2007 Favorite Pics

November 2007

It was great to see many of you yesterday at the baptism. What a wonderful day! Natalie was radiant and I was a humbled father – grateful for the privilege to perform one of the saving ordinances of the gospel for one of my children. The Spirit was strong and the love and support we felt from each of you (even those who weren’t physically there) was so appreciated. Thanks “aunt” Karen for your great talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It really meant a lot to Natalie. Seeing her singing and doing the sign language to the song “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” was really special. I think that the older I get, the more I appreciate the simple yet sublime joy that comes from seeing my family progress in the gospel. We’re very pleased with Natalie – her choice to be baptized, and the way she lives her life.
Natalie had a fun birthday party with a big group of friends. It was a “bride” party and each of the girls got to wear a tiara with a veil. Becky made a “wedding” birthday cake and many of us got blue tongues and lips from the blue frosting roses that Becky bought to put on the cake. Natalie has enjoyed starting to attend Activity Days – feeling like she’s finally one of the mature girls.
Isaac starts basketball this Saturday. He continues to be a voracious reader. He read all of the Harry Potter books in a 2 ½ month period from May to July (I just barely finished book 7 on Halloween night) and continues to devour anything he can get his hands on. He just finished a book called Dragon Rider. He, along with Natalie and Auriana, got a perfect report card last week. He is such a good speller that he aces the pre-tests at the beginning of the week and doesn’t even have to study for the real tests on Friday. Natalie and Auriana always get 100% on their spelling tests too.
Isaac and I really enjoyed our trip to Washington to hang with his cousins, Daniel and Jacob. Daniel is done with the initial 6-month period of intensive chemo treatments, and other than losing his hair and gaining a bit of weight because of the medicine, he seems his old self with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. I got to play with little Sarah who is Miram’s age, and of course enjoyed the time with my sister, Catherine and her husband, Dave. It really was a wonderful time. Isaac wished he could have stayed for another two weeks. It really meant a lot to Isaac to have that time with them since most of his other cousins are either not his age or are girls. I enjoyed the time to relax as well. We’re grateful to Mike and Alison and family for giving us a place to sleep on our way up and on our way back and feeding our hungry bellies. Isaac had a blast playing with the dump truck remote control construction set.
Halloween was fun. I was telling my brother yesterday that Halloween is the only time parents have to mooch from their kids. Can you hear me saying, “who is going to be nice enough to share their candy with their dad?” Usually I get a pretty good response, but sometimes I have to resort to the guilt trip, “after all I do for you, you’re not even willing to share one little piece of candy with your dad?” ☺
Ellie has officially entered her terrible twos. She’s very excited for her birthday tomorrow. She’s talking so much better all the time. She cracked us all up the other night when Chad was visiting, when she started dancing and wiggling her shoulders and rear end to some music. One of those times when you wish you had the video camera but know if you run to get it that they’ll stop. Miriam loves dancing too and regularly entertains us. And of course it just isn’t right unless she is wearing a skirt that can twirl so pretty.
It was a blast having Chad here. The BYU football game, the movie and the golf (even though it was a pitiful game) and the Nertz and Pass the Pigs were all a lot of fun. Our kids sure love their uncle Chad. We’re really looking forward to seeing the whole family of Georgians, as well as the rest of you at Christmas time. We can’t wait to experience the personal tour and/or open house of the temple.
Well that’s about it for us. Auriana got a spacer in her mouth in preparation for braces. The Harvest Moon Hurrah this year was once again a success, though I’m very happy to have it over. I was recently released from the Elder’s quorum presidency, and am now the committee chair for the Redeeming the  Dead committee, so I look forward to more time in the temple and great experiences with quorum members as we improve our efforts in that regard. Becky’s efforts with the primary program are going well, though I’m sure she’ll be happy when its over. Enoch is still loving preschool, and Miriam loves being the ringleader on those mornings when Enoch is gone. The other night when I was putting Miriam to bed she kept on licking her lips. When I didn’t respond, she finally said, “Dad, when you lick yous lips, dat means yous firsty.”
We wish we could have been in Rexburg today for the blessing of Micah. We were sad that Alan and the girls got sick and couldn’t make it for the baptism. It means a lot to us that you would even consider coming down in the first place.
I’m off to locate constellations with Auriana for a school assignment.

October 2007

Here is little glimpse into each of the kids’ lives…

Enoch – I can ride a two-wheeler with training wheels. I have a new silver tooth. On my birthday, we
broke a piñata and treats fell on my head. We did an obstacle course to get to the piñata. I got lots of cars and my favorite is Chick, my second favorite is the King, and my third favorite is Lightning McQueen. My fourth favorite is Nitroade. I did show and tell for preschool: Lightning McQueen and Long Neck for the letter L, and Helicopter for the letter H. Today during conference, I played Conference Bingo and President Hinckley was on the chart.

