December

During the whole month of December, Summer performed in Hale theater's 

A Christmas Carol.  She played Martha Cratchet.

It was such a great show.   I got emotional watching her do what she loves much.

She has worked so hard, on her very own for these opportunities.  

A big change happened this month.  Tom's family home for over 50 years has finally been sold and

his mother is moving into a new home attached to his sister, Jill's.  

My sister-in-law, Carol, hosted a dinner for all of the siblings and Anita.

We laughed and cried remembering all of the memories that permeate the walls of that home.  In this simple, modest home a lot of traditions were formed and testimonies grew.  I am really amazed at how Ross and Anita created a gospel-centered home for their 12 children.  Our small family benefits from the great example they set for Tom because he has carried over this blue-print in raising our children.  Having a husband raised in such a home and family is gold!

I love all these people and am so grateful that I can call them family.
Lori Farnsworth made the trip down from Utah to join us.
I know that this eveningwas very bitter sweet for her with the recent loss of Ross Jr.

12 children can fill the hours of the day

One of my favorite spots in the house was the pantry.  The grandkids were allowed to write on the walls.  There are over 30 years of sweet graffiti and messages.

Our high school choir holds an annual Holiday dinner program 

for 3 evenings at the beginning of December.

The 9 different choirs perform during a 3 course dinner.  

This has been the program's big fundraiser now for 28 years.  An incredible tradition.

I offered to help serve the hot cocoa and cider as guests line up at the entrance.

I asked Jack and my mom to be my trusty side-kicks so I could go grab some photos

of Meg's choir performing the pre-show caroling.

(Thanks to Fiiz Drinks for the delicious hot chocolate and cider)

We always celebrate "Christmas Adam"  (the night before Christmas Eve) with my family.  

It always includes the nativity and opening pajamas given out by Santa.

Jack the cow was not loving it.  

This year we added a big game of Left-Right-Center

Easy game for all ages and group sizes.

Annual Sister pic.  We missed Carissa and Shelly this year.

(Kippy, Meghan, Bridgette, Me, Michele, Aryn and Carlee.)

Another chance to act out the nativity with our extended Bunker family.

We now meet at Big Grandpa's assisted living
home which he jokingly
refers to as his "cage."   

We countdown to this Christmas call with Cole.

We sure miss him but I have loved loved having a missionary serve.  

He couldn't possibly have the opportunities for growth, love, compassion, patience, 

adaptation and discipline without it.

We invited his second family to come over and share some time with him.

We held our annual post Christmas sibling party game night.

For Christmas, I gave my grandpa a trip to the Air Force museum at Falcon Field.

We drive by it often and he always mentions it as we pass by.

"I think I would like to go in and see the planes and wear my World War II hat..,

in case anybody wants to ask about the war."

Fish Fish got his wish. 

 He had several people come and ask him about his service.

This kind man made him feel like a million bucks.  

November

Meg and Summer were lucky enough to get cast in the MCC production of Secret Garden.  Their 

cousins Janie and Tessa were in it too.  Cute little Tessa had the lead and did such a great job.

I think the music in the Secret Garden is so beautiful and moving. 

We are so lucky to still have our fun loving,  Grandpa B around for another Veteran's Day.

He is almost 92 year old and served in World War II as a B-24 aerial navigator.  

It was a beautiful day to celebrate with lunch at the park.

He is always warm and friendly even when he doesn't remember exactly who is who.  

He does better one on one.   Big groups can be a little confusing for his memory.

Ike had a great season playing his first volleyball club season with Victory.

This was a great group of boys and an even greater coach.  

Meg and I shared another birthday.   Sorry Meg, it must get old sharing

 a birthday with your mom.  

She is slowly warming up to the idea of driving 

and we will see if we can get it before she turns 17.  

Meg is a joy.  I hear "Mom, how can I help you?" on a daily basis.  

She loves to discuss ideas, read, eat healthy, exercise hard, sing at the top of her voice in the

room and shower, bake, and to be of help to others.  She adds such a strength to our family.

I would pick these girls to be my friends if I were back in high school.

I love having them in our home or in the car because I enjoy their conversations so much.

They are all old souls that are trying to rise above the silliness that can come with high school.

For her birthday party we held a combined Laser Tag party with her cousin Pete.  

We call them the twins because they were born just a few minutes apart.    

Ike worked the Gilbert Turkey Trot crowd on Thanksgiving morning.

This race benefits Azbrainfood and the I Love Lucy project.  

Summer helped take orders for complimentary churros after the race, 

while Meg helped make them in the truck.

Love these Turks and Watts.

Met up with my brothers Chad and Clint and sister Bridgette. 

Chad and Carissa are moving here for one of his medical residencies.  Ya hoo!