Christmas Tree Adventure

We always get a "live" tree each year, but this was the first cutting it down ourselves. We got a tree tag and drove up the canyon as far as the snow depth would let us in 4-wheel drive (or before I got too nervous about getting stuck). Then hiked off the beaten path in 2 feet of snow till we found the "perfect" tree. Adam picked it out and was so proud, but only dragged it a little ways till he got side-tracked with wanting to slide down the hill instead. It was a fun adventure for a change, but I don't know if we'll make a tradition out of it every year.

"I'm so glad when Daddy comes home"

Cuddling with daddy when he comes home from work. Times to treasure before they grow up all too fast...

1st BIG snowstorm

The first snowstorm is always the most exciting... to spend hours outside shoveling, building snowmen, making a hill to slide down, throwing snowballs to the dog, eating snow, making snow angels, not caring how cold you are... It's magical.

Londyn's 12th Birthday

Londyn wanted a glitter party, so this is what we came up with for the cake. The picture doesn't show well all the glitter on the cake.

She had a pajama party with pizza and a movie (Santa Buddies).

I painted glitter toes while they watched the movie.

Then they decorated gingerbread houses. 4 hours for the party was not long enough. They had so much fun and could of kept going all night.

Gift from her mom and dad. She is so talented and well-rounded... she wants to try it all.

As you know, she adores her dad. Good thing he has the patience to teach her for now. They look good together. I hope she sticks with it.

Londyn hasn't exactly hit her growth spurt yet, but she's still proud to be taller than Adam. He hasn't passed her up... yet... They both grew 2 1/2 inches in the past year. Look at Adam stretching out his neck trying to look taller.

And, of course Lucy has to get in on the picture action. 2 sisters... 9 years apart. Lucy adores her big sister, as do we all. Happy Birthday my first born. You're a young woman now, but always my little girl. I love you!!!

Thanksgiving 2009

I really enjoyed preparing our Thanksgiving meal this year. It was just our little family, so maybe I didn't feel the stress of preparing for a lot of extra people.

The kids intently watching the Turkey Carving. It's serious business.

They had all just woken from naps. Ryan took the 2 older kids to the annual Turkey Bowl (flag football) earlier that morning, so they were worn out from that. And it was Lucy's normal nap time (she's in her "dancing dress" of course).


Married for 14 years.... Boy do we look tired.

"Vote for Londyn"

Londyn is in 6th grade, and this is the first year you can run for Student Council. She took to it right away and had the support of her friends to make these posters together. She's so friendly and confident, and had a lot of fun through the process. She made it past the primary election, but not the finals. That's OK. It was a great experience anyway. I'm sure she'll run again in future grades. Junior High here we come.... next year. Scary!!!

She is always on the "cold" side, so here's an example of her sunbathing in the house with her winter coat on. The dogs follow her wherever she goes. They are depressed when she goes to school.

Rock Climbing

The kids chose to go rock climbing to celebrate their awesome grades in school. They are both excellent students and love school. They have the best teachers which adds to their great experience. We are so proud of their best efforts!!!

Lucy tries climbing, but she mostly just likes to hang on for the ride as we push her swinging by the rope.