Black Friday, Ice Skating at the Galvin Center, Italian Pizza, and Christmas Lights

We wanted more seating in the family room and to upgrade our old tube tv. Jessica and Warren went Black Friday shopping and purchased this TV and love seat.  We had a fun time watching some of our favorite YouTube videos last night on the big screen.  We also watched one of our favorite movies, Insurrection.

It is always a party when the Kerr's come to town.  We decided to take the train to downtown Salt Lake to partake in the Holiday magic there.

We started with some ice skating at the Gallivan Center.  There was outdoor ice skating to Christmas music and even an ice dancing show.  It took my legs a few circles around the ice to remember how to skate.  I was a little slow but I didn't ever fall.

Nice to have this handsome fellow home from his mission.  His aunts thought his knit cap looked like a Hershey's kiss on top of his head. 

I just love the smiles in this picture.  Emily radiates pure joy and Tyler just looks so handsome.

Ice Skating works up quite an appetite. 

Federica asked to meet the owner of Setebello Pizza.  He was very kind and they become fast friends. He insisted she sample all of the gelato. I couldn't get myself to eat a frozen dessert when it was so cold outside.

It was a bit too cold and too crowded to enjoy seeing the lights on Temple Square.  We were glad to get back on the warm train.

Thanksgiving

We like to make Thanksgiving a 2-day holiday.  We went up to Connie's house for pie night on Wednesday evening. We had healthy soups and not so healthy pies. There were games to play and people to visit with.  It was a great evening.

Thanksgiving morning was very relaxing.  Warren and I made up a 100 things we are grateful for game that we played as we laid in bed.  The time past very quickly and we ended up being ate for dinner at Doran and Nancy's house.

Tyler and Leslie

Federica, Collin, and Melanie

Jessica and Graigry enjoying their first Thanksgiving dinner in two years.  They were both pretty excited for a traditional dinner.

Federica's Thanksgiving dinner plate

After dinner with the Henries, we went to the Atkisson's house for some cousin catching up.  Kayla showed her wedding video, Jessica, Graigry, and Taylor showed pictures and told about their missions, and Tyler showed pictures and told about his humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic. We tried to do some Black Friday shopping without much luck.

Serving in the Dominican Repubic

the dental team

the pharmacy team

Tyler gave patients their medicine and explained in Spanish how to take it.

Jessica translated for this dental hygienist who was cleaning kid's teeth.

A delayed fight turned into a two-day layover in NYC.  Tyler and Jessica got to have lunch with this handsome Columbia University student who happens to be their cousin, Tayler.

Quiet Week

With Jessica and Tyler gone it was pretty quiet around our house.  Melanie decided she wasn't going to let being 15 keep her from attending the Sadies date dance.  She went STAG with her friend Ariel. She said she found enough boys who also came STAG to keep her company.

Graigry got lots of attention this weekend from me.  Partly because I needed someone to mother with Tyler and Jessica being gone.  We picked him up from his test on Friday night and took him to dinner.  I then cut his hair.  On Saturday I dropped the girls off at the mall and took Graigry to run errands.

Happy Birthday Federica, and Tyer and Jessica Adventure in the Dominican Republic Begins

It was fun helping Federica celebrate her 17th birthday this week.  Tyler suggested the BIG chocolate cake from COSTCO and she loved it.  We were eating cake for days.  Warren put re-lighting candles on top of the cake.  I love how her hands are in fists in the picture below because she is so determined to blow out the candles.

We spent Friday afternoon getting Tyler and Jessica ready for their trip to the Dominican Republic. I told Tyler that I was a missionary Mom and so if they couldn't contact me, I would assume everything was fine and not worry.  I'm not worried but I am constantly checking to see if there is any word from them.

Warren took them to the airport and made sure the airline didn't give them trouble about the 200 lbs of medical supplies they were checking.  Tyler said the TSA screeners took a good look at his CPAP machine. (I had told him to expect that.) Jessica did write a very short post on Facebook saying that they arrived but the customs officials wouldn't release all of the medical supplies they brought. I am praying they can get those supplies released soon.  She also sent these pictures showing they made it.  One of the first things I noticed was that Tyler must have changed right into shorts.  Jessica looks a little tired.  Tyler just looks like he is trying to take it all in.