Family snapshots...

never a dull moment.

Britton and Blaine are ready to serve and protect.

B2 and B3 aren't sure what to make of their goofy sister.

B2 acting goofy, B3 looking at him and me disciplining..just another day.

no idea about B3 or Ryan

the best, despite my eyes.

Miss G with cousin Kassidy and Grandad, 2 of her favorite people.

Christmastime 2011

My house is so full of toys right now.so full. The task of trying to find room for it all has left me overwhelmed so I decided to post pics of our celebrations instead.
Christmas was so nice. We spent Friday with my dad and stepmom, Saturday with my mom and stepdad and stepsisters and Sunday with my in-laws after church.
It was such a great weekend full of family, laughter and great food, and even a movie date with my hubs!
I think the plethora of pics sum up our happy Christmas...

I think he's excited.. new Wii games

Blaine had just called his rolled up tee "underpants" so Britton was laughing at his. boys...

"booooooks"

she's excited.

Britton's crayon roll, he's excited to take it to church later.

her new apron with her name on it.

my 9 year old asked for a chess set.

something was funny to me... Mrs. Potts tea set for G.

G's new baby has a "pa" just like her. This baby is her new favorite.

I cannot believe I just posted 20 pics.To say that the kids were spoiled rotten would be an understatement. Brandon's favorite gifts were his watch, wallet (with money in it) and basketball goal. Blaine's favorites were his paper jamz guitar, cars 2 toys and legos, Britton's faves were his watch, cars 2 toys and tools. Gracelyn's favorites, I'm not really sure, she loved it all, the babies, boots, cleaning cart, sit and spin, yeah she had lots of fun.
My family is so blessed. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and the new year brings joy and peace to you and yours.

Christmas music!

All three boys have had Christmas programs (of some kind) over the last couple of weeks.

Ryan and I found out right before we left for Vail that Brandon's concert was on the Friday we would be gone. Luckily, they were going to go to 3 nursing homes around town the following Friday to perform their songs so we were able to see it! They performed 45minutes worth of songs for the residents and parents in attendance. It was a nice concert!
I forgot my camera and my phone was acting up so unfortunately the pics aren't the greatest but they still capture our handsome B1!

you can only see half of him, but there was a "freestyle" section in "Let it Snow". He was totally breaking it down, I love my sweet white boy!

 

Monday, at Britton's last day of CDO for 2011, his class, the oldest kids, went caroling to all of the younger classes. It was super cute.

"Away in a Manger"

still just standing.

"Jingle Bells!!" Now, he's into it!

"We Wish you a Merry Christmas" Back to not feelin' it.

Tuesday was Blaine's "Celebrate the Family" day at his school. The Pre-K kids performed a few songs and then we went back to the class for treats.

Rudolph

all the Pre-K'ers!

Ryan had just put a rice crispy treat in his mouth but I like the picture, esp. B2's smile.

Mrs. Hunt, Blaine and Mrs. Boyd!

Children's Nativity

Wednesday night at church was our annual Children's Nativity. Brandon has been part of it for the past several years but this year our Blaine was invited to be in the program. I gotta admit, I wasn't quite sure how our easily excitable Blaine would do. Ryan didn't exactly calm my nerves by saying, "yep, there's no telling what he'll do." thanks, honey.
Brandon played Zachariah and Blaine was a shepherd. We got a kick out of Brandon because he took the "muted Zachariah" role very seriously. In the pictures he looks so angry, as if he is scowling, but he said he was just focused on being quiet. Brandon always does his very best.
Blaine, as a shepherd, walked on stage, turned to face the audience, cheesed and wildly waved to us. Both boys did so well.
I enjoy the children's nativity program so much. The kiddos portraying the stars of the Christmas story are just so precious.

Zachariah and Elizabeth

the shepherds

B1 looks heartbreaking to me but he was in character. Then you have Blaine...

B2 and his good friend Cayson, a wise man. C stayed in character despite Blaine, the bad influence

A Wonderful Week

with my hubby!

We left Thursday at 6AM for Denver, then drove to Vail to stay, ski, relax, regroup, eat, enjoy massages, til Tuesday at 1PM! It was a fabulous getaway. Ryan and I had the best time! We skied Thursday soon after we arrived and unfortunately I experienced a very bad fall that resulted in a hurt back, shoulder and eye. It was crazy. The next day, my wonderful husband was so patient with his very nervous wife and told me I had to get back out there. He was right, I was so glad I did.

first day, pre first ski!

Vail!

Bridgestreet, where all the action is... except on Monday nights.

We were totally fascinated with the fire in the fountain.

by Sunday, I was definitely homesick and finally got to Skype with the kiddos!

It was a wonderful 10 year anniversary celebration! I love you Ryan so much.