November Happenings

It has been a busy month! So much so, in fact, that we're just getting around to posting a blog entry. Earlier this month Alicia took Jesse to SLC to see the top 10 (plus Phillip) from last season's "So You Think You Can Dance" perform. It was a birthday present from her to him. Gayle and I got to babysit Avril. Around the same time frame, Avril figured out how to crawl up stairs, as she demonstrates below.

Here comes Avril up the stairs. Now that she has practiced a few more weeks she's even faster.

Alicia, Avril, and Jesse, before Alicia took Jesse to "So You Think You Can Dance."

Just the two parents.

A collage of Avril from our babysitting adventure. Notice the "football" pajamas (in honor of Jesse). Last week Jesse, Avril, and Alicia drove with Shelby and Brian (Jesse's brother and dad) up to Montana to spend Thanksgiving with some of Jesse's family. Meanwhile, Gayle, Jared, and I spent the holiday with grandpa and grandma Parkinson, Susan, Julie, and Carl Crockett, and Kelly, Patricia, and Olivia Glenn. Robert, Tracine, and family were in and out of town, but were in Bountiful for Thanksgiving so Gayle and I missed them. David and Clixie did make it here with Rob for a quick visit too.

Susan helping her mom, just like in olden days.

Trish and Kelly, playing a table game with grandpa, and Julie and Carl (both out of the picture).

Julie and Carl, enjoying the competitive challenge.

Carl, carving up the turkey.

Trish and Olivia, playing with finger puppets on the nice, soft, sofa.

Jared in a pensive moment.

Filling the gravy bowls.

Gayle, admiring the decorations.

The family, about to bless then enjoy the food.

Jared and I, at the feast.

Thanksgiving would not be right without a variety of pies. Pumpkin has always been one of my favorites.

Gayle and I had a great time.

Thriller and Halloween

This is our lovely zombie, Alicia.

And this is with make-up!

She custom designed her own costume.

Whatcha doin' tonight, handsome?

The undead rise up to practice a thriller of a dance.

Quite the couple! To die for!

Minnie Mouse watched the thrilling performance.

King of Pop shows his moves.

Later the family visited grandpa leopard.

The Firth's Costume Party

America's top runway model; stage name -- Greta.

Gayle at the pre-party photoshoot.

Close-up of the model.

Greta with male model (stage name -- Bugsy). Check out matching shoes.

Let the party begin!

"Where the Wild Things Are" characters - Max the King and Carol. Costumes designed and created by Lindsey. (Jake and Lindsey Firth Christensen)

The devil and Father Time. Greg Nichols and Bishop Mark Firth.

Father Time gives Mother Earth a pointer. Mark and Leisa.

Let's boogie! Groovy and outasight. Jamie and Brian Seamons.

Wilbur (played by Bart Griffiths).

Charlotte's Web star Shauna Griffiths, with co-star Bart. A very large spider is on Shauna's head.

Mummies Rick and Stacy Nelson.

Warren Jeffs with # 152 and her baby (note that she's expecting too). The Broadhursts (Kori and Jeremy).
The above were just some of the creative costumes at the party. Besides the delicious food (appetizers, home-made soups, a variety of breads and desserts), we also split into two groups and wrote and performed two hilarious skits.

Halloween Costume Visits

The li'l pumpkin had grown so granpa had to adjust the car seat straps.

Trying to figure out the car seat adjustment.

Gayle holding Avril at MWPT.

I likes bein' a punkin!

Two happy girls. Where are the treats?

I am prepared to protect uncle Jeh-wed.

Jared's costume for work.

Amy Rapp's Baby Shower

Alicia and her friend Ina Olsen sponsored a baby shower for Amy Mortensen Rapp at the Olsens' home. Gayle attended and helped with Avril.

Here's part of the spread. Alicia made the cupcakes on the left. Although you can't see the top of them, they are decorated with diapered babies made out of circus peanuts (those marshmallow orange kind - circus peanuts is what Gayle calls them).

Alicia, Ina, and Amy (who is having a girl in a few days)

Gayle holding Avril.

Mom and daughter

Avril kissing a boy. His first kiss made him throw up. Look at his expression.

Yummy chocolate dipped strawberries!

The centerpiece was a "cake" made of diapers. Clever.