Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Very Merry Christmas

We spent the first part of Christmas Eve across the street at Rick's sister's house. Once Paige was ready to collapse we went home to play some Mexican Train and watch It's a Wonderful Life with more family.


Paige and Daddy checked out NORAD to see where Santa was.


Trace was shocked that Santa brought him the skis he had dreamed of but never in a million years thought he'd actully get!



Caden loved his little remote control helicopter! He brought it when we went to my parent's house for Christmas dinner and had a blast flying it up into their vaulted ceilings.

We had a wonderful Christmas and were so very blessed in so many ways. Not only was there food on the table and gifts galore, but we were all together as a family and everyone was healthy. Our kids are happy, we have jobs to support them. Life is good. And I am thankful.

Friday, December 23, 2011

December Days

It has been a busy month for us - as I'm sure it has been for everyone! With work, shopping, school activities and meetings, kids parties, shopping, tree hunting, did I mention shopping? This year we were able to resume our tradition of hunting for the perfect tree up in the Gifford Pinchot near Mt. Adams. Because of the weather we haven't been able to go the last couple of years and the kids were thrilled that we could go this year! It turned out to be a real Currier and Ives kind of day. Uncle Woody built us a small fire and we roasted hot dogs, hiked through the snow in search of our tree and the kids did a little sledding with their cousins before calling it a day. The best memories!

Trace doing his imitation of a polar bear after loosing his sled!


Caden's reaction after one of his first runs down a really fast and long hill!


Hiking through the woods. The snow was almost up to my knees in some areas!



On the last day of school before Christmas Vacation Trace's school hosts the Red and Green Games. They divide the grades into boys and girls teams then assign them red or green. They each play a ten minute game of basketball. It is a loud and roudy tradition that everyone loves. The teacher in the picture is Trace's P.E. teacher, a great example of how the teachers get into the spirit.
This last week we made our gingerbread houses with the Biundos. It was really fun to watch Paige, who just last year didn't get it, take the longest time to carefully work on her creation. We've taken the kids to a $3 movie and spent an afternoon at an indoor trampoline "park" and now we are getting geared up for the big day. We will spend Christmas celebrating with family and trying to enjoy some peace. I wish the same for all of you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!