A VERY MERRY ROYAL CHRISTMAS

Behold a Royal Army, June 2024

  Merry Christmas from the ROYAL ARMY!  We had a family gathering at Bear Lake, UT in July that was so much fun.  To commemorate our family reunion, Maralea purchased royal blue Royal Army shirts for each family member and planned for us to get a picture of everyone standing in the water.  Keeping shirts worn by our little ones dry for pictures was a big challenge (and we were not entirely successful - haha).  Once the photo shoot was over, all of our 14 grandchildren went swimming in their picture-perfect family shirts.  It was quite a sight to behold.  That is one of the sweet moments we will cherish from 2024.

Visiting our favorite spot in
Pine Valley, UT

          We sold the home owned by our parents since 1980.  In the weeks approaching that sale, we spent a lot of time going through everything in the home, reminiscing, counting blessings, and enjoyed one final family swim in the pool.  That home brought so much joy to our family.  It is where Mom and Dad both passed away - eight-and-a-half years apart - both in their bedroom.  Saying goodbye to that home was more painful than we imagined.  We have amassed a lot of keepsakes and things that remind us of our parents, our grandparents, and even beyond.  Mom and Dad had retained things dating back to their youth (such as book reports, and grade reports - and Dad even had a bunch of football plays he drew up for his Clinton High School team at age 17).  We put together a blog celebrating the lives of our departed Royal parents at

https://royalfamilytimes.blogspot.com/2024/04/a-royal-family-legacy-parents-who.html

            Family legacies are a beautiful thing when they provide us with joyful reflections of Christ-centered lives that encourage us (and even propel us) to follow in the same covenant path leading to our Heavenly Home.  We have found that elderly age ushers in deep feelings of gratitude.  (We also become eligible for Medicare and Social Security soon, which basically signals that we are getting old.)  So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our still-growing Royal Army (we have another enlisted to arrive in 2025).  Below is a brief family update followed by our 2024 year in pictures.

Michael and Maralea (The Royals)

Maralea bought Royal Army
shirts for us all

            Maralea and I continue working together at Royal & Miles LLP (going on 11 years).  We had a little mishap within our home in August that dragged on for months (mostly due to insurance issues) - to the point where we could not decorate much for Christmas as normal.  (Maralea usually starts decorating for Christmas after Halloween.)  That, together with trying to figure out what to do with a lot of stuff retrieved from Mom and Dad’s home, has created a bit of a “we’ve got too much stuff going on” stressor (haha). 

We are legit fit!

         We have loved following our BYU Cougars this fall, which included a trip to Orlando for the BYU v. UCF game.  (In August, a five-year-old granddaughter, Reese, said that all she wanted for her birthday was “to go to a BYU game” with Nana and Papa.)  We love our Cougars and were not expecting to have such a great 2024 season.  (We were hoping for six wins after going 5-7 last year.)  We cherish every moment cheering with our friends and family: “Rah!  Rah! Rah!  Rah! Rah! ... Go Cougars!!!!!!”  Maralea continues to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the South Coordinating Council Communications Director on the Public Affairs Committee for the Las Vegas Valley.  (She really has the coolest, most important-sounding calling title EVER!  Maralea actually has an annual trip to Phoenix, AZ where she and other persons serving in similar callings meeting for a weekend to be instructed by Church leaders.  We did not attend the BYU/Utah game on November 9^th (BYU won 22-21 (because Maralea was in Arizona for that big annual event).  I continue serving in the ward Elders Quorum Presidency (much less important).  We do not yet have an exit plan from work to retirement - so the law practice beat goes on.

Brad & Whitney Family (The Royals)

            These Royals had a fun travel year that included an extended trip to Costa Rica. Brad still works for Qualified, is now a bona fide Costa Rico coconut farmer, is a professional musician as drummer/writer/composer in his band, Lighten Up Francis (with Whitney as bass player/writer/ composer), which released a full album in November entitled, Store Brand Talent (check it out in Apple or Spotify).  The family continued traveling like crazy, going to London, Costa Rica, and Chicago, among others.

          Brad turned 40 years old in September and his daughter, Mila, expressed concern that he will be dying soon because he is now so old.  In his old age, besides working and drumming, Brad loves to snowboard and enjoys golfing as often as possible (Brad got his first hole-in-one in the fall, which makes him the first in the family to achieve that evasive feat).  He also loves to surf, enjoys playing basketball and volleyball, likes reading, and loves being a dad.  Whitney continues to work at BYU with professors who teach an EMBA class.  Their Royal children are faithful roadies and groupies who love to watch them play when they can.  Whitney is presently serving as ward Young Women’s President, which she loves.  Whitney also loves leading the way on fun family trips.  (Whitney is a die-hard Dodgers fan and is basking in the light of LA’s 2024 World Series Title.)

