Christmas

Christmas Eve w/cousins
Christmas morning

Jeremy's Nana visiting for Christmas

The holidays are full of fun traditions. Each year Christmas Eve has a new spin. My brother's family hosted an open house, with lots of yummy food, and a special visit from Santa. I love being surrounded by kids. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Jeremy's brother, Tony and his wife Elisa, and their 3 kids spent the night at our house. It was fun for the kids to be with their cousins. Christmas morning was great, even better because of the fresh snow. Christmas Day begins with gifts at our house, then off to Jeremy's moms for breakfast around 9:30am. Following a few hour visit, we go to Jeremy's dads house for a visit, then off to my parent's for dinner and a visit. We usually get home around 6pm. It is a long day, but great to be with everyone!

Are YOU smarter than a 5th grader?

I know that I am not. We just purchased a fan for our fireplace. We asked the place that we purchased it from if it was something that we could install ourselves. He stated that 75% of the population can not, and they end up calling to have a professional do it. They charge $95 to come and do the install for you. We thought we would roll the dice to see if we fall into the 25% that can do it. We don't, but our 11 year old boys do!

The boys are always anxious for a project. They saw us walk in the door with a box and asked us what it was, they then asked if they could install it. It was worth a try, right??? They spent about an hour on it, hit a few snags, did some research on the internet, had to leave for a party, asked their dad a few questions (which he couldn't answer) came home looked at it some more. Still stumped, they went to bed. Zach laid in bed thinking about it, woke up, went back to the project and within 15 minutes the project was complete. They saved us $95. Needless to say, they are for hire :)

Earlier this week they took apart the snowblower (trimmed a cracked fuel line). They also attached the plow to the four-wheeler. Whether good or bad, if something is broken, they are going to try and fix it!

First Day on the Slopes!

We finally made it! We have had the kids in snowboarding classes and practicing on the 'bunny hill' for the last few years. Today we ventured onto the "Mountain". The kids did fabulous. It was so fun for me to be able to ski with them. In the past I have stood on the edge of the ski run, or hung out in the lodge, watching them learn. Now we have a winter activity that we can do together.

The weather was beautiful, although the temperature lingered around 12 degrees (BRRRRRR). As we finished for the day, loading all the gear into the car, shedding the snow clothes, etc. I literally felt like my hands were going to fall off, it was bitter cold! I was so thankful that I could jump in the car and turn on the heat full blast. It made me think of our ancestors. I CAN NOT imagine having to trek across the plains, getting stranded in the bad weather. I would not have made it. I have much to be grateful for, especially this time of year!!!

Off-track adventures

The kids are off track for the month of December, thus we decided to venture down to California. We had a great trip. We rented a home in Huntington Beach that included bikes. We were able to ride the bikes to the beach. The weather was fabulous. It hovered between 65-75 degrees. Our adventure included Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and Disney/California Adventure. We also spent a day at the beach. The kids actually swam in the ocean (crazy). Jeremy spent most of his trip on the telephone, as interest rates are going crazy (up, down, up, down, etc).

The infamous Christmas Letter

Let me start by saying we have not sent out Christmas cards for at least three years! We are so proud that we actually pulled it off this year.

We decided to take a different approach with our cards. We posted our blog address, rather than attaching a family letter. We figured those who REALLY wanted to know about our family would go to our blog, others would just enjoy a few photos. (To each their own). I personally love to read family letters, but I know there is much joking about them, as well. SOOOO... below you will find our Christmas letter.

It has been a great year for us! We moved into our new home around Dec. 20 of last year. It made for a real exciting Christmas. We are thankful to be settled in and enjoying our new neighborhood. We have been blessed to meet new friends and neighbors, in addition to maintaining existing friendships.

Our kids continue to thrive:

Zach wants to be an adult. He much prefers to hang out with Mom, Dad, and other adults, as opposed to hanging out with friends. He is a very easy going, loving, and giving young man. His preferred activities include creating, building, taking apart anything he can get his hands on. In fact, for his birthday he asked for pvc pipe, glue, valves, and other components to build a rocket launcher. His brain never stops churning! He is learning how to play the electric guitar.

Seth has become very social this last year. He know exactly what he wants, he is very decisive. He loves to skateboard, rollerblade, wakeboard, and snowboard. He thinks he wants to venture into tackle football this fall, we will see???? He enjoys teasing his brother and sister. Seth LOVES listening to music and learning how to play the guitar.

Abby loves to cook and create. She enjoys sewing, babysitting, and hanging out with 'one' friend at a time. She enjoys playing the big sister roll to many of our friends younger children. She is very nurturing. (Or as her brothers would say, bossy). She continues to take piano. She loves to spend time on the computer :)

Jeremy and I have had a great year. We enjoy a lot of time together. We don't have to get babysitters anymore, thus we can go out whenever we want. We love to spend time with our friends. We are always looking for a social outing. Our children are our greatest joy! We love watching them grow. We have come to realize that time is going to fast for us. We are trying to savour every moment we have with our kids! We love traveling as a family. Boating has brought us a lot of joy.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought much stability and comfort to our family. We are thankful for this holiday season, when we can reflect on the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are thankful for his teachings and ultimately his sacrifice. We are thankful to be members of HIS church.

We are thankful for everyone within our sphere of influence, we love you all!