Merry Christmas From Our STILL Growing Royal Family, December 2022

Our family, September 2022

This Was Us, December 1982

          Maralea and I are celebrating our 40^th Christmas together.  (Our 40^th wedding anniversary is in April 2023.)  We met in July 1982 and have enjoyed a stream of 40^th anniversary moments since July 2022 (e.g. our first date, the first time we held hands, our first kiss, our first dance on the multi-colored lighted dance floor of the Star Palace, that BYU intramural flag football playoff game when Maralea was throwing snowballs at referees from the sideline because she did not appreciate his calls,  that day when Maralea chipped a tooth trying to tackle me (although I did stiff-arm her, which really wasn’t very sporting), Maralea’s first visit to my parents' home in Las Vegas, the first time a waitress told Maralea she looked like Hayley Mills, my amazing leap/garter catch at John and Laura’s wedding (I bowled over everyone around me to get it), my first visit to meet Maralea’s family, our NYE engagement, etc.) - all building up to the big one on April 22, 2023 (our 40^th wedding anniversary). 

Our grandchildren, September 2022

           Our family had formal pictures taken in American Fork Canyon, Utah in September 2022.  We can hardly believe all that has happened since we went bowling at the BYU Wilkinson Center on a blind date.  There is so much to celebrate with each passing year, but this milestone year is especially fun.

            Our wonderful 14 grandchildren are growing so fast.  We have enjoyed watching them participate in football, soccer, tee-ball, and volleyball in 2022, along with piano and dance recitals, and primary programs.  We always love gathering together with our sweet family.  We continue to enjoy traveling in the fall to follow our BYU Cougars - even when they lose.  (We had an extended trip to Florida in late August and a trip to Eugene, OR in September, joined by my brother Danny.  On both trips, we got to meet up with dear friends we love so much.  BYU won in Florida and lost in Oregon, but we always have a wonderful time during our Cougar travels.)

Cheryl and Maralea, October 2021

           Our family experienced the very sad loss of our sister-in-law, Cheryl, in 2022, who passed away in April.  Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer in March after presenting to a surgeon about abdominal pain and given just two weeks to live.  It was such a shock.  However, Cheryl received the news with incredible grace and courage, expressing absolute confidence in the Savior and His plan of happiness.  Cheryl quickly made peace with the fact that her mortal journey had come to an end, focusing on the joy she had knowing that her passing was only the beginning, and would have the benefit of uniting Cheryl with her son, McKay, who passed away about 28 years earlier.

Hilton Head, SC, November 2021

            We are richly blessed with the knowledge that the Lord’s plan is to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”  (Moses 1:39.)  Death is a necessary part of that process.  Certainly, the loss of a loved one is always tragic and presents some of our most difficult challenges; however, we are comforted in these words of Christ: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”  (John 11:25.)  He has also promised: “those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them.”  (D&C 42:46.)  Cheryl knew Christ and sweetly passed through the veil to join McKay, her parents, our mother, and so many other loved ones.  We feel their influence as we continue on our mortal journey.

             So, we cherish every moment of life and find our joy increases as we recognize and count blessings - few of which are greater than those associated with family.  Below is a little snapshot of how our family is doing, with pictures - a smidgen more than a few - preserving memories from 2022.

The Royal blue view from our seats is pretty sweet (September 2022)

            But first - we present . . . 

The Top Ten Reasons Being a Grandparent is the Best!

            10.       Getting grandkids all hyped up and then leaving to let the parents deal with all the issues Papa created (because Nana does not cause any problems - ever).

            9.         Run hugs!

            8.         Sitting on a bench at Disneyland with sleeping grandkids in strollers while everyone else has “fun.”

            7.         Giving grandkids “Papa cereal” (granola) on demand.

            6.         Receiving Amazon boxes throughout the year with Nana explaining: “Oh, that’s a present for [insert grandchild name here].”

            5.         Aura Frames with 6,000+ pictures of family (and counting).

            4.         Having grandchildren spontaneously burst out in the Cougar Fight Song when Nana and Papa arrive for a visit.

            3.         Allowing for intermittent Nana and Papa rests in between trampoline jumping to bounce grandkids “super high.”

            2.         Grandkids at age six who still want to ride on Papa’s shoulders like they did at age two.  (It’s doable but they are getting heavy!)

