our cherry tree

The first year we lived in this house, there were a ton of birds that swooped in and ate all the cherries. Last year, we didn't get very many cherries, and the birds got all but about 10. This year, we have loads and loads of cherries. We have to give credit to one of our neighbors who is a tree expert that came down and helped Dave trim our fruit trees. The birds have gotten some, but not too many. The kids have had a lot of fun, especially Audrey, climbing in the tree picking the cherries. I keep wondering why the birds haven't eaten more. I finally came to the conclusion that maybe since they don't have worms in them, the birds don't like them as much. Not enough protein.
One day last week Audrey said she REALLY wanted to open a cherry stand to sell the cherries. She begged and begged. Just before I was about to get really mad at her for pestering me so much, I thought, what would it hurt? She can sit out there at her table and I can work in the yard. So I said yes. She got it all set up, we put up some signs and the umbrella for shade. She sold quart sized bags for $2 and gallon bags for $5. She ended up selling $30 that day and $30 the next. She was so happy! Maddi and Audrey sat at the table calling out "Cherries, $2, Fresh Picked!" It was soooo cute! Kimee got up in the tree and picked more cherries while they were at the stand. The next day, we put up the ladder another notch so we could reach more cherries.
This week, we could see the cherries we didn't pick last week had turned dark. And because it rained so much, they got really big and juicy. This time, we picked and picked and brought them in for us to use. Kimee pitted a TON. Here hands were stained red for a while:) We put some bags in the freezer and then I made: cherry limeade, cherry shortbread cookies, cherry pie filling (and the cheesecake to put it on), chocolate chip cherry ice cream.

December Events

Kimee had her winter orchestra concert on Dec. 6. Afterwards we had a chance to go to the Polar Express in Lindon. It is such a neat experience. First, the train takes you through some cutsey Christmas stuff and to the North Pole. There, the kids got to talk to Santa. Before moving on, he explains the meaning of Christmas. As you are leaving the North Pole, Santa asks everyone to sing Silent Night. The train then goes through a series of scenes and large pictures of the life of Christ. It is really reverent and special.

We got a lot of snow in December.

 Dec. 18

 Dec. 7

 Maddi had her Christmas program on Dec. 18.

The Christmas sing was extra special since Kimee was in the orchestra. They played a few songs at the beginning.

On Saturday, Dec. 21, we had a really fun family Christmas party at Pete's. Each family brought one type of Minute to Win It. We did everything from Oreos to cups to life savers. Then we played Christmas songs on the pipe bells. We love having time with our cousins and family!

Kimee

Kimee got all dressed up for Jaqueline's Harry Potter party on Nov. 9. It was so amazing, from the owl delivered invitation, to all the Hogwarts activities.

Back to the eye doctor for a new prescription. Poor Kimee's eyes keep changing so much, she can barely see with her glasses. This time we got contacts!

Kimee took an after school art class with Miss Bybee. She really like the art they did, but we didn't want to keep them forever. Here are some pictures instead.

Hike to G

For Fall Break this year, we stayed home and tried to get caught up on stuff around the house. Dave took Kimee and Audrey on a hike up to the G on Sat. Oct. 12. It was a really cool experience for all of them.

Kimee and Audrey both used the experience for their PTA reflection entry. Kimee did an essay and photography and Audrey did photography.