It's that time again when we update you on our quiet lives in Gilbert, Arizona.
Daisy: She's our golden retriever. This year she worked really hard at digging holes in our yard. We heard that means she doesn't get enough exercise, which is weird because she has almost entire acre to explore anytime she wants. But she just wants to sit inside. So, lately we've been taking her on more walks and runs. The holes are disappearing and she's enjoying some pretty cool AZ sunrises.
Ernie: Our Elf is named Ernie. He's had a rough year as the picture below attests. Seems like the other toys are jealous. I'm sure he'll be glad to return to the North Pole really soon.
Wedding: We don't have a child named "Wedding" but it pretty much felt like that's been Scottie's name for the last few months. In August Scottie told us "I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it..." -- and that he was getting married to Sage Wheeler. The engagement became official in September. That's the last time Jill and I have a clear memory of anything else in our lives. The weeks and months since then is all fuzzy. The all culminated Dec. 19th at the Gilbert Temple. It was a perfect day. The reception that evening at her parents' home in Mesa was practically perfect in every way. He's one lucky kid.
Sage: She's the one in the white dress. We are super happy to have her in our family. I'll let everyone know later if she appreciates my brand of humor. All I'm going to say for now is she's perfect for Scottie and life could not be any better for them.
Vilde: You may not recognize the other girl in the family wedding picture. No, we didn't have two weddings this year. Her name is Vilde Dolvik and she's our foreign exchange student from Norway. She's been a blast to have in our family and can't believe the year is almost half over. We are seriously considering adopting her. She seems willing -- she hates the cold and loves the heat. She always has a blanket wrapped around her no matter the temperature.
Sam: He informed us recently that he has probably the best looking eyes of anyone he knows. We've got pictures if anyone knows of an eye-model talent scout we can contact. He also enjoys harassing our neighbor who has a sand volleyball court with daily requests to go to his house and play "sand". I think the neighbor has finally blocked him on his phone.
Anna: She's our "never complains" and "What can I do to help?" child. I'm sure you all have one in your family. If you don't, that's too bad. The one thing she doesn't do is smile for cameras, but once in a while I catch her unawares.
Zach: He likes spending time at home, eating dinner with his family, doing errands for his mom, doing chores for his dad, cleaning his room and the hundred other places he leaves piles of clothing, and bonding with his siblings. He's also been our child of many faces this year.
Lily: She moved into a box recently. And I can tell you it was a great box and she was really happy. I finally made her take it to the recycle garbage can and it was weeping and wailing nonstop. She's very concerned for Ernie, caretaker of Daisy, and pretty much a shoe-in for the next USA Olympic Gymnastics Team.
Jill: She almost moved to the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt with her twin sister. She also managed to pull off her first wedding -- at one time she had 307 things on her "to do" list, many of which were delegated to a helpful and happy Zach. She puts up with a lot of teenage drama and seems to love it. Even though she's always busy, she always seems to know when to slow it down and enjoy the important moments.
Scott: He's been asked to be Jeff Flake's running mate when he announces his presidential candidacy in early 2020. His conservative Republican family members couldn't be happier.
The Next Vice President of the United States & Family.