            1.          Being called “Papa” and “Nana.”

This is Us (Mike and Maralea)

September 2022

           Maralea and I have been working together in my law practice for more than eight years.  She keeps threatening to retire, but we won’t allow that.  Maralea serves in the Church as the South Coordinating Council Communications Director on the Public Affairs Committee for the Las Vegas Valley.  (Wow, she has the coolest, most important-sounding title EVER!)  I continue serving in the ward Elders Quorum Presidency.  We had a Disneyland trip with most of our family in March with the stipulation that Maralea would not tell me ANYTHING about how much we were spending.  (Disneyland - what a racket.  There may have been a time when it was The Happiest Place on Earth, but I’ve lost that [Disney] feelin’.  We did see The Eagles in concert in May (a bucket list item), which gave us a Peaceful, Easy Feelin’.)  We love spending time with family and friends - harvesting wonderful life moments.  I spent much of 2022 writing weekly life stories.  I’m not sure that anyone will ever read them, but I had a great time putting personal stories together.  It is amazing how the process of counting blessings is so uplifting and healing.  (2023 Objective: Get Maralea to spend a year writing life stories - especially covering her years of Life Before Mike.)

Brad and Whitney Family (The Royals)

The Cedar Hill Royals

             These Royals had quite a fun and busy year!  Disneyland in March, Costa Rica for a month, with other trips to California, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Arches, and Goblin Valley, combined with lots of reading, mess-making, and breaking things (haha).  Brad works at Qualified, snowboards as often as possible, loves to surf, plays drums for Lighten Up Francis (and recently did some recording with the group), loves playing basketball, enjoys reading, and proudly discovered that the ailing family tree could be revived with an injection of iron.  Whitney works at BYU with professors who teach an EMBA class.  Her favorite assignments include planning an annual trip to Moab and the yearend party for each class.  Whitney enjoys listening to audiobooks, family trip planning, and loves surfing (but mostly only in white water), and playing bass guitar with Lighten Up Francis.  (She and Brad are bandmates.)

            Beckham is in the fifth grade.  He played tackle football in the fall (his first season) and loved it.  Beckham loves zip-lining, surfing, and snowboarding.  He reads a lot, plays the piano very well, loves playing board games, will be playing basketball in the winter and will start rock climbing soon (he rappelled down a waterfall in Costa Rica).  Beckham also makes great mashed potatoes and Cornish pasties.

            Zoe is in the fourth grade.  She loves to draw and express her creativity, enjoys reading - especially to her younger siblings, and also loves thrills like zip lining (and even surfing).  She became prolific at making Mac and Cheese and got her ears pierced (and now loves buying earrings).  Zoe has a pen pal in Arizona and loves writing to her.  She will also start rock climbing soon. 

            Kai is in preschool.  He basically loves destroying things . . . everything.  (Kai left a trail of broken items in 2022, including two broken phones, one lamp, a laptop, a stool, and about every Lego set in the house (you know, those beautiful masterpieces put together without The Kragle).  Kai loves riding his scooter outside and playing at the neighbors’ houses.  He is great at pretending to read, asks really deep questions in calm moments, loves PJ masks, and would consume only milk if given the choice.  Kai tried surfing on one wave, and that was it.  When encouraged to try another wave, Kai said: “No.  I already did it.”  But, while Kai wasn’t interested in catching a wave, he did love zip-lining.

            Mila started preschool this fall.  She is very talkative and loves to sing, Mila especially loves Elsa and Moana.  She already has very strong opinions, loves mushrooms, is very adamant about her daily routines, and loves to pray.  (Mila always prays for our neighbors - especially one who babysits and another who makes great cookies.) 

