Our year in pictures

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I decided that I should put together our family's year in pictures, so you and we would have it documented. It was a fun year, and very busy. I hope that this glimpse is as fun for you as it is for us to look back on!

Kimberly loved being with Nana (Susan's Grandma), and they were attached at the hip the whole time we were down there in January for Papa's funeral (Susan's Grandpa). It was sweet.

Also while we were down there, Kimberly met her two favorite Disney characters - Pooh Bear, and Cinderella.

We went to Disneyland together, Mom & Kimberly. That was especially fun when we were together with Uncle Eric, Aunt Chris & their family!

Samuel's car surprised us all and won the Pinewood Derby this year, but Jason was the excited one!

Gregory, Kimberly & Samuel were part of the AF Children's Choir for a while. Only Jason & Jonathan are left, part of the Junior choir.

Gregory participated in his school's Jr. High Cotillion - don't ask him, but he did have fun.

We went to the zoo during Spring Break...it was SO COLD! But hanging out with our neighbors and the animals was fun.

Jason really loved being so close to a working train!

This was a year of piano - by fall, all five children were taking lessons. There were Jonathan's second ever recital, Kimberly's book recital, and Jason's first recital...(boo hoo, I couldn't find the picture of Jason's!)

Summer's here, and we're having fun! Parades! (Those include the Days of 47 Parade with President Hinckley in it, where Kimberly was photographed by the Salt Lake Tribune! It was fun having Grandma & Grandpa H there, and Uncle Dan & Aunt Lenore too.)

Other activities included a trip to the Childrens' Discovery Museum, puppet shows, scripture reading in a box...what?

Here's fun at the 4th of July parade!

Summer's almost over - fun at the roller rink. Jason would rather ride the scooter:

Family gatherings this year included Grandma & Grandpa Howlett, Uncle Dan & Aunt Lenore & family (including Baby Isaac shown here), Uncle Jacob & Ethen, Uncle Mark & Aunt Sherlyn & family, Uncle Eric & Aunt Chris & family, and of course the Beckstrands, with Uncle Chris & Aunt Harlene finally back from NV!!

Our Scouts, Gregory & Samuel had the honor of participating in our city-wide salute to fallen soldier, Nathan Barnes, a member of our ward. The streets from the Tabernacle to the cemetary by our house were lined with Scouts & Cubscouts in full uniform, all holding American flags. This was a surprise for his parents, his father a long time Scouter himself. It was an amazing show of patriotism - and to be part of it was an honor!

The Martin Family Reunion in August was awesome. Thanks, kids, for being so patient while we pulled it together. Dad still loves the zip line! Lots of memories & fun!

All five kids went off to school at the same time for the first time - Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th grades - and Mom started too!! As the new librarian, in a library that opened finally on Oct 16th - but see the Nov 3rd blog for all of those details...

Our only Halloween picture - the camera quit. But aren't Queen Elizabeth and Samuel Martin wonderful looking?!

The before and after of Kimberly's hair - she cut 10 plus inches off and donated it to Locks of Love. It was tough at first, but what a girl! (Besides, now she looks more like cousin, Annie!)

Kimberly with friend, Brittany, in her newly painted and decorated room - love it!! Thanks, Mom!

It's wonderful having Annie & family back in town - even on Utah vs BYU game day! Dress-up takes another turn...(Guess who's for which team!)

And here's Gregory at his Court of Honor with Mom & Dad. He's a Star Scout!

This year, Mom finally pulled it together and did it - Jonathan had his first birthday party, right before Christmas!

Jonathan & Jason performed at Temple Square as part of the Christmas season celebration. What an opportunity!

So here's our family - minus Gregory. (Teen Gregory - surprise! - decided not to go with us to see the boys perform at Temple Square, so he's not in this picture... If anyone wants to photoshop him in, I'd appreciate it!) [EDITOR'S NOTE: We got it, thanks to our former exchange student in Brasil who is very qualified to do that project! Thanks, Bruno!]

And here's the Nativity scene put on by most of the cousins at Uncle Chris & Aunt Harlene's house Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas, and may 2008 be a Happy New Year for you!

Love to you all, from The Beckstrands