For Christmas dinner Ashley wanted to make some pies. I am pretty sure at her age I was not interested in making pies, I really am still not all that interested, they are a lot of work! But she is a good little cook and made two pumpkin pies, and one apple. They turned out pretty, and tasted good too! Good job Ash!
We spent Christmas Eve and Bob and Saras this year. We had a Hawaiian chicken dinner, it was SO SO good!
Of course we played lots of games and then did the nativity production, that is always fun!
The week before Christmas we spent getting ready for the big day! We finished up some shopping, and wrapping, and Ashley even sewed a blanket for someone????
She picked the fabric and did it all (with some help) and it was a surprise for ME! She drew my name and I was so excited to get it, she is turning into such a big kid! I cant believe it. It was nice to have the kids all home for a couple of days before Christmas.
Ash and Emma had their class parties yesterday. I went to visit Emma for a minute before Ashley's class got started. Emma was the LAST one to get to open her present, which I thought was great! She is practicing patience, and will be for a L-O-N-G time!
She got this super cute hat from Taylor.
Ashley’s class was really fun. I can tell they are growing up because it wasn't quite as hyper-active as second grade! They were all really happy to get a present and used mostly good manners! Ashley got the LPS doll, we have been wanting her REALLY BAD!
The kids had all opened their presents and most of them gathered around Mrs. Southwick's desk to watch her open hers. They weren't so into their own toys and presents (ok most of the boys had wandered off at this point), but they all wanted to see what she got, it was cute.
Cody is home from college so that = snowmobiling AS. MUCH. AS. POSSIBLE! Ryan doesn't seem to mind. They were all hooked up and headed out by 8:00 AM yesterday morning. The weather was perfect on top! Justin was devastated not to get to go. I haven't even considered that a possibility till now. He doesn't just want to just go, he wants to DRIVE! Oh dear, what have we got started??? Ryan has lots of rides promised over Christmas break!
The girls had their school concert on Monday night. It turned out really cute. Ashley's class learned to play the chimes. It sounded excellent, I didn't notice one missed note! It was fun to learn a different instrument too. (My pictures turned out so dark, Im not going to post them.) Emma's class sang Rockin Around the Christmas Tree and danced, it was cute too. They all got to sit on Santa's lap afterwards. Ashley asked Santa for happiness in the New Year. She is amazing with her unselfishness! I wish I was more like her! I think Emma asked for books and Justin wants a remote control monster truck and for Claire she has been asking for Wacamole. We will see what Santa brings!
OK so we don't really live in a neighborhood, but if we did that is what you would call this party. Sara hosted us and all of the neighbors and friends from around to her house for a fun get-together. Those donuts are getting better every time! They were DIVINE! She has an excellent recipe that even I couldn't foul up! It was a success! And we had plenty to spare!
It was nice to have a different crowd to mingle with too, we had a couple of neighbors come that we don't see that often come and it was fun to get to know them better and visit. The kids were into everything like normal, Claire was fully dressed here, by the end of the night she was streaking around. I am not sure why she does that, but she does.
I wanted a nice family picture in front of my our beautiful tree. Funny how those images in my head don't quite turn out how I would like…. oh well its us, and a tiny bit of my fantastic tree!
I am already ready for a couple more of those donuts, I cant wait for spring for the next party!
4 1/2 kids, 5 dogs, too many kitties, 2 moves, 2 college graduates, 600+ acres, lots of cows, multiple paint colors, dozens of church callings, hundreds of bedtime stories, a few dates, lots of tractor rides, 8 or 9…..or 15 vehicles, 1 remodeled kitchen, 2 first days of school, a couple of vacations, and many more memories to be made! Happy Anniversary Ryan!
Oh, and a few bouquets of flowers!!!
The kids were shouting at me to come and look,
Ashley proceeded to teach Justin about straight arms, not muscle arms. I don't think he is quite cheerleader material?? But he does go nicely on the top of the girls pyramid!
