Ryan passed his dissertation defense---with no revisions!

Ryan came.

Ryan saw.

Ryan conquered.

And it was fun to watch.

Out on the farm

If you look closely, you might see that I am carrying a purse, which aggravated the pony once the ride started. You would think that growing up with horses would have made me a little more mindful of the animal.

A little break

Freedom!




















What is that bright shining thing we haven't seen all winter?

Snow, snow, snow!

Living in California for five years makes you forget about winter. There I often forgot what season it was. No question here.

The boys love it.

Christmas Parties

Lucas loved the BYU Christmas party mosh pit, er, balloon room where kids jump around and into each other.

















Lucas didn't think highly of Cosmo.





















Jonathan thought he was great.

















Youd family Christmas party

Double the Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving #1
















Thanksgiving #2


Because we don't know where we will be next year, we decided to maximize our time with our families and celebrate Thanksgiving at both of our parents' homes. We started at Grandma and Grandpa Youd's house. When we got to the Christensen's, Jonathan said, "But we already ate--even dessert!"

Fall

We finally know the real reason Margaret was grieving over Goldengrove unleaving--all that raking!

(I picture a cartoon of the poet writing his poem, lying on his back and waxing philosophical about life and death, while Margaret is crying about all the leaves she has to rake--alone. Yes, the dreamy English major has become cynical.)