           Beckham (13) is in the seventh grade and started middle school.  He ran on the middle school cross-country team in the fall and enjoyed it so much that he plans on doing a lot more running in the future.  Beckham is also in the middle school band doing percussion (perhaps on his way of being a third-generation drummer).  Beckham loves snowboarding (and is moving from just gliding down the hill to performing jumps), rock climbing, and playing the piano.  Beckham also enjoys fun activities like Fantasy Football (and is very good at it). 

       Zoe (11) is in the sixth grade.  She began attending a new school for sixth grade and has decided that she loves STEM classes and wearing school uniforms.  Zoe got involved in theater this past year and played one of those evil eels in the play The Little Mermaid.  Zoe loves indoor rock climbing and skiing (not snowboarding . . . skiing) (Zoe went on her first rail this past year and is determined to keep getting better).

            Kai (6) started kindergarten this past year and loves it - especially when he gets a chance to help others in his class (because Kai is a tad older).  Kai is always on the move and is filled with energy.  A friend convinced him to start skateboarding and Kai took to it quite naturally (without falling over).  His skateboarding should help Kai with snowboarding, which is something he hopes to start doing in the coming year.  Kai also decided that he likes surfing but refuses to do it if anyone dares to help him.  Kai loves building and fixing things.

     Mila (4) is perhaps the biggest fan of Lighten Up Francis and gets very upset when she is not allowed to attend one of the band’s shows.  Mila is very happy.  She loves playing outside and spending time with her friends.  Mila loves dressing as Disney princesses; however, she also kind of identifies with Maleficent (from Sleeping Beauty).

Craig and Kelly Family (The Friedels)

            Craig and Kelli stay busy with work, caring for their home and family, and serving in their respective ward callings.  Craig continues working as a partner at the law firm of Solomon Dwiggins & Freer, Ltd.  His favorite hobby is canyoneering; however, it does come with risks and Craig had his first experience with a search and rescue helicopter trip when he and some friends became trapped which caused us all some angst.  But, Craig still goes whenever he can.  He is the family Mr. Fix-It and loves tackling home projects.  Kelli is the family Mrs. Run-It, keeping the busy family rolling onward (running kids here, there, and everywhere), and did not let her first kidney stone slow down Friedel Train.  (Much to Kelli’s chagrin, the family minivan was replaced in 2024 by (drum roll please . . . ) another minivan, because it is just too practical for this stage of Friedel family life.)  She is super excited to get her braces off after the holidays (and hopes to smile brightly again in 2025).  Kelli sings as much as she can and enjoys her role as the family cheerleader.

            Royal (12) is in the seventh grade.  He played volleyball for his middle school (which made his volleyball mommy especially happy).  Royal was the middle school team setter and is looking forward to playing again this upcoming spring.  Royal planned on playing tackle football in the fall but broke his collarbone in the summer, which changed his plans.  (Booo!)  He played flag football on the middle school team.  Royal has enjoyed playing saxophone in the school band.  (He played the National Anthem solo for an awards ceremony at the end of the school year.)  Royal is one of our biggest next-generation BYU fans.  He attended a couple of BYU home football games with his Cougar-crazy Nana and Papa, and cousins.  Royal serves as the Deacons Quorum President in the ward and recently spoke at a stake event for 11-year-olds making the transition from primary to the YM program.

          Finley (8) is in the second grade.  He says he hates school but Finley is excelling and has become such a great reader.  Finley loves soccer and this past season he had an ESPN Top 10 moment of the season when he made a goal from mid-field - an amazing line drive that drove past the goalie.  (It was a jaw-dropping moment that we never forget and seeing Finley's reaction was priceless.  He is such a great big brother and loves using his vast imagination to play pretend with his little sisters.  Finley set a wonderful example for the family by choosing to follow the Savior in baptism this year.  (He was baptized by his father.) 

           Monroe (5) is thriving in kindergarten (although she had to tackle her “I want my mommy” withdrawals).  She loves to dance, sing, dress up - you name it.  Monroe loves her dance class and is also in a group called Kid Shine which performs with a combination of singing and dancing.  Monroe is a born performer and just soaks all of that up.  Monroe says that she wants to “be a mommy” with four children when she grows up.  When that day comes, she will be a great one.  Monroe presently considers herself 2^nd mommy in command at home.

