January 2026

 LIFE IN BAHRAIN

Now that Abby’s wedding is behind us, we felt like we could finally start putting down roots in Bahrain.  I found a piano and violin teacher for the girls, and we got more involved in the homeschool community. 

Audrey’s poem about her frustrating hair. 

African Hoopoe we saw right outside our window

Audrey making a boat

Brooklyn’s boat 

A quick picture of dust on the road. Looks like fog. 

Brooklyn made an igloo out of marshmallows 

Brooklyn gave a presentation about skiing

Audrey gave hers about snorkeling 

All the kids

Our whole family has been listening to the Emma M Lion series, and we love it!

The kids had fun doing LEGO creations at the library.

Audrey dressed herself up as a magician 

December 2025

TRIP TO UTAH

Brooklyn, Audrey, and I came out to Utah at the beginning of December so that I could help with all the wedding preparations. 

It was fun to see snow at the cabin when we arrived.

Brooklyn pulled out Audrey's tooth for her

The girls had fun playing dress up and doing arts and crafts at the cabin. 

We were excited that we got to Utah in time to see Maddy perform on her harp. She did a fantastic job!

Turkeys by the cabin

I didn't get pictures, but it was really nice to meet Ayden for the first time. It made me happy to see how kind and considerate he was with Abby. It made me feel better about her getting married so young, to know that she was marrying someone who treated her nicely. 

WEDDING 

My Aunt Rebecca helped teach Maddy and I how to do flowers for the wedding. Maddy made all the boutineers and I worked on the bouquets. 

Planning the place settings

Abby slept in and it was a little crazy, but her engagement photos ended up really pretty. 

Pictures to come of the wedding. Abby and Ayden were both beaming, and the Spirit was so strong. The sealing ceremony couldn’t have been lovier. 

The biggest challenge with all the prep was ironing all the table clothes and chair covers. Luckily my mom and Ruth helped. It ended up looking really pretty though. 

The luncheon was really nice, but very stressful at the beginning since we had a lot more people show up than what we were expecting. Luckily we were able to use some plates and glasses from the reception to set up two more tables and it worked out. 

Abby’s cake was both beautiful and delicious!

 I was thrilled when my friends from Arizona showed up. It was so great to catch up with both of them. I really appreciated the, making the effort to come so far to support us. They were awesome and helped in the kitchen. 

AI picture my brother made of Abby and Ayden.

CHRISTMAS IN IDAHO

We had a nice appetizer night on Christmas Eve.

The kids acted out the Nativty together as we read the Christmas story.

We all played a fun gift game.

Jared read the kids “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Story.”

Opening stockings on Christmas morning. 

WASHINGTON 

We drove up to Anacortes, WA for Abby and Ayden’s open house. It was beautiful.

Pretty view on our drive

LIGHTS IN CALDWELL 

We had fun looking at Christmas lights with cousins.

Sleigh ride!

All the little girls crossing the street together 

Saying good-bye to Grandma and Grandpa

AUDREY AND BROOKLYN’S POETRY BOOK

My favorite gift was this cute poetry book that Brooklyn and Audrey made for me.