St. Thomas

Dustin is helping with the upcoming St. Thomas Alive celebration, so to prepare we hiked out there this past Saturday and did some GPSing and exploring.

We hiked...

and hiked...

and did a little more hiking... and then we were there!

Allie and the boys collected seashells along the way.

The kids thought the old homes were awesome forts! We explained to them the importance of treating our heritage with respect, so no worries, they played nicely!

Dustin carried Luke on his back most of the day. Luke was a trooper! He even fell asleep for part of the hike.

Estefan and Allie resting a bit.

Estefan helping with the GPS points.

Estefan, Allie and Mark -- the hikinest kids there ever was!

"Knock knock knock" -- Estefan says no one is home!

At a Frehner family foundation.

Mark, Estefan, Allie, Luke and Dus at the foundation of the old Schoolhouse.

Dustin and Luke GPSing at the schoolhouse while Mark rests on his "cool rock chair."

Hello!

Estefan and Allie peeking through a foundation.

The steps at the old schoolhouse.

Just a couple of studs I found wondering around ;)

Oh yeah, and I was there too!

The Gentry Hotel foundation.

The boys looking down a cistern.

More cisterns and more GPSing...

and collecting more seashells!

At a Syphus family home. The kids loved it! They kept saying, "My grandpa did this and my other grandpa lived here!!" It was a great day. :)

We had lots of fun hiking around and looking for the homes of our ancestors. I'll be posting more information about the St. Thomas Alive celebration as it gets closer. You can email your stories and/or family histories to Stthomasalive@gmail.com. The info you send will be published on the St. Thomas Alive blog, for everyone to share and enjoy!

Read and Reading

January Reads

Borrowed Light | So good. Full of cowboys and just enough church-i-ness to inspire and not over do it. I picked up the sequel, Enduring Light this month as well. Both must reads on my list.

Winnie - the - Pooh | Mark kept calling it Winne - the Poop. What a boy.

The Box Car Children, Surprise Island | We are continuing our love for the Box Car kids!

Charlotte's Web | Another must read, especially raising animals and living on a farm

Peter Pan | The first of our "Classic Starts" collection from Christmas. Adapted and illustrated, perfect to start kids reading the classics. We're still reading this one. Mark loves the pirates and Indians (anything to get him to sit still and listen)!

Books for February

Since we're reading about one book a week, we'll most likely finish our "Classic Start" collection this month.

The Jungle Book | A Disney favorite and books are always better than the movies.

Anne of Green Gables | Classic read for young girls, am I right or am I right?

Treasure Island | Treasure. Island. Pirates. 'Nuff said.

The Swiss Family Robinson | Who wouldn't want to read about a family who lives in a tree house??

Matched | I'm going to try and join the craze of the Matched series come February. I'm looking forward to another good series.

Baby Update

How far along: 19 weeks 3 days
How big is baby: about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato
Total Weight Gain: About 5 pounds
Maternity Clothes: Shirts, but still in my regular pants. So so sad Downeast doesn't have a maternity line, but I'm falling in love with Shade!
Sleep: No sleep issues yet, just can't sleep on my stomach
Best Moment This Week: Feeling the baby's hiccups
Movement: Yes, feeling kicks and wiggles
Food Cravings: Pizza, salad and bread. I need a Pizza Factory near by!
Gender: We find out next week!! Be sure to vote for your guess on the poll on the sidebar
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button In or Out: In
What I miss: laying on my stomach!
What I'm looking forward to: The ultrasound next week!!

Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council: Nelson Family Band

Last night Dustin and his family performed as apart of the Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council. It was an amazing night!
Not only did Dustin and his mom, dad and sisters play various instruments, but aunts, uncles, cousin, children and grandma joined in as well!!
I married into quite a talented family!

Jill, Dustin, Gaye, Jack and Kristi

My Cowboys

The performance showcased the evolution of music throughout the family. It began with Gaye's great grandma teaching piano and playing in the dance bands. almost 100 years ago. So the first few numbers were dance songs! Kristi's in-law, Bevin and Kathy Dalley, along with Gary and Kay Batchelor danced on stage!

Bevin and Kathy can really move!

Singing is also a big part of the family's heritage. Uncle Bruce, Gaye, Aunt Susan, Jill and Grandma Connie singing A Lad and A Lass.

Gaye and Jill during Jill's amazing violin solo

Gaye playing the harpsichord she got during her mission in Dallas, Texas

This is a video of the Eight Hand Duet played by Gaye, Aunt Susan, Aunt Judy and Grandma Connie. All those piano lessons have truly paid off!

During a set change, Jack and Gaye honored Dr. Moses. Dr. Moses has been a strong supporter of the Nelson Family band over the years and helped form the Performing Arts Council. When the Nelson family was young and Dustin was around the age of 6, he didn't want to play at one of their shows (reminds anyone of Mark??) and Dr. Moses bribed him with a Silver Dollar. As a thank you for all his support and love, Jack presented him with the same Silver Dollar from long ago!

Jill played two songs that she wrote.

Such a talented, beautiful, strong, amazing woman!

I think she should sell this one to Taylor Swift!

Then the boys jumped back on stage for the Bluegrass songs!

Jack is such a showman :)

Gaye and Grandma Connie Whitney

Jill and Kristi fiddlin' away!

Jack and Dustin

Then the kids joined the fun!

They did so good! Not one of them ran off the stage crying. Watch the video for a laugh or two. They are quite the entertainers!!

To end the show, the whole family joined in to sing the song Country Roads. It was beautiful!

Well everyone except this guy! Jackson found someone's soda and decided he needed a break from singing!

Dr. Moses still gives Dustin a dollar at every performance he attends.

He even gave Mark the Silver Dollar -- as to maintain tradition I guess!
Allie posing by her violin.

I'm so proud of my kids. I love them so much. Maybe next year Luke can join the fun.
But many thanks to Justin and Missy for staying home and watching him!

The kids and their adoring fans -- Aunt Marie and

Papa Stan and Grandma Lana!

It was a great evening. I'm so proud of my family, the did such a great job!!