            Lennon (3) is sweet, funny, and sassy.  She is super bright and talks up a storm, but man is she ever stubborn.  Lennon could be potty trained tomorrow but presently states: “I don’t want to” - so getting totally out of the diaper market is family a goal for 2025 (perhaps by the end of 2024 - it’s a work in progress).  Lennon LOVES music.  She picks out songs wherever she is in any situation and is always feeling that beat.  Lennon loves to dress up with her big sister and dance, and has her two older brothers in her back pocket.  Lennon gave herself a little haircut this year all by herself (thankfully she did not cut right at the root so mommy could fix-it).  (As a result, Kelli hid the scissors so well that now no one can find them.) 

David and Kambria Family (The Royals)

            These Royals continue to love their life in Riverton, UT.  The family got an in-ground trampoline in the backyard that has been a lot of fun.  (Benson got to help dig the hole with the Bobcat excavator, which he loved.)  The family stayed busy with lots of trips and fun activities (Pine Valley, Fish Lake, Bear Lake, and Orlando, FL).  They experienced some change as their ward split in 2024.

            David continues to work for nCino as a product manager.  He went on a backpacking trip and did some skiing with friends.  David enjoyed taking Aubrey on morning hikes before school and presently serves as secretary within the new ward Elders Quorum Presidency.  David coached Macie’s volleyball team in the fall (he also coached Aubrey in volleyball).  David and Kambria celebrated their 12-year anniversary in 2024.  Kambria loves baking (especially sourdough bread) and served as ward primary chorister (until the ward split).  She enjoys managing all of the family activities and keeping Ryder busy while his older siblings are at school.

          Aubrey (11) continues making great progress on the piano and recently received high marks in a piano competition.  (She loves learning new songs.)  She gets her braces off in December.  (Aubrey will get a second round of braces later but she will welcome the break.)  Aubrey loves playing volleyball and soccer.  She enjoys reading and drawing, and doing fun activities outside like hiking, rock climbing, riding four-wheelers, and attending BYU football games with Nana and Papa Royal.

            Macie (almost 9) was baptized in 2024.  Macie also enjoys playing the piano and dance competitions keep her very busy.  Macie began doing her own hair in 2024 and got her ears pierced.  (It made her cry but she was a trooper.)  She loves drawing and playing games with her little brothers (especially imaginary games that involve Macie being their mother).  She loved playing volleyball with her dad as the coach and is constantly making new friends.

            Benson (5) played on his first basketball team in 2024 and loved it.  He is excited for his second year in Junior Jazz.  Benson is presently turtle-obsessed.  (For Halloween, Benson wanted to be a turtle.  David and Kambria thought that might be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle but Benson insisted that he wanted to be “a nice turtle.”  So, he trick-or-treated was a happy turtle.)  Benson loves riding the bus to school, following his dad around while mowing the grass, and is patient with his little brother.

            Ryder (3) is not yet in school and loves staying home with his mama.  He learned to ride his new bike in 2024 (and is very fast).  Ryder’s favorite movie is Nightmare Before Christmas.  He loves climbing on everything and cherishes his bath time.  Ryder’s favorite game is Hide ‘N’ Seek.  Ryder has a fun personality.  He loves playing all kinds of pretend games with his older siblings and especially loves to laugh.

Jordan and Ashlee Family (The Royals)

            Jordan and Ashlee bought a new minivan in 2024.  (What young family doesn’t love a great minivan?)  They celebrated year three residing in their Lehi home.  Jordan continues working as an SEO Marketing Specialist at Nifty Marketing and works part-time with Big-5 and as a boys volleyball coach.  Ashlee stays very busy as a Mommy and loves to bake (especially creative cakes which she does as a side business).  She is very handy and loves helping out with do-it-yourself projects at home and for extended family.  The family enjoyed a second visit to Bear World in Idaho (and who doesn’t love Bear World?).  They did other fun stuff like join the extended Royal family in Pine Valley, UT, in May, attend the Lehi Round-Up Rodeo in June, went to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in July, and Bear Lake, UT in August.  They found time to replant their grass and got the trampoline up and running again in 2024 - which the kids LOVE.   The family also enjoyed a monthly visit to Pier 49 Pizza for free dinner in 2024 when Jordan won a contest in November 2023.  And the biggest news . . . Jordan and Ashlee are expecting a new addition in May 2025!

