Benjamin's Christmas Visit

We enjoyed visiting with Benjamin for a few days. He went caroling with us in Alpine. All the boys had a chance to wrestle with him, including Dad! During the winter semester Benjamin will be doing his accounting internship in San Jose, California. (Stay tuned for adventures!) He traded in his Gringo Metro, and now drives a sophisticated BMW. (This is what he tells us; we didn't actually see this civilized car; he didn't think our muddy dirt road would agree with it.)

Bringing home the Christmas Tree

Elena, Dad, and Caleb display the Christmas tree they found after a drive on a dirt road and a climb up a mountain. The skimpy tree is a compromise. Virginia wanted a Dr Seuess tree and Elena wanted the traditional. Ornaments fill in this tree nicely!

Christmas Shopping in Albuquerque

Edwin took the family to Albuquerque during a snowstorm for a rare shopping trip. We hit a couple of thrift stores and a dollar store. Then, when all their money was spent, we visited a mall. Here's Edwin in the back of his pickup surveying our snowy luggage and purchases!

Elena's Last Achievement Day

Elena and her group of Achievement Day girls. They played Christmas games, and got crocheted angel dishcloths to give their mothers. Elena was delighted with the big fat candy cane her leader gave her.

Benjamin in the news!

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/69977

San Francisco Valley 4-H officer installation Christmas Banquet

We joined a new 4-H club a year ago - San Francisco Valley 4-H Club, in Glenwood. Last month the kids ran for office.
First Augustus ran for president. He said, "What this club needs is CHANGE! and Hope!" He moved his fingers in a certain way as he spoke. Our leader, who is also a leader in the cattle industry in New Mexico, and thus someone who works for a living, put her head down on the table for a long time. Everyone else broke up into laughter. He didn't win. (We're a red county.)
Next Virginia ran for vice president, and won.
Then Elena ran for reporter. She was running against the incumbent, who had done a most excellent job. Elena said in her speech, "Milagre did a wonderful job as reporter during her term, and I would like to follow in her footsteps." Elena won, and Milagre has been most helpful in teaching Elena how to fulfill her duties.
Finally Caleb ran for song and rec leader. As his speech, he led the kids in a silly sing-after-me song about a moose. When he got to the climax - what happened? He said, "If you want to know what happened, vote for me!" They did, and Caleb won. On the way home he asked, "What's a wreck leader?" I'm not sure what he had in mind!

Kiev, Ukraine Temple - from Elder Austin Martineau

Kiev Temple - Picture from Elder Austin Martineau