Isaac – During Conference today, I liked how lots of the guys had weird and funny accents. I have my last football next Wednesday, I really liked it this year because I’m a really fast running back and I made lots of touchdowns, and one interception! I’m reading Harry Potter 4 again, it’s my favorite one besides 7, but they didn’t have 7 in the school library. My favorite part of school right now is friends.


Natalie – My favorite part of Conference was having Karen here. I just finished soccer, and in the whole season I scored 10 of our team’s goals. I think soccer is my favorite sport. I’m in gymnastics and I’m learning how to do a back extension. I’m excited to turn eight soon and get baptized. My baptism is on November 3 at noon.


Auriana – I’M ELEVEN! I had a fun birthday sleepover with three of my best friends. We went to
Coldstone and then scrapbooked the pictures we took there. The next day I was tired and miserable, but when we went skating as a family it cheered me up. My favorite part of conference was when Karen came over and watched with us.


Miriam – My favorite color is Yellow. My favorite animal is a dog. My favorite thing to do is play with
Little People. My favorite part of conference was the tittles (skittles). I go to gymnastics and I jump on the tramp. My teacher’s name is Miss Kate. I like to go to nursery because we play with toys and babies.

Ellie – I am the somersault queen with very good form. I go to gymnastics, and it’s the highlight of every week (at the moment I’m doing somersaults off of the couch). I’m talking more and more every day. One of my favorite things to say is “No, Mine, Miriam,” in a low growly voice. Also, “People, Please?” meaning I want to watch the Little People show for the thousandth time. I love to eat anything Brenda cooks and feeds to me, and I love to wake up bright and early every morning. I laugh a lot – and for some reason everyone loves to laugh with me.

We already enjoyed the benefits of Brenda’s new job when we went to Thanksgiving Point for a (free for employees and their families) fun time at the Cornbellies corn maze. They had tons of other stuff for the kids to do besides the corn maze and the kids had a blast. We stayed there until 10pm we were having so much fun. Thanks, Brenda!

Bjorn got released from the Elder’s quorum presidency and is focusing now on preparing for the Harvest Moon Hurrah – a yearly event the Arts Council puts on for the whole community. We’re going to try and participate on the ward’s co-ed volleyball team together if we can work it out with all the other things going on. Becky is in charge of writing and organizing the Primary program this year and is glad to have at least the scripting part done and approved. We are all doing well and really enjoyed conference weekend. It always goes by so quickly! Brenda did all the cooking today and made delicious fall food! Having Karen over is always a highlight. We were so excited to hear Mom and Dad’s wonderful news. We’re grateful for their continuing example of commitment to the Lord.

July 2007

July has been a wonderful month!  We enjoyed seeing many of you and experiencing California and the wedding as a family.  The wedding was definitely the highlight. We appreciate Stuart and Heather's perfect example for our kids - we all love to see them when they stop here on there way through.

I asked the kids what their favorite memory of California was...
Enoch - Shamu that splashed me. (NOT the rollercoaster).
Miriam - Sleeping in the hotel.
Natalie - Going the the beach, going to the wedding, and going to Sea World.
Isaac - Going to Sea World.
Auriana - Going to Sea World, seeing the dolphins, and playing at the beach in the waves.

Auriana really did love the waves, she was in the water the entire time we were at the beach.  I didn't even get in the water, but I was completely content to count to seven over and over and over and over and over and over and over.  Seven, because Bjorn was going in way too deep!

Sea World was awesome - I loved the moment we saw the killer whales swimming in their tank.  There was suddenly excitement in the air and all the kids started running to get a better look.  That moment made it worth the entrance fee. We all loved the shows! We all loved being with cousins and grandparents.  Miriam wanted to keep returning to the sharks and Enoch the Polar Bears. Natalie loved the rides (that’s unique in our family) – Thanks Karinne for accompanying her and sacrificing your dryness!

After the Young Reunion we got to experience the Pendleton Reunion.  We stayed in a lodge at the base of the mountain at Brighton. We spent time hiking to several different lakes, visiting with family, playing games, and staying up late. Despite Enoch breaking his foot while jumping down the stairs (He has a cool green cast until Aug 17), it was a very fun and relaxing three days!
We also had a talent show, and for our entry we changed the words to a song the kids already knew and could play on their instruments.  The new words are...

With the family I love, having fun wherever we go.
With a team spirit strong.  Coolest people I ever did know.  
So, we listen and obey, we’re kind and happy all the day.  
We know that we can be forever in the Pendleton Circle of Love.

Later in the month we got to attend a concert in American Fork with the three oldest kids. We wanted to see their music teachers perform with John Schmidt, Peter Brienholt, and Ryan Shupe!  We had a great time.

Other highlights of the month…
*Purchasing a blow up waterslide to beat the heat without having to go the pool.
*Attending day camp with Isaac – archery was his favorite activity there.
*Hearing the story of “Ellie and the Butter” from Bjorn.
*Enjoying “Meet the Robinsons” as a family.
*Having A 24th of July barbeque with some good friends.
*Enjoying several picnics and evenings in the park.  Our kids have a favorite spot by the river they call Terebithia!

