Meet the Rileys: January 2008

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Not so keen on Santa

Addie's first experience with Santa didn't go so well ;)

She did better with "Bishop" Santa ~ (Bishop Forsyth)

She did get to meet Santa's Reindeer this year. So cute!

We had everyone up for Christmas this year (excluding Chris, Sherry & Danny ~ who couldn't make it). You guys were missed!! We had a great dinner and enjoyed many special memories together. Our nephew Jake was even able to make a special trip and stay with us. It was a such a fun time. We will always remember.

We made poor Jake conduct the music for us ;) He did a good job but what a kick!

Mom gave all the girls matching home-made jewelery sets made with Crystals. So pretty & special.
Special cause they're one of the few things saved before the fire hit. Just like Mom to always be thinking of others. So sweet Mom, we love them :)

Tammy's kids made a life-size Tic-Tac-Toe board for Grandpa & Grandma. Pretty cool, they're always so creative!

Addie was so cute, talking to Uncle Dan ~ until we realized, she shut him off! Whoops!

Mom & Dad were ecstatic about their group gift from us all
This year we were able to give them something back, a little more personal. Luckily one of the few things they were able to get out before the fire, were their personal home videos (including the old film-strip reels). As a combined gift from all the children, we were able to convert these film-strips & other VHS & camcorder tapes all onto DVD. It was very special & we all enjoyed watching these classic old memories together that evening :)

Update on Mom & Dad Riley

This Christmas, we had the pleasure of having Mom & Dad Riley visit us. And we, collectively, as their children, decided to present a check from the donation account to them at this time. We were able to raise a considerable amount to help them in some of their financial dealings, considering the loss of their home. They were so grateful and I would like to publicly express my appreciation to all those who so generously donated to their fund. Some even donated twice! You all are so kind to contribute to this cause & most of you do not even know them personally. We are all proud to have you as our friends & family members. We thank you graciously! Currently, Mom & Dad are still trying to settle things with the insurance company. It will be a long & hard process but they're staying positive. They're still looking to relocate to Utah but don't know when that will actually take place. At this time, they're living with Grandma Riley in California, while Dad is able to conduct some temporary business on the farm. We have left the donation fund open for anyone else considering donating to their cause. Thanks again to everyone, for your thoughts & prayers in their regard.
(Jake's first snowman ~ Christmas Day)

Dad played a nasty little trick on Mom and had Dave pretend her present was for me (to ask her opinion). She said "Wow, Becky & I really have the same taste!". Then he had her wrap it for him. So she was a little puzzled when she received it on Christmas! Hee hee ;)