the new Mr. & Mrs.

Recently, we were so happy to be able to witness the marriage of Troy's brother Shane and his new wife JJ. We instantly fell in love with JJ when we met her and so we are so happy to officially have her as a part of the family.

At the temple


Before the wedding on the grounds






Genna LOVES her new aunt


Shane, JJ & Troy's parents


Shane, JJ & all of Troy's siblings

the whole clan


At the reception

Getting a little help from his big bro


Shane and all the niece, nephews & 1 nephew in law


Working the Gift Table


Gorgeous Cake


Happy Couple



First Dance


Dancing Queen


Twirly Girl


Connor cuts a rug


Sam had some moves


Caleb Boogies with his buddies


Little Jamie Horner (whose mom still hasn't gotten the wax out of his suit yet)


A sparkler sendoff (and yes, I was crazy enough to try and take a picture with a hot sparkler in my hand)


Thanks for looking at all of these pictures. It really was such a wonderful day.We couldn't be happier for Shane & JJ.

Decking the Halls, etc.

Thanksgiving was awesome and the rest of the weekend was nice and relaxing. Friday, Jameson and Troy went to the last Nebraska home game and Connor, Genna, and I stayed home and hung out. We got all the decorations down from the attic. That night we all snuggled under the covers and watched Christmas With the Kranks.

Saturday, we got serious about putting up the decorations. I wish I could say it was just like a scene out of Norman Rockwell painting, but the reality is that it was more like a scene from Christmas Vacation with the Griswold's. The lights didn't work, there was fighting over whose turn it was to put up the star, etc. but the end result was magical.





That night Troy and I were able to go to the temple with his family. We decided we are going to do a monthly family trip. In our session that night, there were only 2 people who weren't part of our family. It was such a wonderful experience to be there surrounded by those you love. It was snowing when we came out.

Afterwards we went out to eat at Carlos O'Kelley's and then did a little Christmas shopping at Walmart.

Tonight we had FHE here at home and then went to visit Troy's Grandma Kastens and bring her a little Christmas cheer.

She was so excited that we sang some songs for her. She couldn't get over the fact that we all had matching hats on. She has a little book where people sign in and we were her only visitors today. Made me sad and more determined that we get there more often.

Last of all, while we were having our treat(Eggnog Shakes) Jameson finally set off his volcano tonight. He made this volcano about 3 weeks ago and it has been sitting in my kitchen, crumbling,ever since. We oohed and aahed as it erupted.


Hope you all had a great weekend, too!