            Reese (5) is in kindergarten and loves it.  She had a leopard-orca birthday party in 2024 because she LOVES everything leopard and keeps a leopard outfit in her closet available at all times.  Reese participated in a gymnastics/ninja class last winter and then took golf lessons in June.  But she really loved Princess Dance Camp in the summer.  Reese played some basketball in 2024 and so far her best asset is playing defense and quite enthusiastically cheering on her teammates.  She also loves attending BYU football games with Nana and Papa Royal, rock climbing, singing, dancing, and puppeteering.  Reese is especially excited to be an even bigger sister in 2025 (with a new family addition on the way).

            Madden (3) started preschool in September and HATED it (haha) (but he KIND of likes it now).  Madden loves riding his bike, jumping on the family trampoline, playing with his cars (which take naps with him), and playing football daily with his daddy.  Madden played Itty Bitty Ball (basketball) at the Lehi Legacy Center this fall and had a blast.  Madden loves playing with big sister Reese and is excited to become a super big brother. 

           Annnnd (. . . drum roll please)  Jordan, Ashlee, Reese, and Maddon will welcome a new addition to the family in 2025.  We are all very excited to increase and strengthen our Royal Army. 

            We love our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and are especially joyful to celebrate His birth and miraculous Atonement, His sacrifice on the cross, and His resurrection that opened the way for all to be cleansed from sin, and to live forever in perfection with loved ones in our glorious Heavenly Home.  It is our objective to always remember Him throughout 2025.  Faithfully following Him is the surest way to lasting happiness.  Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Below are a few bonus family pictures from 2024

Royal received the Aaronic Priesthood

Monroe got Disney On Ice last Christmas

Macie brought Monroe to share her birthday dinner with Nana & Papa

Macie's baptism

Macie's confirmation circle

Maralea and tieless David

Beckham and Kai  enjoy a post-Macie's baptism snack

Aubrey and Zoe give Papa their best response to: "Say cheese!"

Reese and Papa selfie

Reese and Monroe love winter hotel swimming

Maddon joined the winter hotel swim party

Craig required an EMS rescue canyoneering last January

We retired Maralea's wooden Christmas Tree last year

Jordan and Ashlee on a family Utah cold day hike

Reese is ready to roll

Royal's first temple trip

Aubrey had a soccer tournament in Mesquite

(The soccer tourney was Friday/Saturday)

All we need is [Lennon] Love

Royal playing flag football in January

Ashlee, Reese, and Maddon prepare to cross the bridge

Papa played stake basketball again (and didn't get hurt)

We visited Tom and Cincy Luna in Boise, ID

We got to hang out with some very [The] Chosen people

Happy birthday, Kelli

Kelli's birthday celebration group selfie

Fear David's handlebar stache beard (it was temporary)

Reese and Maddon talk to Mr. and Mrs. Ed

Beckham takes on the jump

Zoe loves to ski

Monroe and Lennon chill under warm blankets

Maralea, David, and Aubrey ready to watch Macie's dance performance

Macie dances up in St. George

With our Tiny Dancer

Found this outside the Nevada Las Vegas Mission office

Royal volleyball

Maralea loves Trudy (best ward organist IN THE ENTIRE WORLD)

Grandkids Facetime

Easter fun

Kelli directs her ward's primary choir

A Lehi Royal Easter

Kelli sang a special musical Easter Sunday number

Friedel Easter Sunday

Said hey to David and Chris Foote

Royal's first sacrament meeting talk

Royal's volleyball cheering section

41st Anniversary pedicure

Cousin luncheon

Nana Church walk

Zoe birthday outing

Nana takes Maddon on a parking lot run

Macie lost some teeth

Kai found on the playground

Benson for two

Aubrey prepares to receive

Ashee turned the big 3 - 0

Benson's birthday shopping spree

Trudy and Maralea make THE BEST refreshments

Alternative Top Golf

Sunday dinner relaxation time

Mila gets some playground help from Zoe

No jive - David turned thirty-five

Monroe Nana/Papa birthday dinner

Monroe's birthday was Under da Sea

Seven years of marital bliss

Finley got to operate heavy equipment as a Christmas present

Royal's 6th grade graduation

Reese's pre-school graduation

Rock stars

A not so great done Pine Valley group selfie

This one came out a little better

Piggy back stacking 

Pine Valley cousin ice cream break

Pine Valley cabin

Good times at Hidden Pines

Another Pine Valley Sunday

Rough riders

Easy Riders

Happy birthday, Leona

Brad and Whitney took their family to Chicago for a visit

They went to Costa Rica, too

Piano recital for Leona

A visit to Leona in the Land Bountiful

David and Aubrey with some bedtime scripture reading

Monroe's dance recital

Benson was all that riding on the big cat

As the sun went down over Santa Monica Boulevard

Papa's Day

Family picture gone Mad[don]

