Sledding Adventure

A couple weeks ago we went sledding at White River. It was a beautiful place and perfect because it had a variety of hill sizes and areas to sled so as not to be crowded in any one area and you could pick the size of hill that best fits your family.So we found a great hill that was perfect for the kids and went crazy. Noah liked to try to stand up on his sled and he actually did great. We also went with my step-sister and her family, they'd never played in the snow before so we were happy to show them the ropes.

After awhile we did attempt the huge hill behind Nate and Kelsey but the kids did more tumbling, crashing, and falling than sledding so we didnt last long there.

Sydney was my buddy that day and would only sled with me. The girls did really good considering it was VERY cold. But when they were done they were DONE.

We topped the day off with a pizza feast at our favorite Zig Zag Pizza and played cards into the night. It was a fun day!

Christmas morning

This is before the kiddos got a hold of the gifts. We told them no opening before 8 and they almost made it. They also had to wait until Grandma and Grandpa came over, they were very patient!Noah with his favorite gift, the Hogwarts Castle. It only took him 4 days to build it, it is way cool and he was a happy boy!

The twins got all the princess barbies which they were very happy about. As soon as they opened them they wanted to go and get the rest of their barbies and start playing. We had to encourage them to keep opening their gifts.

Kelsey made Daddies favorite root beer cookies for his gift and colored him a picture. I also got a picture and a coupon book full of coupons to do all sorts of chores around the house, I was very excited!

The kids working on their stockings. We had a great Christmas, after they openned their gifts Grandma made Quiche and I made animal shapped waffles in my new circus waffle maker. That night we went to dinner at my Dads to celebrate with my sister and step-sisters.

Christmas Traditions

Every year my mom and I get together to bake Christmas cookies and treats. This year since my sister recently relocated to the area we baked at her house. Heres Huey, Dewey and Louie. Or Noah, Matt and Chris frosting some sugar cookies.Here's my sister rolling lots of peanut butter balls, its so great to have her live close with her kids for the first time ever!
Katie, Kelsey and Grandma. Altogether we made, cookie blosoms, fudge, 7 layer cookies, sugar cookies and we even tired truffles this year.

Every year we get together with our friends the Tippetts to make gingerbread houses. Out of grahram crakers of course. This year our friends the Modliars also came we all had so much fun!

The twins loved decorating their own house this year. All the kids loved eating all the yummy, variety of candy.

Here's the big girls, Bridgette, Kelsey, Sydney and Alohi. They were the last ones decorating, taking their time to make their houses just right. I love our Christmas traditions. Its what makes Christmas special and creates memories.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

What do you want for Christmas?

No matter what Kelsey says she's not too old to sit on Santa's lap, but when asked what she wanted for Christmas all she could say was, "I don't know". (lame)Aubrey was very brave this year and sat right down after watching her big sister sit on a strangers lap dressed in a red suit. She told him she wanted dolly's for Christmas because you can never have enough apparently!
Sydney was a little apprehensive as you can probably tell by the look on her face, but she did it and when asked what she wanted for Chrismt she promptly responded princesses!

I almost missed Noah sitting on Santa's lap he was second in line and was finishing by the time we made it to the room. When Santa asked him what he wanted this year Noah responded, " a good Christmas." How sweet is that? I tell you since he got his tonsils out he's like a different kid...so....sweet!

Tis the Season

Saturday after Noah's Basketball Tournament we went to get our Christmas tree with my mom and sister. We tried a new place this year, we went to Alder Creek where any tree was $15.After helping my mom find a very tall tree and my sister find just the right tree we searched for ours. Noah helped Nate cut it down this year, it was harder than he thought it would be. After we were done we enjoyed free cocoa, candy canes, popcorn and doughnuts!

While the sun was shinning it was very windy and very cold. Soon the twins were popsicles and ready to go sit in the car. But they were excited about finding a tree and had been asking all week when we would get one. Noah and my nephews had such a great time running through the rows of trees we hardly saw them.

Kelsey got braces this week. Her teeth have been hurting and she's adjusting to being the only 6th grader in her whole middle school that has braces. She got red and green and they look adorable!
Once we got the tree the girls couldn't wait to decorate but we waited until the next day. The twins were definetely the most enthusiastic about the decorating. They loved the bows, ornaments, and lights, it was all so exciting!
So Noah keeps putting balls and pillows in his shirt and pretending to be Santa Claus. Walking around the house saying Ho Ho Ho and the girls sit on his lap and tell them what they want for Christmas...its hilarious!

Don't ask me why the kids didn't get in front of the tree to take this picture, at least we got them all together.

I'm trying really hard not to get overwhelmed by Christmas this year and all the extra responsibilities I seem to have. Its been hard because this last week I haven't been feeling very good, but happy moments like these help!

I went to Time Out!

This last weekend I enjoyed a wonderful two days of laughing, crying, beautiful music, and great friends! Here's part of the gang with out free tote bags that we got this year! Aren't they super cute!Since my sister has recently relocated back to the area we got to go to our first Time Out for Women. How wonderful it was to have her by my side. My stepmom, stepsister, mother-in-law and sister-in-law were also there! Gotta love the family!

One of my BFF's Carrie returned from Houston to share the weekend with us. It was soooo wonderful to be with her again. I laugh so much when were together and we all love and miss her so much!

There's Liz, Melanie and Mindy. Liz went to Seattle with me last year but it was Melanie and Mindy first event. I think they loved it because how could you not, its so great. I was so glad they all came along.

I love going to Time Out for Women. I love being with the other women and hearing such inspirational presenters that encourage me to be a better person.

Next year it is back in Seattle...so up to Seattle I will go!

Soccer Season

As soccer season comes to a close I would be remiss if I didn't honor it with a blog post. But before I do that I must talk about Noah getting his tonsils out.

It was tramatic and anyone who tells you different is lying. Constantly worrying about his eating, drinking, sleeping, everything! Recovery was almost 2 weeks but because of careful planning he only missed 4 days of school. He also got his sinus's flushed and that has really helped his breathing.

Noah is number 11 you can't see him but I love the action shot. Noah started the season excited and aggressive but quickly seemed bored and unmotivated. As a parent it can frustrating to watch.
Kelsey just took that ball away, she continued to improve and become a force to be reckoned with on the field. She loves her team and has a great coach. As a parent it can be exhilerating to watch.

After getting his tonsils out the old Noah was back. Maybe he can breath better, maybe it was nice to have a break, perhaps he was better rested? Whatever the reason I was happy!

Yes, Kelsey just kicked that ball in and scored her third goal of the season. So exciting. So proud of both of the kids.

As crazy as soccer season is, all the driving around, juggling schedules, racing off the games and practices. I really do love it and it's a lot of fun! Once its over I won't know how to spend my Saturdays?