ZHU ZHU and ZOO Pets

Do you know about ZHU ZHU pets? I didn't until Kylie and Karmen brought theirs to share last week. I guess they were all the rage at Christmas time but I didn't hear about them and I think they are adorable, for rodents that is. I decided to get one for Kellen and Caleb since we were going to visit and they were a big hit. Kellen got right to work making a cage for his out of a shoe box, putting toy food in and a water dish and Caleb copied everything Kellen did and they slept right by their bed. It was great fun, their names are Brian and Alex.

We had a great day at the Portland Zoo and at Kellen's basket ball game, he was the MVP for sure. All the animals were out enjoying the sunshine and the elephants but on a great show. The baby's name is Sam and the boys love going back to see how much he has grown from time to time. We love you guys and thanks so much for the fun visit.

Steve, I hope you can forgive me but I think Easton, Joseph and Justin really need a ZHU ZHU pet.

love those blogs

I just have to say how much I love having time to check blogs, e mails and face book and that there is such a thing. I know there are a lot of other really important things I need to be doing but I just feel better when I check in on the blogs. I wish they would have been around when our children were little so I could have been able to post photos to share with my parents who were so far away. We had the occasional phone call (and by the way, long distance was expensive then) and a family letter that eventually made it around to all my brothers and sisters homes to keep us updated, that was about it.

It brought me tons of joy just now to see the smiling faces of our children and grandchildren as well as all the great photos and news from friends and family. Keep posting because I love it!!

Another wonderful Christmas!

Caleb with his new guitar...adorable.

Beautiful Carly Ranee came for a short but very sweet visit.

Jenni trying out my gift from Bruce, a Cricket! I'm so excited.Michael LOVED his new bananagram game, we also played a lot of Scrabble, Scrabble Slam, and other games.

Kellen and Caleb were so much fun to watch and play with. We went to the Chipmunk movie and they were glued to it the entire time.

Jenni makes the best gingerbread cookies and Michael was very creative in his designs, I especially liked the prison mate outfit.

It feels like December goes by quicker than any other month. First you are consumed with preparing for Christmas and then the actual Holidays just fly by, it feels like it didn't really happen. We had a wonderful time and are so grateful for the time with family and friends. We loved the concerts, food, parties and all the activities that make December so special. We loved being in contact with all our family and friends, thank you all so much for the gifts, phone calls, cards and your love.

Emily was a good sport and went with us to the Ugly Sweater party, I think Dad should have won.

Zoo Lights at the Portland Zoo, thanks to Connie and Marc! Freezing cold but awesome.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Thanksgiving

I know it is almost Christmas but I wanted to say what a great Thanksgiving we had and how grateful I am for that as well as all our many blessings. It was Mitchell's turn to host this year and wouldn't you know it there were only five Mitchells and twenty Jolleys but they were brave and has us all over and it was beautiful and delicious. We missed all who weren't there so much but wondered what we would do if we were lucky enough to have everyone at once. We would have to use both houses, I guess.

Such adorable helpers. Taryn built this great fort for the boys to play in and Kellen loved pulling carrots.

Wii had fun

Go Mel!!

Bella in training to make homemade tortillas

Blogger has not been working well for me but I will try again. I had a short but great visit with the Sorensens. The train ride was uneventful compared to other years, it was really full so I wasn't able to stretch out at all or get any of my perks but the people I sat by were great and I did sleep so that was good. The trip from Klamath Falls to Oakridge on the way home was absolutely gorgeous with freshly fallen snow all over the trees and mountains, I just sat back and marveled at it all the way.

We enjoyed playing Rock Band on the Wii and lots of board games, Melanie, Bethany and I went to see New Moon and loved it. Bethany is crazy, to say it mildly, about Jacob and I am still an Edward fan. Mel and Andy cooked up a storm and all the food was delicious, sorry Em and Jen, I was thinking about you as we were eating home make tortillas.

Thanks so much for having me guys, next time I need to sleep longer at your house than I do on the train though:) I have more pictures I wanted to share but I'm giving up on getting it to work.

Happy Halloween!

Spooky Dinner is alive and well in the hearts of Jolleys and Mitchells everywhere.

It was fun to share it this year with the Young Single Adults. Don't you love Julie's cake? We all enjoyed slimy slivers, eye balls, witches brew, monster mash and other such delicious treats.

Hope everyone has a grand time, we will be watching the Duck game and opening the door for our spooks.

Grandkids

I admit being envious of people who have grandchildren near by and I often wonder if they know how lucky they are. It just don't think it's fair and I can work myself up to being really ticked about it sometimes. Thankfully because of special occasions we have been able to see most of the kids the last couple months which we are totally grateful for but the time is short and off they go again until who knows when. Poor me! I just need to be grateful for the great times we have when we are together, here are a few pictures from recent times.

Jenni and Michael's wedding provided a great opportunity for the family to gather, August 15th.

Darren was called as Bishop in West Seattle so we were able to visit them for that special occasion in late September.

Next was baby Carly's blessing day in Nampa, Idaho. Her cousin was also being blessed and another cousin being baptised so we all met there instead of Vegas.

We love to go to at least one of Marc's football games in the fall and luckily Darren and Jill picked the same game. These boys LOVE each other and have so much fun together. Uncle Marc provided Joseph with his very own helmet. It was so fun to lay in bed and listen to them read books and whisper in the next room.

The past couple years we've been able to go to the pumpkin patch with Kellen and Caleb so we couldn't miss out on that even though it was pouring rain when we left home. You should have seen their faces when we turned the corner and all those pumpkins came into view! The sun came out and we had a great time.We are actually a little tired but always looking forward to our next adventure with the family.