Christmas Lights at Temple Square

We went with our friends, the Potters, downtown to see the Christmas lights. First, we ate dinner at the Coffee Shop at Little America. The line was long, but moved fast. The food was delicious, but the service could've used some work (I'm told that it is usually better). After, we took Trax from Little America to Temple Square to see the lights. It was a bit cold, but we survived and even enjoyed ourselves. Afterwards, we finished the night at our house with hot chocolate (from Leigh's cocoa latte machine of course) and a movie.

Blue Stars 3-0 going into Christmas Break

Bryan's basketball team, the Blue Stars, are undefeated at 3-0 going into the Christmas break. Several of Bryan's friends such as Austin, Ashton, and Tanner play on the team. Bryan is the big man on the team. From the picture, can you guess which is Bryan?

Henry the Elf is watching

Henry, the Elf, is keeping a close eye on Bryan and Kara so he can tell Santa if they have been naughty or nice. You cannot hide from Henry because he moves around the house so that he can see everything. So you better be good.

More Fred Photos

Here are some really good photos of Fred and our family taken by Leigh's dad, Paul. When Fred was diagnosed with cancer, we realized that we did not have a good family photo that included Fred. Paul who is a professional photographer obliged and snapped this good one in front of our fireplace. He was also able to capture some other goods ones that show Fred's personality. These were taken about 1 1/2 weeks before Fred passed. What a handsome fellow! We sure miss him.

First big snowstorm of the winter

Today, we finally received a decent snow storm. Of course the weatherman blew it. They forecasted rain, instead we received 7+ inches. Bryan and Kara were excited and could not wait to adorn their snow boots and coats and play in the snow.

Goodbye to a faithful companion

Fred Bruno Banks

September 21, 1996 to November 23, 2007

Today, Brett gets a new puppy in heaven. After serving faithfully with us for 11 years, Fred now has a new master. He is playing in fields of green with all of heaven's other puppies.

He passed peacefully in Leigh and I's arms after we gave him the best gift ever. It was the most unselfish act we could do and we know he is much better off, but we will surely miss him. He now rests in grandma and grandpa Banks' backyard, but he is also part of our souls. Fred, your memories will forever live.

Fred brought so much joy to our family and we have countless memories of him:

• He was our doorbell. Anytime somebody came to the door or walked within a quarter mile of our home he would bark like crazy. And then, he would greet them at the door.
• He was deceivingly fast and active. You would think bassets just laid around and got fat--not Fred. He outran countless people whenever he escaped the yard.
• He loved to sing, whether it was with the kids or whenever a firetruck passed by.
• Everybody loved Fred. Whenever we went for walks, kids and adults were constantly coming up to him and petting him.
• He drank from a cup so his ears would not get wet.
• Here is my favorite picture of Fred. We were trying to get a picture of him with Bryan and Fred took the opportunity to sneak a kiss.
• Speaking of Fred kisses, who could ever forget them. They were the wettest (and stinkiest) kisses. He loved to wake Leigh on weekends with a barage of kisses.
• The slobber. We have slobber on every surface of our home, even on the ceiling. Often times Fred would just be sitting there and a big drool would come on.
• He loved to walk us. He was always a puller and his favorite place was the Jordan River Parkway. However, when he got tired he just laid down in the middle of the path and there was no getting him to move.

Fred will be missed by many; he touched many people's lives. Leigh's mom, Barbara, sure liked Fred and she never liked animals. Every Christmas she would buy Fred a gift--sometimes even get it mixed with Fred Jensen's gift. Fred the dog would get a sleeve of golf balls and poor Fred Jensen would get a chew bone. There are many others that grieve Fred's passing that I have failed to recount, but you know who you are.

Goodbye is only temporary in God's eternal plan. Bryan, Kara, Leigh, and Lou grieve for Fred's absence but we know we will all be together someday for all of eternity.

We love you Fred.

Fred

Fred, our dog, is not feeling very well again. He began having seizures 3 weeks ago, a week before we left on our cruise, and we got him on medication. Since then, no seizures. Now he seems to have an infection. The seizure medication seems to have altered his behaviorial pattern, now he sleeps all day and is awake at night. He is becoming like Leigh's father who is also on the same meds.

We just returned from a 7-day Disney Cruise to the Western Caribbean. We stopped in Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Castaway Cay. It was sure nice to stop in the ports that we actually signed up for. We all had the time of our lives, Bryan wishes that he was still on the ship since he met many friends and enjoyed Kids' Club. Our luck has officially changed since Tropical Storm Noel ravaged the area the week after our cruise. Too bad for those cruisers who did not get their ports--we know how you feel.