Maralea's gotta gun

Royal and friend Finn go to go on the field during an LV arena FB game

Lehi Round-Up

A Happy Papa Day wish from the Royal grandkids in Chicago

Biking it in the Windy City

Sparklers galore

July 4th Fireworks were awesome

Independence Day night (Monroe in protest mode - haha)

There's Monroe smiling (with Lennon)

July 4th hike

Monroe and Lennon met their new cousin, Diamond

Nana and Papa with Royal at the Las Vegas Temple

Idaho Falls, y'all

Reese is ready to roll down the highway

Madden prepares to sail away into Rigby Lake

Rigby Lake crew

Cousins visit their Great Grandmother Kelly

Zoe prepares to take the paddleboard for a Bear Lake spin

Mila relaxes in the shallow waters of Bear Lake

Nana and the Royal granddaughters

Papa knee-deep with the Royal grandsons

Roe ain't heavy, she's Macie's cousin

Our two oldest grandchildren: Beckham and Royal

Benson went for an after-family pictures swim

Aubrey and Zoe on Royal Army guard

Lennon and Ryder pan for Bear Lake gold

Mila joined the cousin post-pictures swim brigade

Finley and Kai were all-in

Cousin bedtime

Four sweet women

Bear Lake Four-Square Volleyball

Cousins dancing to the colorful reunion tunes

These four doozies loved the jacuzzi

Cousin game time

We braved the Minetonka Cave

Three's not a crowd

Kelly girls

Friedels looking swell

Papa joins the kids for a swim

We all celebrated Nana getting old again

Cousins grin at the drive-in

They didn't even pay a nickel for a popcycle

Sad to say goodbye to these guys

First day of Vegas school

Macie got her ears pierced (but wasn't smiling moments earlier)

Finley was baptized

Finley's baptism army

Zoe taking over selfie duties

Aubrey was in heaven at eleven

Daddy/Daughter hike

Finley's birthday night

Royal Wilkinson Center bowling extraganza

Birthday lunch for Beckham and Aubrey

Best reason to celebrate a new BYU football season

We put Aubrey's birthday flag to good use

The best way to speak BYU cheer is to yell loud for all to hear

Kai prepares to ride

Pre-game tailgating

Mila rocks her Crocks

Wagon train

Kai the soccer guy

Mila caught a fish!

Costa Rica sunset

Kai and Mila hang out

Lennon brought a date shopping

Leona feels like new wearing all things BYU

Not lyin' - love hanging out with Dave and Brian

Reese attended a game with us - along with Dave and Stacy

Cosmo loves Nana and Reese 

Jessica's wedding reception

Post-church walk home

Warm and cozy

Waiting for Aubrey's piano recital

BYU football with David and Kam was our jam

Say cheesy

David helps Macie with her serve

An SLC dinner with all these family winners

Reese and Maddon are psyched for Jazz Ball

Ryder and Maddon need a tow

Florida sunset

We caught up with Gloria in Florida

Cosmo followed us to Florida

BYU/UCF

We found Terry and Rita in Gainesville

Macie is one scary San Fran Halloween flower child

Pumpkin patch kids

Happy birthday, Ryder

Pajamarama

Benson was a happy turtle for Halloween

The Incredibles!

Saw Harry Potter and said hey

This is how much gas costs if you get too close to the Orlando Airport

We're sensing a Halloween theme here

Let's go!

Ghouls

David with Asst. Coach Aubrey as Macie waits for the next rotation

David helps Macie serve up an ace

Coach David

Ryder successfully delivers a pumpkin

Royal speaks to 11-year-olds in his stake above the YM/YW Program

Happy Daddy/Daughter birthday

Lennon loves her birthday doll

A little Berns/Royals reunion in Vegas  

Reese and Maddon love the Christmas lights in sight

Beckham and Royal hang with the gang

Royal gets a visit from four other Royals

We do BYU basketball, too

Zoe takes a phone break

Reese came to have hotel breakfast with us

Maralea made the Giving Machine Channel 8 news in Las Vegas 

We knew this guy was true blue

Friedel Thanksgiving

Moana 2 celebration

Our wonderful Thanksgiving in Clinton, UT

We made the big screen at the last BYU football game

And . . . Maralea won a 50" Roku TV - just for smiling brightly

She really did

Getting in the Christmas spirit with the Friedels

Royal Christmas gingerbread project

Winter Wonderland

They found St. Nick!

So excited for Christmas

It's been an amazing year and we feel incredibly blessed