Happy New Year!

It is 2009! Wahoo! We had a fun New Year's Eve dancing (see the pix) and playing games like Twister Hopscotch, Sorry, and Good Manners- all while eating junkfood of course! We are now detoxing trying the no junkfood approach to life until Nan's birthday- Steph is just hoping she can survive that long without sugar- aaaahhhh! We went to Grandma Etta's on New Year's Day to watch the USC game- as you can tell from the picture, Jake was happy with the final score. The year is off to a great start- here we go.....

Oh, What Fun!

We had another amazing WHITE Christmas this year. The kids were spoiled rotten and we enjoyed all the time spent with friends and family. On the 17th we had a cookie decorating party. On the 19th we went to a live nativity in Eagle and also went to Hannah's Pre-school program. Christmas Eve we had our annual PJ & Pizza Party and were joined by the Thomas Family, The Adair Family, Danny's Parents, Grandma Etta and Ms. Aleene. The kids were so excited for Santa to come and full of questions. They couldn't believe it when they found some of Santa's leftover cookies and carrots that had been nibbled on by the reindeer with some tracks outside. Magic I tell you! The highlight of this Christmas was definitely our trip to Ms. Aleene's rest home where Lucy stole the show when she put on her dancing shoes- too cute. We also went to the Adair's for Christmas dinner- Danny's mom, Maria, made us a real Italian lasagna- yum! She even made us one to take home- thank you Maria!!! We had fun talking and playing with little Brooklyn who is growing so fast. Thanks to everyone who helped make this yet another wonderful celebration of family, friends, and the birth of our Savior. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

O Christmas Tree!

Saturday, December 6th we made our annual trip up past Idaho City to the Boise National Forest to cut down our christmas tree. Since moving to Idaho almost 5 years ago- the christmas tree trip is one of our very favorite traditions. We listen to christmas music in the car, we take hot cocoa, sandwiches, and popcorn to eat, and hope that there is enough snow to go sledding. This year there wasn't much, so we stopped at the top of the hill for some sledding fun. Richard managed to get three kids and himself down on two sleds at once! We are excited to be celebrating this special time of year. The kids are finally learning how and why the Christchild is so important in our lives. Steph is sad that this is her last Christmas having a baby of her own. Clara will just have to get used to being hugged and snuggled all the more. She is growing up so quickly and loves her brother and sisters. Lucy is loving all the christmas lights and says, "whoa, more lights" when we are driving at night. Her jibber-jabber has all but vanished and sentences are now her norm. Steph will miss the music of her "baby-talk" too, but there are too many blessings to count, so on we go. Have a happy holiday season. Enjoy the pix.

We Gathered Together

What a fun November we had. Lu turned two, Jake turned six, cousin Brooklyn was born, and we had a full table for Thanksgiving. So many blessings! Life just couldn't get better. We know we are so lucky to have four beautiful, healthy children, a warm home, Richard's job, and family and friends who love and support us. Enjoy the pictures and thanks to all those who showered Lu and Jake with the fun gifts. We love you.

A Happy Halloween

We had a grand Halloween with our Stormtrooper, Alice, Raggedy Ann, & Kitty Cat. I hope you enjoy the pix. We are finally getting into a routine as we have ironed out all the wrinkles in our new schedule with kindergarten, pre-school, ballet, doctor appointments, and of course fun! We have had a beautiful fall this year and have enjoyed the colors, but not the allergies! Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was fun- next year Shan & Dan will have a little pumpkin of their own to bring along too. We are so glad they are close by to join in our traditions. We have so much to be grateful for. I'll post more soon...