Basketball, Football, and Pickerings

Maddie blowing up a balloon. She put all her might into it.

I'm really not big into sports. My favorite events in the Olympics are figure skating and gymnastics. I'm not competitive, so that might be the reason I flinch when a ball is too close, or I squirm when it is my turn to bat. Anywho, we had a fun weekend planned out filled with sports. And you know what, I throughly enjoyed it!
The Pickering crew gathered to Salt Lake to watch the Jazz play.

As of right now, Tesa is the only niece/nephew that will let me hold her longer than 30 seconds.

Due to the mild winter, I was pretty happy about the snow in Salt Lake. The snowflakes were the big wet ones that make good snowmen.

You can barely see it, but there is a big Jazz sign behind us.

The next day, most of the family headed their separate ways. But Steve, I, and the Locke's still had one more party. It was a playoff game, and Nick's team was playing. So we sported the jersey and hat for the 49er's.

No, this does not mean I watch basketball or football regularly, but it is fun once in a while.

Four Wheels in Snow

Moving to the "big city" has left me and Steve wanting some play time. And not bowling, movies, or mini golf (although I love ALL of those). We needed some fresh air. Steve's mission buddy, Matt Lewis and his wife Keisha invited us out to their house in Moroni to go four-wheelering. We were way excited to spend some time with them and the great outdoors. Mind you, our winter was pretty mild, so the cold wasn't a problem. We started heading up the mountain, first through dirt, then mud, then snow. I couldn't believe how much I needed that. I had a huge smile on my face the entire ride. Even though I couldn't see Steve's face, I knew he was having fun, too.

I wish I could do more things like this, but I felt so blessed that I got to go that weekend. Hopefully, Steve and I can find time to drive a little to be in the great outdoors.

Tesa Marie

Meet our new niece, Tesa Marie Pickering. We got to meet her at the first of January. We hitched a ride with the Lockes. We hold Tesa for the first time, played with our other nieces and nephews, and loaded up in the Tacoma to check traps. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, TESA!

The Long Road to the Temple

We feel so blessed now that we live by so many temples, whereas before, the closest one was three hours away. One night we decided it was time to do a session, so we got all dressed up, and headed towards the beaming lights of the Provo Temple. Well, it was dark, and we really didn't know which road to take. We just went down a main road that looked like it was heading that direction. The road started bending slightly and we ended up going the opposite way for a while. Once we finally made it, we noticed that there were no cars in the parking lot. It was closed.
"Well, we could go to the Mt. Timpanogas Temple."
We headed out to the freeway, took the wrong exit, cruised on down a few residential roads, and finally made it there. By the time we pulled into the parking lot, I was car sick from all the detours. We decided not to do a session. But we got a picture.

Moral of the story:
We need a map.

Ice, Ice Baby

I thought it would be fun to actually do something for New Year's this year. For New Year's Eve, Steve and I went to our first ever HOCKEY game. It was fun. We were actually surprised with how many die-hearts lived in Utah. The most exciting part of the game is when the fans start chanting, "Fight, fight!" After the game, they let the spectators grab some skates and come out on the arena. I couldn't believe how well all the guys were skating, and how all the girls (including myself) were not. Anywho, they only let us on the ice for about an hour, so we went home and stayed up until 12, kissed eachother goodnight, and went to bed.

THE MOVE

Steve and I love the ranch. We lived close to beautiful mountains, the traffic was great, and our little honeymoon cottage was perfect for us. Steve loved being a farmer. He got to work with his brother, drive tractors, and be outdoors. I loved my job in town being a dental assistant. I had a great boss and fun co-workers. We lived by the majority of our nieces and nephews and were able to see them a lot. Steve let me have a cat that could come in the house. We had fun Primary callings in our branch. Our neighbors (though few in number) were great friends.

We were missing a few things in our life. Steve needed an education. So after two years of thinking about it, we moved. It was hard. We love the ranch (like I said before). It was a huge leap of faith, but now we live in Orem, Utah, and Steve will be starting school in the summer to become a pilot. We both have good jobs and a cute apartment. Now we have to lock everything we open and close. We deal with traffic. We still live in a branch. The distance to the grocery store is ridiculously close.

We left the comfort of the ranch to better our lives. The next few years will be challenging, but in the end, it will be for the best.

Christmas Through Our Eyes

Christmas went by in a whirl-wind! We packed up all our things and moved to Orem, then we turn around and head to Enterprise. We sure did have some fun though. We got to Enterprise late Friday night. Steve had to show off to the family how he could kick the mistletoe. Of course, it became a competition.

On Christmas Eve I got to spend a few minutes with the Israelsen's. That afternoon we watched Sherlock Holmes 2 in St. George. We had a nice Christmas dinner then bundled up to go outside. Eric and LaDawna put some bales together in the shed, where the Locke family portrayed Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. The Foremasters and Grandpa Pickering and Grandma Darrington all gathered together to sing a few Christmas carols.

After some hot coco back at the house, PJ Elf surprised us with custom made Pickering shirts. They were awesome. Then we played Minute-to-Win-It games.

On Christmas morning, I think my favorite part was watching Nixon. Steve spoiled me with boots, kitchen appliances, and chocolate. I got him the tv series House, a new belt, and a book about his motorcycle races last summer.

Later that night we were invited to Royd's for some yummy food and XBox Kinect games.

Next morning, the kids went to Anti Gravity. There were lots of trampolines. And dogdeball. I'm not one who is crazy about it, but it was fun watching my Pickering siblings play.

Steve and I had to leave that evening because of work. It was definately short and sweet and awesome.