Christmas - December 24-25th, 2011

 Grandkid Tree!

 Ornament from Justin

 Picture through the years...

 Of course, we had to put up the train.

 Our Village!

 Waiting for Santa!

 Izzy, Mandi, & Ali

 Andrea & Alex

 Ellie & Luann

 Gwyneth

Doug reading The Christmas Story

(With his hat on, it was hard to be serious)

 Granddaughters modeling new pj's!

December was such a busy month. We went to a few programs that the grandkids were in. We put up a new tree this year. I call it my "grandkid" tree. It is my favorite. I put pictures of them on my tree every year, but I was getting too many, so it was time to have a tree just for them. Justin knows I collect Nativities, so he gave me a special ornament. He made a hole in the back for a light to go inside, and it glows through the ornament. It is very pretty. Scott's family was able to come before Christmas this year, so we had all the grandkids here for Christmas Eve. We had a nice program. They played their instruments, and we had a few stories and songs etc,. and then of course the opening of the pajamas. While the little kids were being put to bed, Doug and I went for a ride and listened to Christmas songs. We went and saw the lights on at the Temple, and then drove and saw all the cool lights around town. I wish Tonya and Kevin could have been here. Then it would have been perfect. It all went by so fast.....To see all the pictures, click here

Zion - December 16th- 17th, 2011

Doug and I decided to get away for the weekend (because we didn't go anywhere for our anniversary) so we stayed in Zion. We stayed in a lodge this time, instead of camping. We had a nice view of the Virgin River right out our front door. It was very peaceful and quiet. The shuttle buses have stopped for the winter, so we drove and hiked where ever we wanted. We walked to the petroglyphs that are right next to the campground. You can see the rest of the pictures here.

Thanksgiving Weekend - November 2011

 Our Family!

 Our Grandkids!

 Great Grandma and extended family!

 Our 40th Anniversary!

This year all the kids and grandkids and some extended family were here for Thanksgiving!! We had a good time. Lots of good food, fun games, and exploring. We went to the Petroglypgs again. Brad was out flying, so he waited until we were all there and he flew over and made a few circles around us in the helicopter. It was cool! We celebrated Great Grandma's 86th birthday on Thanksgiving day. We tried to use a piece of pie with a candle in it, but it didn't work very well. For our 40th wedding anniversary, we went to a nearby golf course and Luann took tons of family photos. What a better way to celebrate, than to have all our family near us. It doesn't happen often enough. You can see all our photos at Luann's website. Click on the D. Hawker family.

Boat Races In Phoenix - November 18th-20th, 2011

 Racing!

 Boat on fire!

 Gilbert Arizona Temple

Doug & Cynthia

Doug was given some tickets to the Napa World Final Boat Races at the Firebird International Raceway. We took MaKayla with us so she could see her Uncle Will, who lives there.. We stayed at Tonya & Kevin's house for the weekend. They live about 20 minutes from the races. The races were pretty cool. It is like watching Nascar, but only with boats. A few of them blew up the engines. We had a good visit. I took some pictures of the Gilbert Temple that is being built a few blocks from Tonya's house. Every time we go, I take new pictures of the progress. On the way home we stopped and took pictures of the Colorado River.

Snow Canyon 5K - November 6th, 2011

 At the start line

 Just past 1 mile

 Turning into the stadium

 My time was 34:02

I ran the Snow Canyon 5K for the second time. I was trying to beat my time of 34:00 minutes. If I hadn't of stopped to hand my gloves to Doug on the last stretch of the race, I would have made it. I came in a  few seconds over. It was a very cold morning. It poured all during the night, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to go. I hate running in the wet and the wind, but it quit, so I went. I raced alone (no family this time) because Stephanie and her friend ran the Half Marathon, so they stared before me, and ended after. I just listened to my music, and kept a steady pace. My shins hurt for the first mile or so, and then I didn't notice it. I had just gotten some steroid injections in them the week before, but it didn't seem to help. They were really bad the next few days, so the Dr.did the injections again. Nothing is working, so I can only really run about once or twice a week, and then rest in between and then go again. I love running and so I don't want to stop. I just wish I could keep up with my running partners, so I had someone to go with.

Ali's 9th Birthday - November 5th, 2011

 Ali & #9 Birthday Doll

 "Pirates"

 Her Pirate Cake!

I can't believe how fast the grandkids are growing. Ali turned 9 this year. It was the same day as my 5K race, so it was a busy day. She was going to have a friend party this year, but Jessica ended up in the hospital (problems from a spinal tap) so they just had family over for cake and presents. She wanted a pirate theme this time. She was very excited because she got a telescope which she had been wanting, and they also got her a Star named after her. Pretty Cool!! You can see the rest of the pictures here.

Changing Seasons - October 16th, 2011

 Nebo Loop

 Playing in the forest!

 Reflections!

 Doug put this in the sand. Ahhh!!!

 3 Generations!

 Skipping Rocks!

 Scott playing with the kids!

 Scott, Luann & kids!

We went with Scott's family and drove the Nebo Loop before heading back home. The colors were brilliant. It's hard to get a great picture. They don't do it justice. Then we stopped at Payson Lakes and stretched our legs (a couple of the grandkids got real carsick on the winding roads, so we needed a break) The kids ran and played by the lake and then Doug and Scott showed them how to skip rocks! We ate in Payson at a little diner, and then drove 4 LONG hours home. We had to stop every 30-50 miles for sick kids. Next time I will listen to her mom and give her Dramamine!

Pumpkin Patch - October 15th, 2011

 All the pumpkins! (they were not happy that we had to leave...)

 7 Grandkids!

 Andrea & Izzy

 Izzy

 Mandi

 Mandi

 Alex the Giant

While we were visiting Scott's family, we all went to the Pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins. The kids had a blast playing in the mazes, jumping on the hay bales, and burying themselves in the corn.

Harp Recital - October 15th, 2011

 Gwyneth & her Harp!

 Waiting to begin...

 Class Picture

 Room full of Harps!

Gwyneth had a Harp recital while we were in town. She played several songs. She did an awesome job. It is very soothing to listen to a room full of harps. They played a variety of songs.