December 2025

 December began with Jim starting his final round of chemotherapy.  He visited his oncologist and had good results from his bloodwork.  The boys had a dentist appointment and the only cavity was in one of Elliott's baby teeth, and the dentist recommended just leaving it to fall out on it's own.  Because of a major lack of time, we decided to buy a Christmas tree this year instead of going into the woods to cut one down.  The boys were seriously disappointed in us.  

Jim at his oncology appointment

Ezra had a Taekwondo tournament in December

Elliott had a soccer training at an indoor place in Caldwell, Idaho.  It had a really nice place for parents to hang out.

Jim, Elliott and I drove to Las Vegas for a soccer tournament with his ODP team.  We got into town Friday evening and saw the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, went to the Shelby American headquarters and museum, went to a very fancy car dealership to see if they had any Lotus merchandise, and went to the Pinball hall of fame.

Saturday Elliott had 2 games and they lost their first one and won their second one.  They were just learning to play as a team and the coaches had Elliott playing forward, instead of his usual defender role.  Elliott scored a goal in the second game.  Between the games we went to the Strip and walked around, mainly seeing the Venetian.  After the 2nd game we went back to the strip and saw New York New York, watched the water show at the Bellagio and saw their Christmas decorations, rode a tram between casinos, went in the Hershey's and M&Ms stores, and did a lot of walking.  

On Sunday Elliott's team had one final game and they lost.  We got packed up and drove home.  It was a fast trip with lots of driving, but also really fun!

Inside the Vegas Auto Gallery

Elliott enjoyed playing a game under the lights

While we were away, Emmett held down the fort at home and took care of the dog.  He even got my recipe for alfredo sauce and made himself fettucine alfredo.  Ezra was at a Speech and Debate tournament with his team in Twin Falls for 2 days.  Ezra also completed the written part of his Driver's Education and has started some behind the wheel training.  The calendar to drive with an instructor was filled through the end of January, so those are scheduled in February.  

Christmas week was fairly quiet.  We helped gather Christmas decorations at our church to be transported to a local auditorium for a Christmas Eve service.  We went down to Lava Hot Springs to soak in the hot pools.  We went to the Christmas Eve service.  We enjoyed Christmas day at home as a family.

We also went Axe throwing at a place down in Pocatello and had a good time.