Craig and Kelly Family (The Friedels)

The Las Vegas Friedels

             Craig and Kelli stay busy with work, caring for their home and family, and serving in their respective ward callings.  Craig serves as a ward clerk and Kelli is an amazing primary chorister.  (We are pretty sure that Craig is also an amazing ward clerk.)  Maralea and I were so impressed with how well the primary children in their ward sing during special programs and asked Kelli how she does it.  (It is really incredible how well she gets those children to sing with such enthusiasm and joy.)  Kelli revealed her secret.  She engaged a brother in the ward (who is an actual graduate of clown school) to stand on a chair behind the congregation with a balloon filled with helium that would go higher as the children sang louder.  The children love seeing how high they could get the balloon.  (Haha.  Priceless.)  Kelli also got Craig to sing with her in sacrament meeting in October, which was only the second time Craig sang with her since their wedding day.  (It takes lots of bribing!  Craig has a wonderful voice but chooses to share it mostly within the shower walls.)  Craig continues working with Solomon Dwiggins & Freer, Ltd, and Kelli continues working as an incredibly busy Mommy.

           Royal is in the fifth grade.  Royal played his first season of volleyball in the spring and loved it.  He participated in track for the first time this past year and discovered he is pretty good at tossing the shot put.  Royal finished third in the city championship meet.  His flag football team made it to the playoffs and lost a heartbreaker in the last minute of the game (on a very cold evening).  Royal was named Athlete of the Month in his school in September, enjoys playing the piano, and loves being the family big brother.  Royal also officially got too big to carry in 2022.  He is a deep blue BYU fan and dressed up as a BYU football player for Halloween.  Royal attended a couple of BYU home games with his BFF who moved to Utah and got to meet many players (including his favorites, Kai, Samson, and Puka Nacua) to get autographs.

            Finley is in kindergarten.  He loves soccer and has become a goal-scoring machine (after going through an initial phase of just running and watching).  (Finley loves doing a different victory dance after every goal and being on a team with his buddies.  He definitely lights up on the soccer field.)  Finley has an amazing imagination and loves taking his little sister, Monroe, on all kinds of adventures.  One day, they decided to throw a special birthday party for two of their stuffed animals and their mom went right along with it, preparing a cake, candles, party hats, and the works (haha, so cute).  Finley enjoys life in kindergarten.  He also likes engaging in feats of strength and agility, recently demonstrating an impressive ability to stand on his head.  Finley is hoping to build a snowman this winter.

            Monroe is a firecracker!  She started pre-school this year and also had her first dance class.  Monroe loves dressing as a princess and being a big sister.  (She also likes being a little sister to her older brothers - but absolutely does not let anyone push her around.)  Monroe loves to draw and to play with her siblings and cousins.  She loves playing imagination games with her “best fwend” Finley and makes about 10 costume changes a day.  Monroe’s greatest defense mechanism is her loud scream with a willingness to use it anytime, anywhere when in any way annoyed by anyone (including - and perhaps especially - Papa).  She also enjoys eating “Papa cereal.” 

            Lennon celebrated her first birthday in November.  She is so cute!  Lennon crawls super fast and can stand with a little help from [her] friends.  (She is close to standing up on her own.)  Lennon spoke her first word in October.  Guess what she said?  “Papa.”  (Haha.  Imagine that!!)  Lennon loves being the Friedel family caboose on the loose.  She loves her family and has recently developed a shrieking scream (although we are not sure how she got the idea to do that).

David and Kambria Family (The Royals)

The Riverton Royals

            David and Kambria love their growing family in Riverton, UT.  David continues to work for
nCino as an associate manager of product management.  David serves in the Elders Quorum Presidency in his ward.  David attended two concerts (Dear Hunter, Dashboard Confessional), loves playing pickleball with coworkers, snowboarding, jamming out on guitar with his brothers, loves serenading the girls every night, had fun at BYU games with family, started boxing (and now answers to: “Yo, Rocky”), and got into doing daily pull-ups in 2022.  (Warning: Do not let David lure you into a pull-up contest.  He will probably win big.)  Kambria loves being a wife and mother, caring for their four children.  Kambria serves in Activity Days with the ward.  She loves making homemade bread (and we love eating it), loved a family trip to Disneyland, enjoys going on family bike rides, loves having David work from home so she can interrupt and visit, and most importantly celebrated 10 years of marriage with her favorite person. 