We’re just trying to enjoy our last few weeks together before school starts.  It will be nice to get back into a schedule again, but it will be sad to have less freedom to just do whatever we please. For example… The other day Miriam was staring out the door with a smile on her face.  I asked her what she was looking at. She replied, “A car – and it was beautiful and white.”

May 2007

Ellie – started Nursery and loves it.  Talking more and more.

Miriam -  Really enjoyed turning 3 and is now very happy to be 3.

Enoch – lollipop race – Isaac yelled Go Enoch
Actually sat still in the dentist chair finally, but needs six fillings
Zack’s head is as small as a giant water balloon.
Cut his face on a rock.

Natalie –  played the piano in her school talent show.  

Isaac – 3rd place in 100m -- baseball

Auriana – played the mandolin in her school talent show

March, 2007

We enjoyed a family gathering last night with Stuart and Heather, Karen, Steve and family, Brenda and Scott.  It had been so long since we had seen anyone, we had a great time visiting and celebrating a few birthdays.

What went on in February?  

Auriana wonderfully gave her memorized speech on Abraham Lincoln, stovepipe hat and all.  She won her class spelling bee and a few days ago read The Bridge to Terebithia all in one night.   She often comes upstairs an hour after we thought she was asleep because she’s been reading. Isaac finished up basketball with remorse -- it will be a long wait until baseball. He also read The Bridge to Terebithia, and both he and Auriana are looking forward to seeing the movie. Bjorn and Isaac went to a BYU game and had a blast. Natalie nominated me as a hero at school for helping her when she has to do hard things, and we won.  She was delighted to be recognized in an assembly at school. She hung a medal around my neck and later that week we both had our picture in the local newspaper. Enoch realized today that when you stay in the bath too long you don’t actually turn into a raisin, your fingers just look like raisins. He has started taking mother-taught piano lessons and really enjoys it. Miriam went to her first birthday party. She went in very timidly, but had a really fun time.  She can often be found locked in her room, playing (with Natlalie’s toys -hence the locked door), and singing to herself. Ellie walked all the way around the block with Isaac cheering her on. She waves, runs, smiles a lot, and shrugs her shoulders and we all think she is very cute. She has added several words to her vocabulary, including bottle, ball, and Brenda (“de de”).

Bjorn surprised me the day before Valentines Day and we spent a very relaxing day and night at a cabin in Sundance.  We were grateful for Brenda and the Shumways for watching the kids while we were away. We’ve had a few teeth come out this month and we have a few teeth trying to come in.  We painted the kids rooms on President’s day – the kids proved to be very proficient and diligent painters. They didn’t give up until we were done! When it was my turn to teach preschool we learned about fire safety and took a trip to the fire station.  We though we were entering Spring with wonderfully warm weather, but the Winter returned. We have had two weeks of snowstorm after snowstorm.

Bjorn here – I thought I would emerge from my cave long enough to look at the sun and write a bit in the family letter. This has been a very busy couple weeks for me. I have been up late almost every night and up early most mornings trying to stay on top of projects and demanding deadlines. It was sure nice to enjoy a relaxing Sabbath today – I needed it more than I can describe. I told myself when I started my business that I would never work on the Sabbath no matter what, and that has been a real blessing to me. One of my clients is opening an LDS bookstore and art gallery that sells the books put out by The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship (formerly FARMS) and Truman Madsen, and features the art of Joseph Brickey, one of my favorite LDS artists. They are the same client that I did the Journey of Faith stuff with. Anyway, I got to design the big outdoor sign on the building and all the other signage inside the store as well as window displays and advertising. I still need to put together a couple of websites for them, but it has been a really fun process. They had their special opening on March 1 for all the Maxwell Institute scholars and leadership who were in town for a conference and said that everyone was blown away. We have given it a very rich, old world feel. I’m also finishing up the 700+ page biography: Anson Bowen Call: Bishop of Colonia Dublan. It mentions Helaman Pratt several times saying that he was a good friend – even has a map showing where his home was in Colonia Dublan, and covers many of the events that I’m sure Mom’s family experienced there in the colonies. Helaman Pratt’s daughter, Dora, was one of Bowen Call’s wives. The Call family first came to me four years ago to start working on the project. It is going to press first thing in the morning. Can you hear the sound of trumpets triumphantly heralding the event?!

I had fun taking pictures of Stuart and Heather yesterday in the freezing cold. Hopefully some of them will show up in the video they’re going to have made for the reception. We’re trying to figure out how to work out our dilemma of having the Pendleton family reunion at the same time as their wedding.

Well, enough for now. We hope Alan and Konnie are enjoying their travel abroad and that Mom and Dad are enjoying day-to-day parenting again for a short time. We love you all and appreciate our interactions with you whenever and however they occur.