Each year the Heber Valley Railroad does a Polar Express experience. We have taken the kids on it before and they feel just like they're in the book (or movie more likely) This year we decided to send Papa and Grandma Miller with Emi and Brenna. The kids dress in their pajamas and read the 'Polar Express' book together and drink hot chocolate as they travel by rail to the North Pole. Upon arrival, Santa and Mrs. Claus join them on the train and present each child with their own 'jingle bell.'
Here are Santa's elves greeting Emi and Brenna. I think B is pretty interested in her rosy cheeks.Here's Mrs. Claus greeting the girls and Grandma Miller. And finally, Santa himself, giving the girls their special bell. It's a magical night for everyone.
Robert, Aubrey, Kayla, & Lindsay attended "Savior of the World" at the Conference Center Theater while the others visited the North Pole.

This afternoon we went to the Grand America Hotel to see the Gingerbread House displays and donate to the Teddy Bear Room. Robert got a great picture of the "How do we act in the nice hotel lecture."

The Elves are out at Gardner Village. We went for our annual stroll around the village to see them. Some of the elves were a little scary looking I thought, but the girls didn't seemed bothered by it. We got our usual fudge samples and bought a Christmas decoration from the Down to Earth store (which Odie has already chewed up).Brenna even made a friend when she found an elf just her size.

When we remodeled our master bath last year, we added a storage room above the garage. It's been great, except you have to climb up a ladder to get stuff up there. Hence, I asked Robert for stairs to the storage room and he and his Dad were able to install them over the weekend. Now I can go up and down whenever I want to. I quickly started moving stuff from the storage room in the basement up to the attic. I love it! Thanks so much!

Last year we started a family tradition of running a 5K on Thanksgiving morning. Last year we were in La Crescenta and ran with my Dad, and sisters Ally and Barb. This year the 3 of them ran together in Queen Creek, AZ and Robert's parents joined us up here in Utah. We decided to run the 2009 Human Race. It was a big race with over 4,000 participants. It was a chilly 25 degrees at race time so we bundled up as best we could. Below the Human Race logo on our shirts it says, "Running with an attitude of gratitude" and that's what we tried to think about during our run. (Hold on, I've got to pull out every body's bibs to see their times)
Robert came in at a fast 21:25. I ran with Kayla, who came in 2nd place for her age division, at 27:15. Aubrey was close behind us at 28:50. This was Lindsay and Emi's first 5K and they ran together finishing at 37:10. Brenna got the best gig by riding in the jogging stroller being pushed by Papa and Grandma. It was a fun event that brought in over $50,000 for the Utah Food Bank and it was a great way to start our wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

The Minerette's are the drill team at our local high school, Bingham. Someone in our ward invited Kayla to do a mini-minerette's camp. They taught the girls a routine and then held a performance. It was something fun for Kayla to try and she's hoping there will be a mini-cheer leading camp as well.

We've had quite a few casualties since Odie joined our family. Socks, mittens, shoes, headbands, stuffed animals, etc. This is a clip on koala bear that Aubrey and I brought back from Australia. Killed and skinned by Odie.

As if adding a dog to our lives this weekend wasn't enough, we also added a new playhouse. One of our friends had purchased the playhouse at a March of Dimes Auction, but upon returning home, realized it wold not fit in their yard. She thought who better could use a cute playhouse than the 5 Miller Girls. The next morning the playhouse was delivered via trailer and a crane operator was there to move it into the yard. The girls were home to see the special delivery and some of their friends across the street at school also got to watch. It is a great addition to the backyard. Getting it ready. The house weighs about 4000 lbs. One of the 4 chains broke on the first attempt to life the house. Then a strap system was put in place for the 2nd attempt.

We've been thinking about getting a dog, specifically a beagle, for awhile now. We thought we'd wait until spring and get a puppy, but this guy caught our eye, and we decided to go for it. He is one and a half years old, potty trained, neutered, micro chipped, has multiple fence sets, an igloo house, kennel, multiple leashes, nail clippers, nail filer, treats, food, bones, you name it, he came with it. He's very active, strong, lovable, follows scents like crazy, and as of tonight, her is ours.

Our South Jordan Community Theater is currently performing, "Annie." Prior to the show, you could purchase a "Lunch with Annie" package where you could learn some of the songs and choreography from the cast, have lunch with them, and then perform what you'd learned for your parents prior to the actual show. Lindz and Em thought this was great! This is a picture of them performing the number, "It's a Hard-Knock Life for Us." Can you pick them out of the line-up? Em is in the white with her hand on her hip and Lindz is in the horizontal stripes with her arms crossed. It was very cute. They both love to perform and enjoyed the 'pasta bar' (their favorite) for lunch. At the end, Daddy Warbucks even gave them each a locket to remember the event.

Aubrey invited some of her friends to run with her in the Sandy City "Turkey Trot 5K". Bethany decided to try it. They've been running together lately and were super excited for the race. We have been experiencing an especially warm Autumn and the 63 temperature this morning was amazing for a November race. Not only did Bethany decide to run, but her Mom and 2 sister did as well. There is nothing better than adding more people into the 'running community'. It is just a happy sport for anyone-regardless of age, size, speed, etc. Beth and Aubrey had a great time together and beat their goal of under 30:00. Good job girls! You Rock!

The girls are growing up quick on us. We thought it was about time to update the photo at the top so all of you can see what they look like now. What beautiful girls! We love you. Mom & Dad