            Aubrey is in the fourth grade.  She loves school (and is a spelling bee queen), playing soccer (she is a very aggressive forward), playing the piano, loves to draw and color, and started playing the violin in the fall.  Aubrey also has the best dance moves (think of Elaine from Seinfeld), loves playing with friends, jumping on the trampoline, and reading.  Aubrey got her ears pierced in 2022 and a highlight in the fall was attending a daddy/daughter hoe down.  Aubrey is growing up so fast and recently cleaned the entire kitchen as a sweet gift to her parents. 

            Macie is in the first grade and also loves school.  She is just okay with playing soccer (haha - she can take it or leave it), loves to draw and color, loves to read, enjoys playing the piano, and absolutely love to dance.  Macie loves helping her mom to cook in the kitchen, enjoyed surfing with her dad at Sand Hollow, loves picking her outfits out every day for school, enjoys beating the family in Sky Jo, and helping take good care of her little brothers.  (Macie is also the family protector of pepper when Papa comes over.  She is convinced that Papa makes her family pepper poor because he uses so much.)

            Benson is a basketball magician.  He loves “hoops” and recently learned how to dunk a basketball.  (Sure, it’s a Playskool hoop, but HE CAN DUNK!)  Benson loves demolishing building blocks piled high, acting like Godzilla.  Benson started playing soccer, loves four-wheeling, hates saying goodbye to his mom when going to pre-school, but absolutely loves Wednesdays because it’s Garbage Day (those trucks are so cool).  (Benson loves walking down the street to close all of the garbage can lids after the Garbage truck ate their contents.)  Benson likes to be bounced high on the trampoline and loves working with his daddy’s tools.  (Benson insists that his dad’s toolbox be stored at the foot of his bed.) 

            Ryder turned one in October, is now crawling super fast, and now gets into everything.  (He loves opening and closing drawers - except when he closes them on a finger.)  Ryder gives the sweetest snuggles and big wet kisses.  He loves dancing to music and is pretty close to walking.  He makes the family so happy and loves all of the attention that comes from being the youngest and smallest family member.

Jordan and Ashlee Family (The Royals)

The Lehi Royals

          Jordan and Ashlee moved into a new house in 2022.  They love living in Lehi, UT, close to family.  Jordan presently works as an SEO Marketing Specialist at Nifty Marketing.  He is also coaching volleyball on the side, which keeps him very busy.  Ashlee stays busy as a mommy and is an amazing cake maker.  She is so good that Ashlee has a dream to make and bake cakes professionally.  Jordan and Ashlee celebrated five years of marriage in 2022. 

            Reese started preschool this year at Beyond the Books Preschool.  She can now write a few letters all by herself and can spell her name.  Reese played tee-ball and soccer in 2022 and loves dressing up as a princess.  She is so energetic and loving.  There are few cheery cheerleaders like Reese, who loves to laugh and knows how to have a good time - any time.  Reese loves being a big sister to her little brother, Madden, and doing her part to mother him.  The family got a cat in 2022 (Mozie) and Reese loved taking care of it (until it went to cat heaven on Halloween night).  She enjoys playing everywhere - especially in the backyard.

            Madden turned one in 2022 and quickly went from crawling to walking like a pro.  He has a head of soft curly hair that is so cute when it grows out.  Madden learned to throw a ball early this year and he hasn’t stopped.  His favorite game is Catch.  He learned to walk at the end of August.  His first words this year were Baba and Dada, and more recently he’s been saying Hi and Bye all on his own to everyone who comes and goes.  Madden loves playing with his big sister (and someday we expect that he will become a pro taking on all comers playing various versions of Madden NFL). 

            We are immensely grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and His amazing, miraculous Atonement, His sacrifice on the cross, and His resurrection that opened the way for all to be forgiven, cleansed from sin, and to live forever in perfection with loved ones in our glorious Heavenly Home.  As the world pauses to remember Him in December, let us be diligent in always remembering Him daily throughout the year.  True and lasting happiness is found in faithfully following Him.  Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Below are more pictures from 2022 that help us count our blessings. 

