MTC

Entering through the missionary door

Getting his name tag pinned on

January 21st we went to the MTC to drop off Dan's little brother Jim. This was the second time I have been to the MTC. It's a little different entering in through the family door, taking pictures of the missionary as they check in, and being handed the address to the MTC. As we waited in the lounge we took pictures along with all the other families dropping off their little boys and girls.

Jim and Drake

We finally headed toward the orientation meeting and as we were walking by the cafeteria I was peeking in the windows to see if Wednesdays were still ice cream sundae day. It was one of the few times in the cafeteria that I got to chose what I wanted to eat. It was wonderful. Well, I couldn't tell if it was set up, and Dan wouldn't let me stare in the window very long he said it looked kind of creepy.

Cheeeeeeeeeeese

We made it to the orientation and watched the 'Called to Serve' movie (this really needs to be updated). Then it was time to say goodbye and exit through your separate doors. Jim gave everyone a hug and made his sisters cry, his mom, and Jason(6yr old nephew who worships Jim). We waved and walked through our door.

Jim fighting off kisses from his parents

On our way to the parking lot I noticed the mood of the crowd had changed dramatically. When the crowds were arriving they were loud, laughing and generally happy. At least on the outside. Afterward it was quiet, somber, and there were tears.

He's a missionary. No touchy!

Well, Jim is now in the MTC and from his first letter he is enjoying it. We will miss Jim but, we know that he is going to the people of Meridian, Mexico to love them and teach them about the restored gospel. He will do great! Also, he will be coming home just at the right time when Drake is starting to be more fun to play with.
We love you Elder Neville!

Christmas

This year was the first time in a long time that I could not sleep because of excitement. I knew what I was getting for the most part. Dan knew most of his gifts, but Drake had no idea. I knew he wasn't really going to remember or really care that much but it was still exciting for Dan and I. We kept telling ourselves that we weren't going to get him much because he would probably only want the boxes or the paper, yet somehow Drake ended up with a lot. It was so much fun watching him play with the toys he got and watch him figure out how things work.

Late Christmas Day we had a huge snow storm so Friday morning we took Drake out with all of his new snow clothes on to see how he liked the snow. He really just sat there in the snow with a big smile on his face, so he didn't not like it.




Here are some pictures of the Neville Family Christmas party. This year instead of drawing names we each bought gifts and put them in the middle of the gift exchange. Honestly, I wasn't very excited about buying a gift that had to range in age from 8 1/2 months to 65 yrs. Well it ended up being pretty fun although Drake did end up with an electric razor that he can use when he's like...20. Thanks Dad! Dan got the Dark Knight and I got some yoga items.

Our little Elf

The other night Dan was playing with Drake and put the hood from Drake's outfit on his head but made is ears stick out. Drake started smiling and we decided that he looked like an elf. So we placed him in front of the tree and took this super cute picture.

Toys for Tots

My Dad, Sami, and Drake
Uncle Jeff, Me, Miah, Dan, Eric, Angie, Heidi, Midge, Sarah, Brock, and Alyssa


This past weekend we put together the family softball team and played in the Toys for Tots tourney in St George. It was so much fun and we played pretty well even. We went 4 and 2. The team consisted of Dan & I, Sarah & Miah, Eric & Heidi, Angie, My Dad, my friend Emily(midge), my dad's brother Jeff, and a couple of fill-ins along the way. My mom had all the kids and I think she had a good time. During the night games my parents sat in the trunk with their nine grandkids. It looked and sounded like a party. I look forward to next year when we get to do it again.

Thanksgiving

Here are a few pictures of our family gathering for thanksgiving. This year we once again met up at my Grandma Beatty's house in Woodland Hills. My parents were there along with Angie & Nate and their 4 kids, Eric & Heidi, My uncle Mark & Shannan and their 3 kids, and Dan & Drake and myself. Naturally, Thanksgiving morning Dan played football and then we headed to off for the weekend. We got to Grandma's in time to help set the table and eat. Just like always it was great food and even better company. For the traditional family movie we went and saw Madagascar 2, very very funny!!!

I have never really been a black friday doorbuster person but this year my sister-in-law and I decided to go to Walmart at 6am an hour after the doors opened. It was amazing! The lines were all the way back to the back of the store. I couldn't believe it. We got what we needed and checked out at the electronics which was much faster for our 5 items. After seeing this I am sure I will never be a doorbuster.

A little late

We just got a CD with Drake's six month pictures. He is now 7 1/2 months old but the pictures were so cute that we need to get some on here for all to see.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT

Well Drake has been scooting around for about 2 months, and now he is starting to crawl. If he can take his time he crawls. If there is a need for speed he drops to his belly and is gone. We have had a toy that is to encourage standing and walking so we got it out and he decided it was a great toy to climb. The day before Halloween I noticed him sitting himself up too. The other night Dan went in to get Drake and he was sitting up looking over the edge of the crib, so we decided we needed to move the mattress down. The next morning we moved fixed mattress and took out the bumper pads and then put Drake down for his nap. He just keep crying so naturally Dan went in to make sure he hadn't gotten himself stuck. Next thing I hear is Dan yelling for me to hurry and come up with the camara. There Drake was standing up crying. That was the day he turned 7 months.