Garthe Family

 Charles is taking a Choir Class at BYU Idaho and since he's so far away we don't get to attend his concert in person. But luckily technology gives us the ability to watch from home. He had 2 concerts in February. The first wasn't a concert, but this choir sang at the BYUI devotional on February 3rd.  Then on Valentine's Day his choir participated in a music festival. He did great in both! We are so proud of him and his willingness to share is talent and do something he loves. 

 I am not very good at celebrating holidays like I was when the kids were younger. Luckily we have some friends who help us out.  First we go invited to a Dance Party with several other families. The girls had a BLAST and danced the night away. John and I enjoyed people watching.  I did make a little effort and we had heart shaped pasta and homemade heart shaped breadsticks. 

 The girls had a long weekend break for President's Day. So we took the opportunity to go to the temple. And of course since our van holds 12 people we bring some friends too. 

 We've had a pretty mild winter this year. And I'd been itching to get to the beach. So we spent a Saturday afternoon lounging on the sand and riding bikes. It was so GLORIOUS!!! I Love Love Love the Beach!!! Especially when I don't have to get in the water.  

 Grandma Garthe turned 80 on January 22nd. Since the weekend before had a Monday holiday John and his siblings planned a party for her. The college kids and Kenna, Brittanie, and Nick flew in for the weekend. We had a blast playing games and hanging out.  The actual party was on Saturday night. Lora, George, Myrna, & Molly came from Orange County, and 4 of Grandma's nieces came from Utah, Las Vegas, and Cerritos area. (Vicki, Lorie, Kelly, & Debbie) We all had a great time eating and playing BUNCO. I think everyone had a blast!!! On Monday before everyone headed home we all got to say Hello to Trent (Elder Garthe) who is serving in Peru. All the cousins even took a picture together. 

We have a wonderful temple coordinator in our ward that scheduled a trip for all the youth turning 12 this year to go to the temple together to do baptisms with their family.  Since the college kids had already gone back to school the trip was just the 3 youngest and John and I.  Jillian really loved being in the temple with her friends.   It was such a magical morning to be with so many families that we live. It was a great day.