Disneyland 2022 - The [most expensive] place on earth

 

Kelli and Royal enjoy a Disney night

Cute Disney grandkids

She ain't heavy.  She's my grandgirl

It's a Small, Small World

Did we mention it's a small world?

Aubrey's Disney ears

A Royal family light saber battle in California Adventure land

Ready for the Cali coaster

Zoe imagines with Lennon

Space Mountain

Benson and Monroe take an impromptu Disney break

Brad's custom daddy Disney shirt

Disney chain gang

Nana the Royal Disney sheepherder

Disney snack break

Can you find any Royals?

Kai's loves the Disney bubbly

Elsa triplets

Mila gives a Disney Hey!

Bye, bye Disney

Hey Reese!  (Pic by Macie)

Reese and Mila indoor camping

Madden in his pre-walking days

Jordan, Ashlee and their two cuties (February 2022)

Four generations of Royals

Lennon's happy blessing day

Nana and Papa with little Lennon

Reese and Madden love Nana

We love grandchildren visits

Benson loves trash day!

We got to watch Beckham play football

We had a sideline pass!

Monroe loves being a big sister

Royal took third place in the city meet in the shotput

Finley broke out as a big-time striker this year

Madden's first selfie was perfect 

Reese takes a swimming cupcake break

Our 2022 amazing Cruz - with Al and Regina at Al's retirement party 

These three earned Couch Potato rights as the guys chased the tribe

Our first football game of 2022

Royals take a hike

Coug fans are everywhere!

Ryder's first birthday

Dinner with Dad

Dad's 88th birthday

Royal family stroll

Friedel Fab Four

Royals visiting at Ryder's baby blessing

Dressed for the Utah elements

David meets Ziggy at Walmart

Beach baby, beach boy

Dancing Queen

More Royals at Ryder's blessing

Costa Rica is great any time of the year

2022 was FUN for these three turning ONE 

A Lagoon Day!

Trick or Treat!!!!

Future Cougars

Pizza time!

Papa introduces Roe to So. Cal. waves

Four wheelin' and dealin'

Pumpkinfest was the best!

Does anyone have a shovel for Finley?

Ready, set, GO! 

Disney - here we come!

Time for a swim!

Friedel fam are Grand Canyon fans

Hey y'all from these Royals' new Lehi home

Wake's up!

Royal beach day

Kel and the kids 

Visiting Dad on guy white t-shirt day

Finley and his Great Grandpa Royal

Reese soccer day

Royal spa day

Friedels exercised photo rights at a game with the Golden Knights

We love family visits!

Royalty

Royal zip line time!!

Hey Dad!

Cheryl's funeral display

Purple HAZE.  The Royal boys jam.

At Abby's Pizza (our teenage Eugene, OR hangout) with Jerry Newell and Dirk Gilliam

Blowin' in the wind.  Reese helps Papa clean up.

Friedels at the beach

Eagles Bucket List - check

Nana's happy birthday

Happy Ryder blessing day

We reconnected with Terry and Rita Strattan - 42 year after Terry's baptism

Maralea and Ashlee are loyal to the Royal

Monroe wearing the same dress Kelli wore at age three

Yellowstoned

INCOMING!

Reese gets an amazing mommy baked cake

Nana and Papa like the beach, too!

Rain ready!

Happy birthday, David

Snowbirds

Roe-Roe a go-go

Macie with the funny Finney bunny

Royals' portside view

Hmmm, this looks like a pretty cool hike

Go Cougars!

Brad laying down drum tracks for Lighten Up Francis

Royals at the Vegas airport

Beatles night!

Cheers to Lennon's first year

Super snorkle Nana

Our Royal Princesses

We found Craig and Donna Ragaas in Ocala, FL

The Royal ladies

Riverton Royalty

Vegas summer BBQ

Royals love BYU football

Papa gives Nana beach football throwing lessons

Lennon meets Great Granma Kelly on her first birthday

Father/son

Cousin summer visit

The Royal dudes

Tramp break

Visiting our little entrepreneurs

Mommy/baby time

These Royals visit Superman's crystal palace

Papa goes big time Eddie Van Halen

Kai and Mila chillin' in paradise

Yellowstoney steamy dreamy

Winter Wonderland

Mother/Son

Nana's arms are full

Mom/Daughter

Mother/Son

Riverton welcoming commitee

Four more generations

Father/Son on a playground run

Mother/Daughter lake day

Aubrey is in Trouble as Papa presses the dice bubble

A great Thanksgiving Day

A visit to BYU campus

Dad had a big fall, but the doctors put him back together again

Onto the next Royal adventure

Happy birthday Craig

Off to the ball game!

