Our Christmas Trip!

We love taking a family vacation between Christmas and New Years, and this year we have rented a home in Mesa, Arizona. We love having the family around and enjoying warmer weather.

The Madsen Christmas Party

For many years, our Christmas celebrations have included the Madsen Family Party held annually at Academy West, Pat's gym. This year, the number of attendees was higher than average. It was great to see everyone and have the chance to get caught up.

Mom and Amy's baby, Josie. Mom calls her "Little Jo" because she doesn't like the name "Josie".

Winn with one of his youngest grandchildren, Jodie's baby.Kids of all ages like to play volleyball with the gigantic ball. That's Carter in the middle.Preston played a version of soccer with that ball.Amy, Bob, Erin, and Kristin chat it up.Vic, Melanie, and Keri catch up on each others' lives.
An annual favorite is the foam pit!

The Preston-Face

Preston has a wonderful face - I can't take my eyes off him!

My Billings Visit!

Judy and I visited at her house, taking a Phase Two picture with the Tele-Tubby!Kim, Jody, Julie (and her grandson), Sandee, and Marjie - what fabulous friends!

Hody is just wee next to Stu and Dane

Stu takes a quick shot of his two moms and Dane-erd!

Bffs!

Mr Finley says Hello!

Fabulous ladies' luncheon at Julie's house in the absolute hinterland!

We Love Nana-Friday!

Preston looking through the glass window into the officePreston is learning how to pet Betty softly and gently...
This boy can find water EVERYWHERE!

Cleaning Project!

Our kitchen pantry was clogged with stuff and completely unorganized.I pulled everything out and purged before putting anything back.Slowly progress is made!Organized! And everything off the floor. I love it!

The IOL Team Visits Cortez!

IOL is short for Inside Out Learning, which is a program of teaching techniques designed to work within the established curriculum. The teaching techniques engage students and help them take ownership of their learning. IOL techniques are taught by amazing educators in Kenya and Uganda. The founder of IOL, Marilynn, brought them to the US for more training and Cortez was on the training schedule. Kathy traveled with the US team when we went to Kenya in 2009. She and Lilian are old friends1Carter enjoyed reading to Lilian, Dorcas, and Jane. They were amused by Carter's lively antics!Stephen is the father of two sons and liked mellow Preston.I watched the LDS Women's Broadcast with my African friends.Our relaxed feet!

Our Tour to the Ute Farm

Michael tells us about the irrigation system.Lilian with the Stinger Stackers in the background.Dorcas in the tractor.
Jane with the center-pivot sprinkler.That's me with Erin, Lilian, and Emily posing on the Ute bench.Stephen takes a break on the Ute bench.

Cultural Exchange at Newcomb Elementary

We traveled to Newcomb, NM, to visit a high performing Elementary School on the Navajo Reservation. The day started with an assembly, and Marilynn introduced our guests.

Abena, the former principal of Newcomb Elementary, greets the audience.

Dorcas takes the lead.

Dorcas, Lilian, and Jane are ready to perform in their native costumes.

Lilian and Dorcas share a traditional Kenyan dance.

A bright-eyed group of students.

Newcomb students perform for us.

Beautiful girl doing the fancy shawl dance.
Navajo boy dances for us.

The tribal drummers play for both dancers.

The Africans, Abena, and the Navajo dancers.

Our group!