New Year's Eve

This year we had several of Mark's siblings come into town after Christmas and we had a little party at our house.  Below is thier cousin Ryan, also know as Big Ryan, wrestling and having fun with Kendra and Travis.  They love to wrestle with anyone and he was more that willing, at least for a while.

The older kids played pool while the snow fell outside, and we loved it.  We were hoping everyone would get stranded at our house since having guests at our house is few and far between.

A little Rock band!  Can you ever hear the same song too much? 

And of course a little table football between brothers.  I don't remember who won, but it is always fun when everyone gets together.  Thanks everyone for coming to visit us.

Kendra's First Day Skiing

Mark grew up skiing, and it is finally time for his baby girl to learn how.  Over Christmas break they went up one day with Mark's little brother Kevin, his little sister Julie and her family.  They really had a great time.  Kevin helped Kendra out so much as it is always easier to listen to someone that isn't your day. 

Here she is in the video with her Uncle Kevin who is the best skier in the area!  Afterall, he is a ski bum living in Salt Lake.  (love it)

What a great time she had.  As you can tell, this is on the way home after a hard day of skiing :)

Christmas

What a wonderful time of year it is when Christmas come around.  This is one of the times of the year we love that Mark is a teacher.  Having a couple of weeks with our family during the holidays is always magical.  Christmas this year was more enjoyable because we finally were able to include the boys in the giving part of Christmas.  They were more excited to give their gift than receive.  Don't get me wrong, they love to get, they just enjoy the giving part just as much.

Cookies and Milk for Santa

All Travis could talk about is drums.  Luckily Santa had an electronic one that works great.  He still loves them today.

Kendra got her cooking doll that she wanted.  Now I want some of those awesome deserts this doll is supposed to be able to make.

Trevor, Mr. Simple, wanted a lion to match his tiger.  His tiger is named Pancake Pancake.  The lion's name is Waffle Waffle.  Don't ask, I don't know. 

Kendra made Dad a beanie all by herself.  There were a few months of hard work, even tears that went into that hat. 

The boys got Dad some tape measures, after all, they broke his other ones.  I wonder how long these will last.

Chef hats and aprons for the boys.  They love to help cook and A friend made these for us and we traded her a couple of sock monkey hats.  What a great deal.

Early Christmas

Each year we are invited to Ron's house for a Christmas dinner.  It is always a fun time for the kids as he has a connection with the big man in a red suit.  Thanks Ron for helping to create fun memories for our children.

Kids Paint Nativity

The kids each got their own nativity this year that is paintable.  It was very interesting to watch how each of them painted the nativity.  Kendra was very detailed, or the best she could be, Travis took his time and really concentrated on the job, and Trevor just painted as fast as he could and was done in no time.  Very different kids, that is for sure.  They all turned out awesome and will come out for Christmas every year from here after.

Ward Christmas Activity

This year for our ward Christmas activity, we did an activity where everyone dressed up as in Jesus' time.  The kids were so cute.  We got to have a light dinner on blankets on the gym floor.  It was fun, but cake and juice on a blanket are not things I recommend with 3 year old twins.  Lets just say we left with a very messy blanket, but still had a good time.

Kendra's First Concert

I know, most people will think we are crazy, but we were very excited to go to a school concert this year.  I am sure in the future we won't be as excited, but this was a first for our family.  It was fun to watch her sing the songs and just have a good time.  Way to go Kendra, can't wait for the next one.

Parade of Lights

Each year we make it a tradition, if at all possible, to go see the parade of lights in Minden.  That is our original home town, but we are finally starting to see Dayton as our families home town.  I  NEVER thought I would say that, but it has.  It is what we know as a family and we love our family.  It is always fun to start the  holiday season off with a parade full of lights and Santa Clause.  Good times always.

 This is a picture in front of Granda and Grandpa's house.  We walk from there to the parade.

 Here is one picture that shows what you can expect.  Fun lights on all the cars.

And of course, they throw candy to the kids.  Trevor didn't trust Dad to hold it all so he stuffed his pants pockets as full as he could.

Quit Monkeying Around!

What is going on?  Katy has started a crazy project around here.  Katy made Lisa monkey beanies for her twins and they were so cute that she decided to make some and sell them.  Well that is an understatement.  She was as busy as could be from November right up to two days before Christmas.  She even made some for the owner of a couple of local restaurants and they wore them with their monkey group on New Year's Eve and make the cover of the local paper.  Way to go Katy, keep up the great work.  I think she loves having a hobby that is all hers.  It attempts to take her away from the real task of life with twins.  She has made many other beanies since then and we are thinking about tackling eBay, maybe!

Below are some of the other types of beanies she has done and is looking to do more, so if you want one, let her know.

Halloween

Every year Katy really gets into Halloween.  This is one of the only years she hasn't put a party together, just a little too busy.  She won't be too proud of the costumes this year because she only made one, but it still turned out great.  We carved pumpkins and even went to our ward Trunk or Treat party, like a safe street.  That was actually all we did this year because Halloween was on Sunday.  The kids wanted to hand out candy, but we didn't make a big deal out of it so they really didn't ask again. 

This year our families costumes all came from Toy Story. 

Taylor Creek

There are many things to do living in this area, and Taylor Creek is one of them. In the fall of each year, Katy takes the kids up to see the Salmon run. The kids always have a great time and talk about it frequently.

 Below is Trevor trying to get a better view of the fish through a hole in the dock.

Playing in the Leaves

Each year we like to rake up the few leaves that we have (and it is getting more each year) and let the kids play in them.  They run and jump into them, toss them up, and even hide in them.  Fall is a favorite time of year around here for many reasons, and the leaves are definitely one of them.

 Kendra loved to run and jump into them. 

Of course her brothers had to do the same also.

Finally, the picture of all the kids staring into the sun in the early morning.  Hard to do, but still fun all in all.

Kendra's 6 Year Old Pics

Each year we have Kendra's pictures taken and I really can't believe how much she is growing up. Each year her personality begins to show more and more in the pictures as well. We love you Kendra!