Christmas 2009

Finally I have gotten to Christmas. So, then I can continue on with the new year. Christmas Eve sledding was a blast. Unfortunately I had to work the night before so I stayed home to sleep while Jason took the oldest four kids. Lindsey, Sierra and Megan were troopers and Hunter was for maybe once down the hill. Then he was pretty much done. Justin and Emily we can hardly wait for you guys to be there next year.

We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed being home and around family. Until next blog, thanks for checking on us. Blog ya later!

Lindsey the mountain Queen of sledding. She just kept going and going.

The bottom of the hill and a look at "the jump."

Hunter thinking he was done 15 minutes after he got there.

The infamous train.

Megan relieved she survived another run.

Some of the gang roasting hot dogs at the bottom of the hill.

The girls Christmas morning.

Hunter and his new "rocket" bike. When he went to bed Christmas night he said, "the girls scooters are beautiful, but my bike is awesome." Too cute.

Gage just loving the wrapping paper and boxes.

Christmas Traditions

At Christmas time, we like to make Christmas candy and then take plates around to neighbors. This year we did the pepper jelly, but we still had to make the candy. It is a tradition that, the kids informed me, we were not going to break this year. So, we made our candy. Unfortunately, in all the hussel and bussel around the kitchen, my pine garland fell off from the top of the cupboard. It brought with it our plate from Rome and Prague. They both shattered. We were able to piece the Rome plate back together with super glue. The Prague plate however, we attempted, but it did not make it. So, Justin and Emily, if you guys happen to go to Prague between now and July, would you mind finding us a plate? Sorry for the late blogs, we are trying to play catch up.

Recipes in hand, aprons on, we are ready to begin.

The remains of the Prague plate.

Jason gluing the Rome plate together. The finished product of our labors.

Gage reaping the benefits.

And loving every minute of it!

Pre-Christmas Activities

We started December off with a bang!! There are always the list of things to do before Christmas, such as, Christmas cards, make candy, goody plates to neighbors, and on and on and on. As I am sure all of you have the same list. It is amazing how quickly the time flies by. One evening on the 5th of Dec, I started to make some pepper jelly (thank you Bonnie for the recipe). We decided this year we would give these to the neighbors. However, I got 3/4 of the way through the recipe and found out I accidentally bought taco sauce instead of Tabasco sauce. Unfortunately I had to work that night so I was unable to finish until Jason came home with the Tabasco sauce. Which, left him to finish canning it. I must say, he did a wonderful job.Thank you so much dear!!

Lindsey showing off her lovely play earring she borrowed from her cousin Abigail.

Gage has been really cute lately with hats. He sees a hat (be it girls, boys or underwear) and puts it on his head. Then he parades around the house until everyone has seen him before he'll take it off.

Hunter not wanting Gage to have too much of the spotlight. Apparently spaghetti is a must have on the face for this outfit.

Sierra and Hunter showing off their "big" muscles. I am not sure who's is bigger.

Jason with the apron on getting serious about canning the pepper jelly.

Jason making sure Sierra took lots of pictures for mommy to see when she gets home.

With a lot of Sierra's help, the finished product. Way to go guys it looks beautiful!!

On the 7th of December, Hilary and I got together to do our annual Christmas chocolate dipping. It is always a lot of fun and the product is delicious. Hunter kept trying to be the taste tester.

Thanksgiving 2009

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We went to Utah and had Thanksgiving with my cousins, Aunts and Uncles that I hadn't seen in years. It was a lot of fun with a lot of people. Here are some pictures of the activities.

The kids decorated turkey cookies before the "big meal."

Hunter and Layne eating the cookies before dinner.

Aunt Tiffany with cute little Ryleigh in her arms. Doesn't she look good holding a baby?

Broadee and Lindsey. Broadee showing how well the turkey fits in his mouth.

Hunter thinking the turkey cookie took up more room in his belly than he thought.

All the cousins being too big to sit with their parents.

My grandparents at this table. They are 87 years old. They are the start of everyone here.

My cousin Tammy who I hadn't seen in over 9 years. Getting ready to take pictures of everyone. Aunt Kelly in the background practicing her "cheese" smile.

From left to right: My cousin Jeff and his sister Jodi, my brother Cory with his wife Stephanie in the background and Jason solving the problems of the world.

My Uncle Gary and Aunt Arlene with 2 of their 4 kids and 5 of their 10 or 11 grandkids. Along with my grandparents.

My Uncle Dennis and Aunt Kathlene 2 of their 4 kids. Along with Tammy's 2 girls.

My mom has a twin brother and they have 7 children like my mom. We are all the same ages and did a lot growing up. My uncle now lives in Alaska with 2 of the 7 children. This is 4 of the 7 children and their families. It is always great to see them.

My family, everyone but my sister Holly and her family are pictured. We missed you Holly.

On the way home from Utah we stopped in and visited with Josh and Tara. It is always great to see them. Thanks for letting us crash your place on short notice for Sunday dinner.

Jason testing out the infamous rope bridge at Josh and Tara's.

You can't see it from this angle, but he is really white knuckled as he is taking the last steps. He made it!!

Events Before Thanksgiving

Life did go on after Europe, sadly enough. It almost seems like a dream now. However, I was fortunate enough to go to the midnight showing of "Newmoon" with a fun crowd of ladies. "Newmoon" was much better than "Twilight" in my opinion.

The exciting thing that happened after we got home was Gage received his first hair cut. He did better than expected for his first. He has gotten one more since than and almost holds more still than his 3 year old brother- almost.

The whole gang of crazy "Newmoon" fans.

Gage thinking the clippers tickle a little.

The idea was to put a movie on the computer so he would watch that. His siblings ended up being the ones that watched it.

Mr. Bingham for his close up.

He almost has more hair than his Dad. How did it get so long? He is officially not an infant anymore.

Life did go on!

Keanna this update is for you! I wanted you to know that we did give the kids the items that you made for them. They loved them! They thought your puzzle was the hardest puzzle they had ever put together. However, with great determination we finished it. They also loved the masks you made for them.

The finished puzzle you made for us.

The girls in their "German" hats and Italy shirts.

The girls in their "German" outfits mom and Dad got for them. With the adorable masks of Keanna to finish off any perfect outfit.

Gage really did like his also. He didn't quite understand to hold the mask up for the picture. Thank you Keanna for the fun stuff for the kids. They all loved it. We miss you guys. Thanks again for an experience of a lifetime.