Elvis is in the school

Alex participated in his school's fifth grade program.  They journeyed through time as a history lesson through song.  Alex played Elvis.  He really got into it.

You ain't nothing but a hound dog!

Clogging buddies

This is the first time Alecia has done a clogging duet.  Her partner is Janelle. 

They are quite a bit alike--a little crazy.

Sweet 16 party

Alecia invited a billion friends over for her birthday party.  They played games and ate...carrots.  We put out a bunch of junk food, but they plowed through the carrots.  Go figure.

Sweet 16

Happy sweet 16th birthday, Alecia!  

I can't believe my baby girl can now date.  I think we may have to rethink this rule and change it to 18.  Alecia, you are such a beautiful daughter of God.  Your happy personality is contagious and wonderful.  I am so glad Heavenly Father sent you to our family.  I love you very much!

Karl is 18!!!!!!

How did this happen?  My little boy is now an adult.  The thing he is most excited for....he can now buy dry ice.  Happy birthday, Karl.  I admire you and love you.

My back

On November 12, 2010, I went in for back surgery.  I have spondylothisthesis which caused my disc to collapse and compromised a nerve root (L-5 and S-1).  Here are my x-rays after the surgery, taken today.

You can totally see the threads on the screws!  In the first x-ray you can see that this contraption is holding the vertebrae apart now although it not completely lined up like it should be.  Hopefully this does the job!  It would be nice to be free from that pain.

Tattle Tale

Overheard in the van tonight:

Alex:  "Mom, Karl hit me in the face."
Mom:  "Karl, don't hit your brother."
Karl:  "Mom, I gave him 6 warnings that he would get hurt if he kept it up.  I had to keep my promise."
Mom:  "Alex, leave your brother alone."
Alecia:  "I'm just sitting here being cute."

Kids.

Verlon Southwick Reunion

Bill and Alex were able to attend a little bit of the Verlon Southwick reunion this year held in Dietrich, Idaho, in the "valley."  Alex loved it!  He got to go down the water slide, play ping pong, climb trees, and ride a horse and a four wheeler.  He now thinks he wants a four wheeler for his birthday with a helmet and license.  Dream on!