her.  Silly girl!  She was pretty though.

getting a hug from Princess Shaleece!

best aunt ever!

look at that great looking kid (did we mention he got glasses?)

the two lovebirds

brothers!

So Mason LOVED the camera today.  He thought it was so fun to to pose whenever the camera was brought out.  He must have thought he looked pretty cool in his new clothes- the tie and vest and all because he was sure hamming it up!  All we needed to say was cheese and he would stop what he was doing and pose for us.  Such a cute kid!  He wanted to be photographed for once in his life!

cute!

Lily & Grandma!

one of all of us

all the nieces and nephews (some on Shaleece's side)

hammin' it up some more!

They were married in the Logan Temple and then we went to the reception, which was so pretty!  It was winter with lots of silvers, blues, snowflakes and hot cocoa.  The only thing was this year was uncommonly warm (we didn't have to wear coats outside the temple and it was December!)  so it was a little warm, but still so much fun and sooo good!  The kids had fun running around the hall and dancing on the dance floor.

two studs!

Aura and Mason!

what a good lookin kid!

 Avery caught the garter- on accident!  He was messing around on the floor and it sorta landed on him, he didn't even know what it was (that's a good thing).  Hopefully it doesn't really mean he will be the next one married...Chelsea caught the bouquet and she did have her significant other there...

While the bride and groom were up dancing and having a good old time, Chelsea had gone to get some stuff to decorate her car.  So all the guys and her went and did a really good job on it.  A fun tradition for those who get to do the decorating, but a messy job for the ones who have to clean it up!

It really was a wonderful day and night.  We are so happy for Michael and Shaleece and its great going to weddings like theirs to help us remember how great it is to have someone to love!

We are Grateful! Thanksgiving 2014

Not much gets better than eating a bunch of really yummy food, hanging with lots of family and relaxing over a fun week.  Thanksgiving this year we spent at the Turpin family household.  It is always a great time when we go there.  

I (Amanda) had to take some photos of the the food and things for Brian's sister Candace so I thought I would include some of the yummy festivities that happened!

totally not planned to look like eyes

yummy pies!

all the fixins!

Here are all the kids watching some Korean drama with Candace.  It was in Korean and in subtitles so Candace had to tell them what was going on for those that couldn't read.  They were actually quite entertained.

Here is the little kid table- where all the fun happens!

Candace shared a neat story about one of their ancestors brothers.  There was some sort of falling out between brothers and things.  Candace was able to track down a letter that mentioned him and she read it to us.  It was an inspiring ancestor story.  Thanks Candace for sharing!

All gathering together.  We always go around the table and tell one thing that we are thankful for.  This is a great tradition and really helps us remember the whole reason we get together for this holiday.  

these two are best buds!

Later on that night we all got together for a family band moment.  Candace needed the Turpins to perform later on at a Rootstech convention so we practiced a little that night.  There was so much going on, but it was wonderful!  We were singing "Glorious" that David Archuletta sings for the "Meet the Mormons" movie.  It was fun to see everyone sharing their wonderful musical talent!

Avery was loving sitting next to Grandpa 

Then the next day or sometime that week we all went down to the river bottoms, which is also another tradition we do at the Turpins.  It was a very nice day!  Ofcourse Mason had to test out the water himself:

finding the perfect rock to throw or skip in the river

bortherly love

these two are inseparable when they are together

a quick shot of our pretty girl!

We also were able to go to the temple and do some sealings- it seems like we often do this over the Thanksgiving holiday.  This whole week was just -filled with great memorable traditions!

Princess Lily turns 4!

Our little Lily turned 4!  We were all home today because Brian had the day off since it is Veteran's Day (He always gets that day off).  We had to go to Avery's parent/teacher conference so Lily went to a friends house and then decided to play there all day...so we let her since it was her birthday.

That evening though we had cake and ice cream and presents as a family.  Lily wanted a blue Elsa cake and here is what she got:

She thought it was pretty neat!

Then we went out to eat as a family and got a movie.  Lily got a new scooter, some shoes and some princess dolls for her birthday.  It was a nice low-key birthday!

Then on the weekend we did a birthday party for her with her friends.  It was a Princess Party and everyone came dressed up as princesses.  We made princess crowns, decorated cupcakes and played pin the tiara on the princess.  It was hectic since Brian wasn't there but luckily my friend came to help me!  Thank you Diana!

All the pretty princesses!