Moose on the Loose

It happens every year around this time.  I go into a picture-taking lull.  It's sad that the only documentation from this past week was the photo I had Jantzen take from the car of a moose on the loose in our neighborhood.  In fact, Mr. Moose took up residence in our area for a few days.  Not sure the neighbors were thrilled that he was snacking on their vegetation!  We were grateful he didn't make it into our yard....

The cold and wind returned this past week (after some warm, sunny days!) along with Bob and Janene.  They have been in St. George for two months.  They decided to come watch Jantzen's end-of-season tournament basketball games and play with the grandkids for a few days.  The awful weather was an instant reminder that they aren't coming back to stay until the end of April.  We enjoyed having them around and cheering at the kids events.

The other pics are from Aaron's phone this past week.  He snapped one of the team repeating the "Pledge of Allegiance" prior to the start of a game.  Aaron managed to capture Jantzen looking down so he's easy to spot in the line-up #5.

Home - team wore red uniforms.

Away - team wore white uniforms. 

Quinn, Jace, Carter, Colby, John, Jantzen, Braxton, Jett, Taden, Max, Landen & BYU player in back.

Overall, the best games of the season were played the week before the tournament but they played hard and Jantzen was a strong contributor.  Somehow nobody thought to take a team picture (except maybe the yearbook staff) with Coach Wilson & Coach Evans but the above photo is of most of the team at the BYU game last weekend.

Anna likes to try out various braiding techniques on Elsie's hair and she's a willing participant.  It's wonderful that our girls get along so well and enjoy being with each other.

Random shot of Quinn after his basketball practice 

Friday evening the extended M. family gathered for dinner at Chris & Julia's (it's been a very long time) before our immediate family headed to an awesome fund-raising concert with The Brett Family performing with our MHS choirs and orchestra.  The Brett Family has been performing in Branson, MO for 19 years and graciously came to our area to support the local arts.  I love these family-friendly programs and the talents show-cased were impressive - it was a phenomenal show!  One of the Brett boys also happened to play college basketball and had some serious ball-handling skills which he demonstrated on stage.  The choirs & orchestra were part of two numbers, one before intermission and the second number was the finale of the program.  They played/sang along with the Brett Family (in silver suits) to a piece originally performed for President Hinckley (Josh Groban's - "You Raise Me Up") when they were invited to join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir a few years back.

Brinley - second girl right of conductor

On Saturday, Bob and Janene received news of the passing of a dear friend so looks like they may stick around a few extra days for the funeral.  They brought Jett & Jagger to Quinn's basketball game and last night hosted a young cousin slumber party with Quinn & Elsie, Greta & Faye, Jett & Jagger.  They ate dinner, played fun games and watched a movie before sleeping at G-ma and G-pa's.  The older kids were busy cleaning the office, doing homework, chores, preparing for a sacrament meeting talk (Brinley), attending a surprise birthday party (Jantzen), going miniature golfing (Brinley), etc.  I had the privilege of processing 40 lbs. of chicken - it takes all day (and isn't my favorite task) but the results are worth it.  The real highlight of yesterday is the fact that a lady (Tanya) Tanner tracted out when he first arrived in PA was baptized!  We can hardly wait for the details when he writes to us tomorrow.  I love Mondays!