Kai perfecting his version of the Haka

Mila is ready for some grub

All aboard our 60s peace mobile

Zoe takes a backyard play break

Beckham - reppin' the "Y"

Aubrey with some hampster love

Benson is always up for some hoops

Ryder is a happy guy

Macie loves pretty bows

Reese loved her night at the ballgame

Madden turned one having fun in the sun

Lennon enjoyed year one

"Hey Papa, look"  (Like shirt like Roe)

Finley prepares for his primary talk

Royal prepares for his flag football game

Utah cousin swim party

Ready for the big game

We had fun going through old family pics with Dad

A great lunch menu from A (as in Aubrey) to Z (as in Zoe)

Back-to-back cousins

Side-to-side cousins

Cousins almost twinsees

Jazz babysits Lennon at Lagoon

Scarlett has Roe in tow

Macie tows Benson to share cookies with the neighbors

Could whoever is taking this picture get these two in tow?

Royal and Beckahm chill as Zoe says "Awww"

NANA!!!

Kai now knows what he's doing the rest of the day

Hey, Mila wants one of the suckers, too

Aubrey and Macie found Cosmo

Hey, look - a Nana/Papa selfie with grandkids!

Papa and Uncle Danny visited their childhood home in September

Papa shark, do, do, do, do, do . . . 

Pass the napkins, please

Extended Royals hanging out

Check out these two decked out in ROYAL blue

Thrill-seekers in sneakers

Beckham holds up his end

Getting pics outside 49ers stadium are free!  Who knew?

Papa tackle selfie

Pool day at Great Grandpa Royal's

Zoe and Mila are all smiles

Uh oh.  This isn't going to end well.

Family picture day picnic

Let's visit Daddy at work day

Picture competently taken by Aubrey

Don't they look great?
(David has an Aaron Rogers look, right?)

Papa, where did you hide the Easter eggs?

Still not too big for Papa's shoulders

Swim day snack break

Utah Royal families enjoy a Christmas light activity

Papa and Uncle Danny said hey  to their high school in September

Congrats to David for beating us all on the College Football Challenge

Aubrey moves the ball upfield for a score

Anyone out there looking for some CLE credit, check this out

We met nephew/cousin Kyle (from Atlanta) at a BYU baseball game

We love this group so much!  (We just can't post enough pics, haha.)

Santa visited Riverton, UT

Hey, Santa was in Lehi, too

Santa always stops by Bass Pro Shop in Vegas

St. Nick even visited Nana and Papa

Niece Lindsey and her boys visit St. Danny Claus

Kai is all bottled up

These three love projects

Beckham turns 12 in 2023

Vegas Halloween scene

Reese and Mommy like the Turkey Trot a lot

These kids love creating

Mila gores for a stroll

Reese helps little brother sit up straight

They ain't afraid of that green monster

Wait, both of these guys are getting way too big

Daddy helps Macie with her primary talk

A happy birthday hug for Nana

Savoring the moment

Florida was really hot

BYU v. USF, September

Happy In 'N' Out birthday, Beckham

Mila is tired of sitting

Zoe and Kai take a standing break

BYU Fanfest was da best

Cousins ready to roll

Lennon said her first word on this night: PAPA

These sisters paid us an April visit

Dave and Stacy joined us at a BYU game in October

Look what Mom found in the laundry

BYU touchdown!

They voted!

Madden's ready for his 2nd Christmas

What a cute little turkey

What a cute Nana!

Meet the parents

We are so blessed by these priceless ones (and their parents, too)

Welp, that's all y'all

If you made it this far you are a Royal family Christmas letter-reading superstar