Dueck's Roost

December always brings a lot of fun activities and precious family time! It can be a crazy month in some ways, but there's also such a special and sweet spirit and so many great memories to take away.  There's going to be a ton of pictures in the following posts, but I thought I would ease into things with just a few smaller events from the beginning of the month ...  First off, was a church Nativity Event.  Joseph and Brooks got to perform with the children's choir and we all enjoyed the beautiful displays.  Next up, a fun family outing to the newest Star Wars movie--Rogue One!! Throughout the month we had daily visits from our silly house elf (Happy) who got himself into some interesting situations--I think Mae might know something about this;). And then before Christmas vacation was in full swing, we enjoyed our ward (church congregation) Christmas party with lots of wonderful friends! Stay tuned for more!

And to finish out November we have ...  Brother gaming fun. Disney on Ice! (with Mae and Joe) Business trip to the East Coast.  Silly FHE (Family Home Evening) activities.  Time Out for Women/Girls 2016 in Portland! Trampoline patch work. Fun times with Dad! Fun times with Robotics!! Young Women Evening in Excellence. Moving on ... 

Thanksgiving was pretty fantastic this year. Mae and I had quite a bit of fun preparing--her primarily with festivities and decorations, me of course with the food, specifically learning to brine a turkey for the first time.  We were excited to have the family over! Dinner (and dessert) turned out delicious. And we were quickly messing around.  And playing games, namely Just Dance and spontaneous wrestling matches. Of course I had to include a couple shots from our Black Friday shopping adventure.  Think we could fit a few more kids (or purchases) in that car? 

And then to finish off our big season of birthdays, it was celebration time for this new 10-year-old.  Brooks is a great kid! A little on the goofy side;). He loves to be outside in the neighborhood with his friends. He also loves chess, Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, and video games. There's always interesting ideas going on up in that brain of his, which I'm thinking he'll someday use to do great things!:) He was pretty happy with some cash, Star Wars gear, and a bright blue Ripstik. And of course other fun prizes and treats from his fantastic siblings.  Can't believe we now how four kiddos in double digits. Still remember being kinda blown away when the oldest reached this mark. Time seriously does fly by!