Richardson Report

 We have been so excited for the wedding of Brynne and Zahid.  Finally the great day arrived!  We had the ceremony and reception at a beautiful new venue owned by some friends.  We didn't have to do too much decorating:  centerpieces and some flowers on the arch!  So grateful for Hannah and Devon who really spearheaded the arch! It was so fun to have Hannah and Keaton home and enjoy more of my kids together.  Also Cecillia was there! These two girls were utterly in love with Brynne's dress. My beautiful girls She looks stunning! Friendships that have lasted for years... I thought the ceremony was so beautiful and sweet. The mariachi band was so talented.  we got a great group photo departure time...off to Honduras for an epic honeymoon! Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Hannah and Keaton's flight was delayed by 24 hours. I don't think Faith minded a bit.  She was thrilled to get some extra time with her big sis! I'm grateful for friends who sent ...

 Our dear friend Kelly Robinson graciously offered to host a bridal shower for Brynne.  It worked out that Brynne and Zahid had to come home a week before the wedding in order to get their marriage license...so that's when we did the shower.  It was honestly just such a treat to have her around for a few bonus days before she becomes a Mrs.! I'm so grateful for all the friends who love on my kids.  There is strength in the villages that we create. This girl...couldn't resist a piano! A few random memories - these are some of the youth at our ward Christmas dinner.  Natalie is kneeling on the floor, she was one of Santa's elves! Kenna inherited an old typewriter and she was pretty excited.  It's always been her dream to have one. The orchestra concert is always so good!  Love watching my kids perform.  Kenna only made it to one of the three because she was sick.

December was such a full month - I'm sure it deserves a few posts all on it's own.  First we started the month with the annual nativity festival.  Kenna was a server, Faith and I attended.  Josh was out of town with Quentin at Disneyland - Quentin's last hurrah before heading home.  Natalie was sick.  Luckily she recovered quickly because the rest of December was BUSY! Kenna turned 15!  Say, what????  She opted for a quiet birthday at home with the family.  We had hoped to go out to dinner as a family (Brynne was in town for that weekend) but that didn't pan out.  She was a good sport about it.  She can't be sweet 16, so I'm thinking Sassy 15 sounds about right. Some things you should know about Kenna:  She's an idea girl.  There's always something brewing.  Especially if it involves cooking.  She is succeeding at school and navigating many challenges.  She is eager to learn to drive.  Kenna is super helpful...

 I totally forgot about the second half of November!  Thanksgiving included the Honeys for dinner, and some fun family Switch games. Quentin had his first ever pumpkin pie, which I think it what he was most looking forward to about an American Thanksgiving. Our friend Cruz invited the English Connect students, teachers, and families to her house for pupusas again.  They are so delicious and she is so good at making them.  I've been practicing but I have a long way to go to perfect the technique. Followed by a trip to Sunriver for our first ever non-summer visit.  We spent some time in Bend cruising the shops, went to the SHARC to enjoy the indoor pool, and were thrilled when it snowed on our last full day there! officially 9...... birthday ice cream!

Jenny came to Oregon to see Grandma and it was fun to have her around for a couple days.  She tagged along on all my errands, including things like a FREEZING night of powder puff football to see Natalie's game, violin lessons, grocery shopping, and all that.  We took Grandma out for a belated birthday brunch and she spent time going through photos and enjoying stories with Grandma too.  In case anyone is wondering - we have just over a month before Brynne and Zahid are married.  Some days I feel like running around and screaming like a lunatic.  I'm just enjoying the planning process THAT much.  Other days I feel super chill and like it's in the bag.  Most days I worry what I'm forgetting.... However, one important November happening is Faith's birthday!  She's turning 9 this year and we decided to celebrate with her friends and host an Indoor Camping themed evening.  It was pretty epic, if I do say so myself.  She was really excited to...