Samantha gets ready to blow out the candles on her ninth birthday.

Samantha and Cinderella at her birthday lunch at Ariels Grotto.

Brandon 32nd birthday party.

Brandon opening his presents. The kids are more excited than he is.

We celebrated two birthdays, one on the 31 of January (Brandon is finally 32) and one on the 2nd of February. Brandon was out of town on a Field Exercise up until the 30th so the night he returned home we celebrated his birthday. The next day we went to Disney's California Adventure for Samantha's Birthday. For lunch, we ate at Ariel's Grotto, where Samantha had her picture taken with her favorite Disney princesses. On the day of Samantha's birthday, we had some friends over for pizza and lemon meringue pie (Samantha got to pick). It is hard to believe that Samantha is nine. Time flies.

Grandpa and Grandma V come for a visit

Kathy's parents came for a visit in the end of January. Kathy's mom made her a temple dress. It was such a fun visit and we can't wait for them to come again. (Next time, Kathy will win every game.)

Neil's Family and Disney Land

Kathy's brother Neil and his family came to visit in January. The weather was beautiful and we were able to spend some time at the beach. Certain crazy people actually got in the water. Neils family spent four days in Disney land and we met them for a day. The kids loved the rides especially Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain. As you can see, Sarah wasn't too fond of the Jungle Safari boat ride.

Christmas and New Year 2008-9

Daddy feeding Sarah before bedtime.

New Years Day at the park. Samantha and Sarah pose for a cute shot.

Joseph get ready to throw the football New Years Day.

New Years Eve party at the Casperson's. Johnny, Lincon, and Joseph dressed up as Wolvereen, Aniken Skywalker and Captain Jack Sparrow.

Brandon, Joseph and Samantha watching the sunset after a fun day at Solveng.

Joe and Sam in front of a windmill at Solveng.

Samantha, Kathy, Sarah and Joseph reading a Christmas story after the Christmas Pageant.

Mary(Samantha), Sarah(Baby Jesus), and Joseph(Joseph) in our annual Christmas Pageant.

(Notice the manger and swaddling clothes.)

We spent Christmas at home this year and had a blast. Kathy cooked up a wonderful dinner of Prime Rib, mashed potatoes, rolls and two kinds of pie. Brandon read the Christmas story while Sam, Joe and Sarah acted out the parts. Samantha was thrilled Christmas morning to receive an American Girl Doll (named Samantha). We had a great day just hanging out playing will all of our new toys. On the 26th we took a trip to the Danish town of Solveng near Santa Barbra. There is nothing like a Danish pastry. After the visit, we drove to the beach and watched the sun go down. New Years Eve was spent with friends (Glaziers and Cooks). The kids had a great time dressing up and running around the house. The adults played Squabble in which the women are now two out of two. New Years Day we slept in and then had a picnic in the park. We also watched the Rose Parade and the bowl games.

After the move

Aunt Lenore with Sarah Jane during her visit.

Samantha Lenore as a "good" witch on Halloween

Sarah Jane is a cutie on Halloween.

Joseph is a Power Ranger.

Well, we made it to California. We spent some time in Utah during the move. We blessed Sarah Jane, fixed Joseph's ears and his hearing (thanks Uncle Neil) and spent a few days in the hospital with Sarah Jane. After finally making in to CA, we stayed in a beach house for a few weeks. Kathy's sister Lenore came to visit and made life easier. We sure missed her after she went home. We moved into our new home on base the weekend of Halloween. Since we couldn't stand having Thanksgiving without our family, we traveled to Utah for the Holiday. Thanksgiving dinner was so much fun. Sam and Joe had a blast with all of their cousins and Brandon and Kathy enjoyed playing putsy with Neil and Cathy. Kathy's family had family pictures on Thanksgiving day. It was a little crazy with so many people but also wonderful to have everyone together again. After Thanksgiving we spent two days with Brandon's family in Ephraim after which it was back in the car for the trip home. We are so grateful to be back in the states but we sure miss our friends in Spain.

Sarah Jane is here!!

Announcing the birth of our beautiful baby, Sarah Jane Casperson. She came into the world on Friday, August 15th at 2:57 PM. She weighed 6 lbs. 4 ounces and was 18 inches long. Mom and Baby were able to go home on Saturday afternoon and are both doing well. Big sister again. Samantha loves to hold Sarah.

Baby Sarah.

Mommy and Sarah after delivery.

Daddy and Sarah right after birth.

One of many attempts at getting a passport photo. Isn't she beautiful?!

Big brother with baby Sarah.

Summer Fun

We certainly kept busy during the month of July. Samantha went to summer school where they focused on art, theater and music. She loved it! Both Samantha and Joe are taking swim lessons this summer. They are both water fanatics. This will be Samantha's last year since she is now on level 6. After swim team, this hasn't been much of a challenge, poor girl. Kathy's birthday was July 21st and we spent the day at the beach in Balonia. We are going to miss the beaches of Southern Spain. Luckily, we get to replace them with the beaches in Southern California. Joe at the pool during swim lessons.
Samantha's last day of summer school showing off one of her works of art.
Sam and Joe on Kathy's Birthday at the beach in Balonia.

Samantha and Joseph fall asleep on the way home from the beach.