Christmas

Christmas Eve we made and decorated sugar cookies, went to a movie, had Pizza Hut for dinner, then got ready for Santa to come. The kids opened their new Christmas pajama pants that I sewed for them then we all gathered around to listen to Jake read the Christmas story of Christ's birth. After that we watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", then set out Santa's sugar cookies and our stockings. The

kids all slept downstairs together and they were all asleep by 10:00. 

Christmas morning we woke the kids up at 6:00, opened presents, had a big breakfast and then Jake, Cody and I went back to bed while the Tyler, Brooke, Kennady and Zach watched their new movie Despicable Me 2. After a day of playing with games and toys, I made some clam chowder and rolls for dinner. I has been a wonderful year and we are so blessed. I love my family and can't wait for another great year!!

Christmas morning waiting to go see what Santa brought them.

Zach got a Raptor and Thor costume

I love this picture of Cody with his new rocking horse, sticking his tongue out!

Tyler, Brooke and Kennady were spoiled! They got ipod touches and a kindle fire.

Zach in his Thor costume

After Cody was done with his rocking horse he headed right over to Polly's new dog blankets.
 Poor little guy, he was so tired and took a good long nap.

Christmas Vacation

The kids had two weeks off for Christmas vacation this year. Since Jake was working we just stayed in Afton and relaxed. We played games, watched movies, played in the snow, and even saw Santa Claus.

On a drive to Jackson we saw these mountain goats. They were right on the road in
some places and we even saw a couple of babies. Quite the experience to see them so close.

Waiting to see Santa Claus at the library. The library had a fun craft and some Christmas stories too.

Kenna wouldn't sit on his lap but at least she quietly told him what she wanted for Christmas.

Cody can't wait to open these presents!!

Tyler the champion of Monopoly!

I helped the kids make some snow forts and a snowman. They had some pretty good snowball fights.

Jake told the kids that he would pull them on the sled behind the 4-wheeler with one condition. They had to find the sled that was buried in the snow in the backyard somewhere.  It was fun to watch the kids look and look and finally after about 15 minutes they found it and dug it out of the snow. 

Thanksgiving

We were able to go to Idaho on Thanksgiving day this year. It was nice to be able to spend a day with my family just relaxing, visiting and of course enjoying Mom's amazing Thanksgiving dinner. 

My cousin Terry "flew" by! I haven't seen him in years
and my kids and Jake thought his plane was pretty cool.

The "grandkid" table. 

The food was so good, Jake couldn't even stop eating for a picture. HaHa!

Cody's first Thanksgiving. He loved the sweet potatoes and pie.

Blake and Brittany are so cute with our kids. Cody loves snuggling up to Uncle Blake.

My sister, Val, and Cody. 

My sister, Angie, preparing for the Zombie attack.

This year we decided to participate in Operation Christmas Child. I had each of the kids pack a shoebox with presents for someone their own age, then we delivered them to the church and was even able to track the shoeboxes.
They ended up going to children in Mexico. It really helped the kids to realize how blessed we are.

The day after Thanksgiving the kids helped me put up our Christmas tree.

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I put out these stuffed christmas decorations in hope that Cody would leave the tree alone.
Didn't work out as planned.

My Girls

Kennady is growing up so fast. She is so thoughtful and loving.
 For Jake's birthday this year she gave him a handmade pistol and birthday card. 

Jake was putting up Christmas lights and Brooke wanted to get up on the roof with him.
She did great going up but coming down was a whole different story. 

Brooke has been on the gymnastics team since Sept. this year.
 She has been to a couple of meets so far and is loving it.

I took Brooke to lunch after a gymnastics meet and I couldn't get over
how grown up she looks lately. Before I know it she will be a teenager.