11/30/18 Papa Sealing and Ward Christmas Party

This morning was a very special day in the temple. My father John Connelly was sealed for time and all eternity to his parents, John Connelly and Velvia Mae James. My father's half-brother James Houston Baker, who died when he was only 3, was sealed to his parents Velvia Mae James and Beryl Houston Baker. It was a special time. I got to be the proxy for Dad's dad and Mom got to stand in for his mother.

This evening was the Ward Christmas Party. They asked me to lead the singing during the hayride. It was a little chilly but we had a good time.

We also got to be involved in setting up the projector and sound system for the video presentation. It is quite an adorable video of the Primary children (including two Connelly kids) telling us about the meaning of Christmas. Here is a link in case you'd like to smile.

11/29/18 X-Carve at the Library

Today Heidi tried out a fancy tool at the Library.

It is basically a computer controlled drill bit that allows you to cut patterns into boards.

It took a while to learn how to use the machine. Peter was fairly patient.

It helped that the library has a kids area with toys that Peter could play with.

11/28/18 Ukulele Play

This morning the kids were ready early for school so we rewarded them by playing our ukuleles.

Heidi's kit had more hooks in it so she decided we should hand the guitar and the little pink ukulele too. It's starting to look like a music shop in our house.

David decided to share his new experience with his grandmother. Here she is watching a 360-degree surfing video.

11/27/18 The Russell's and Early Christmas Cheer

This afternoon some of the Russell boys came over to play.

They rode bikes and trikes in the driveway.

They also played in our big cardboard box.

Heidi led the charge in putting up the Christmas lights.

She also hung up hooks for our ukuleles. Now they will be easier to take down and play.

David worked hard, scanning over 1500 photos and doing tech support, to earn money for a virtual reality headset.

He put his hard-earned savings toward an Oculus Go. So far he seems very pleased with his purchase.

11/26/18 Boys and Boxes

Our boys, especially Joseph, love to recycle boxes for art projects . . . and hats.

11/25/18 Joseph Rides to Church

Today Joseph rode his pedal bike to church for the first time. He was a little wobbly but he persisted and made it all the way. We are proud of him for toughing it out.

11/24/18 Campout in Uncle Matt's Yard

11/23/18 Temple Trip and Fun at Matt's House

11/22/18 Thanksgiving and a Bike Ride

The kids voted during family council to go on a family bike ride.

Today was had not one but two amazing breakthroughs. Joseph was able to ride a bike with pedals for the first time. He was so happy. Peter has been making such progress I was concerned that Joseph might get passed.

Then, not to be outdone, Peter rode a pedal bike on his own for the first time. Both are still a bit wobbly, especially Peter, but it was exciting to see both boys careening around the church parking lot.

Shortly after the ride, our guests began to arrive. Lucy and Sarah had fun in the tree.

TJ was sporting his signature smile.

Peter and Alex drew a rode on the driveway to play with their cars on.

Matt helped Heidi in the kitchen. Heidi's parents came as well. I got a terrible night sleep due to allergies so I was not much help with anything. Still, the food was great and we had a lovely visit.

11/21/18 Cub Christmas Ornaments

As part of the Baloo the Builder requirement for Cub Scouts, they needed to build something practical and something fun.

The stools count as the practical project. Today the boys made some simple Christmas ornaments. It involved hammering small nails in a pattern and then tying on some colored string. I love seeing the cubs do new things. Most of them have not used a hammer before. It took some attempts for the boys to put the nails in straight. In the end, four boys went home with a newly made Christmas ornament.

11/20/18 It Works!

This morning Joseph and TJ got ready for school quickly. That meant that there was time for a quick trip to the park. Now that Peter is getting better at his green bike the boys can get to the park way faster than I can. Happily, they still wait for me before crossing the street.

Gram wanted a way for her bathroom door to be propped open so she could get in with her wheelchair easier.

This magnet option worked pretty well, except that the hot clue kept coming undone. We'll have to keep thinking about it.

The great news is that Gram's scooter works now. At first, it still wouldn't start. Then Papa noticed that a cable on the steering column looked loose. Once that was fixed it worked great.

Another fun thing today was the arrival of Papa's new computer. David was excited to help him get it all set up.