While Amy was here helping us with the move, we took the opportunity to go watch Ethan play for his Middle School Basketball Team! It was a great game and Ethan played so well!
Just after Amy went back home, we woke up to this! We couldn't believe it! We were told there was hardly ever any snow in this part of Washington--but, this was only the start of what was to come!
One thing that will never change--give Ethan a job and he will make fun doing it! We "tended" Ethan and Ella for a few days while their parents were in Dominican Republic while Kent was doing oral surgery there for people who couldn't afford dental care.
Now you can see just how much snow we got! When we finally did go home, the original 45 minute drive turned into 2 1/2 hours! Our Florida car just didn't know how to drive in snow--and I guess, we didn't either. It was a terrible experience, and I truly wondered if we were ever going to get home!
Back to Utah
I think Kevin was the one who started calling Kent and Craig "bear cubs," and it seems like everyone has now heard about it and brings it up whenever possible! Kevin took this pic of his kids with the sign about feeding the bears!
Our Oldest Grandson Graduates from College!
While we were in Utah, we were able to attend a little dinner celebration for our oldest grandson, Taylor's last day of college! He is now a college graduate, graduating in Business Management! Here he is with his mother, Angie, and brother, Connor, who is attending college right now.
Taylor with his cousins, Brady and Preston, and Aunt Kim and Uncle Kyle
Grandparents Robert and Marti Johns
Taylor and Ellie with Ellie's Parents
Taylor may have finished college with his Bachelor's Degree, but Ellie, also, got her degree--her PHT--Putting Hubby Through! So proud of both of them!
Taylor and Ellie with his Grandparents Copeland
Taylor with his Smart family
Annual Rigby Family Christmas Party
For probably 35 years, my parents have held a family Christmas party which includes a big dinner, lots of visiting, and of course, BINGO! When my mother passed away 14 years ago, my dad was insistent that he wanted to keep the tradition going. So, with the help of his kids, it is a party that is looked forward to by everyone for the entire year! Here is my dad still going strong at 93 years young!
We first start out with a delicious Christmas dinner.
Then we clear the tables and get ready for the Bingo games. Here, Kevin and Hannah are helping Grandpa Rigby make sure all the Bingo numbers are included.
Grandpa and Kevin make a great team.
As soon as anyone gets a Bingo, they yell, "Bingo," then run into the prize room, totally stocked with presents and gifts for all ages and genders. We go until everyone has had a chance to go in for the first time.
Everyone is concentrating so hard on the game!
A portion of the prizes and gifts available--all paid for by my dad! There were enough prizes for every one of the approximately 125 people in attendance (out of 165 members of the family) to go in three times for prizes!
It is wonderful to see so many family members there each year.
Sister Beverly and husband, Larry
Sister Joyce and husband, Doug
Brother Jerry and wife, Shelly
Brother Blair and wife, Denise
Sister Natalie and husband, Mark (with little grandson, Nixon)
And so fun to have some of our kids there: Daughter Alison and husband, John
Son Kyle and wife, Kim
Grandson Taylor and wife, Ellie
Grandson Preston
Grandson Kade (on right) with his 2nd cousin, Jaxon on left.
Kade absolutely loves little kids--and they always LOVE him! Here he is holding his 2nd cousin, Gus.
Grandchildren Lauren, Tyson, and Jenna all born within three months of each other.
Cousin table
Grandson Brady
Two recent returned missionaries in the family: Nathan from Georgia Atlanta Mission (sister Natalie's son) and Connor from Nicaragua Managua South Mission (our grandson)
My dad is always so appreciative of people remembering him.
Niece Alison and Sister-in-law Shelly
Sister Natalie and her daughter, Brooke
I really love all my siblings who are just GOOD people! Really missed having my sister, Beth, and her family in attendance.
Some of the many cousins got together for this pic!
Then we added a few more with grandchildren, too! All such beautiful women!
We got a pic of a few of the male cousins and grandsons, too.
Our son, Kevin, (on right), with his cousin, Brian
Visiting Temple Square
After the Bingo Party ends in the afternoon, many of us have a tradition of going to Temple Square to participate in the lights, the programs, and the wonderful atmosphere where we can truly remember our Savior at this time of year when we celebrate His birth!
Kevin and Angie with Connor, Hannah, Kade, and Lauren
We then ended the evening by going to our favorite eating place for the whole family--Chuck-a-rama! (At least it's George and my favorite place! Hah!)
The next morning, I had to snap a pic of this beautiful view out Kevin and Angie's back porch! So gorgeous!
We always are amazed when we see such a sight like this--a huge buck sitting right on their lawn! 
Some of us took off for downtown Salt Lake to attend Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Presentation of "The Spoken Word," which is held in the tabernacle. (The temple is right behind us.) It was wonderful!
As we came out, it was so impressive to see all of these young girl missionaries with signs that read the language that they could speak for anyone to ask questions to. It covered a huge range of countries!
These two cousins, Brady and Preston, were inseparable this whole weekend! They are huge athletic fans and both very competitive! They really enjoy being around each other.
Remembering Little Avery
Ten years ago on December 21, 2006, Avery Lynn Copeland was born to Cameron and Anne. "Only a moment she stayed, but what an imprint her footsteps have left upon our hearts." We are so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ's love and resurrection that made it possible for us to someday see again that beautiful little girl that so many of us loved instantly as we held her in our arms and said good-bye, until we meet again.
Before we left Utah, George and I definitely wanted to visit Avery's grave and leave a little Christmas greeting to her.
Avery's other grandparents had, also, visited her grave site, so she was represented by both her grandparents that day.
We have loved the feeling of peace we feel as we visit both of our grandchildren's resting place--Cannon and Avery. It is interesting that the month of December was the time that both of them were called home. But since it is also the month that we honor the Savior's birth, we feel it is another promise to all that they are safe, they are busy, and they will be there to welcome us when we, also, leave this earth.
Final thought before we left Utah--I always look forward to the many Christmas cards and letters we receive during the month of December! This is how Angie had hers displayed, and I loved it. I knew it was something that I wanted to do in the future!
We left for home on December 20th--ready to enjoy our first Christmas in our new home and spend time with Kent and Natalie's family.
We left for home on December 20th--ready to enjoy our first Christmas in our new home and spend time with Kent and Natalie's family.
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