Amazing!

So of course it's been a few months and the garage is full of all the christmas boxes. Emilee was looking for work and lucky for her I was in need of help. First we had to finish putting some of the stuff IN the boxes... Then we set up the ladder... the Christmas tree box was to go up first. It's quite large and awkward. Oh and heavy!
We attempted to get it up twice by just lifting and sliding it up the ladder. Not too successful. Then ping! A light went off, let's tie a rope ( or extention cord) around so Emilee can pull while I lift from the bottom!
Worked like a charm! And a few hours later everything was put away, the car was cleaned out, and I was parked in the garage again. I was pretty impressed with our sweet skills.

Anniversary

January 23rd was our twelve year anniversary. it was a busy day with basketball games and the pinewood derby, but we were glad to go to dinner together that evening.

It's been a great twelve years. Some highlights...

We've lived in three houses

We have five beautiful children (if I do say so myself)

We have been to Hawaii ( beautiful)

Made many trips to disneyland

Served in our church callings

worked and worked and worked...

Learned that we camp best with a potty ( and LOVE it)

We are trying to raise good people and getting to do it everyday together!

twelve years... now on to forever!

Pinewood derby

January 23rd was Gunner's second pinewood derby. He and Andrew worked on his car... I think Gunner did some sanding... and helped to put the skin on the car.
Down the track! This may have been our race where we didn't come in last. Sure was a good lookin car though.
Mason and Rigdon were perfect spectators.
Rigdon
Sienna

Double duty

Rigdon is such a fun kid. He is all about trucks, dinosaurs, dirt, and all things boy. Until he finds a great mask...
If you happen to have a knit hat with a ribbon just lying around it could double as a great disguise for a hero. Don't forget if you should loose your sword a golf club will work in a pinch!
Now if you find your sword but are feelin fancy a sequin head band will also hide your true identity.
Last if you are about to hang out with a band of pirates this hair bow will do the trick!

So if you ever thought your fancy hair accessories only had one use think again. They might just be the key to an adventure!

Cookie Monster

This morning's conversation with Sienna went like this...

Sienna, "Mom did you know that Dad's a cookie monster?"

Me, " Oh really, why?"

Sienna, "Because he always eats all the cookies."

Haha, she is too funny. What can I say, I have to tell her someone ate all the cookies when she asks for them the next day! Who better than the guy who's not around to say he didn't. Although he does eat many of them!!

Winter wonderland!

We went to Williams for some family fun. Snowball fight anyone?
Sienna hit her Dad in the bottom and was running for her life!
Gotta have a taste!
Andrew landed a giant snowball on Rig. Poor kid.
We took a drive up the hill to the ski lodge, fishtailing our way up the slippery road! I had a little heart attack but we made it just fine.
The snow was coming down as we made a few runs down the hill in tubes! Gunner went down the most times, Mason was the first to call it quits because he was cold, Rig, Sienna, and Ashlynn thought it was the best time!
We were afraid to stay too long because of the snow falling, so we made the trip down the hill.... very slowly. Everyone enjoyed out once a year trip to the cold. It always brings a little tear to my eye to watch the kids do things that are so delightful.

Polar Express

Grandma And Grandpa White came with us for a trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express! We were all so excited to ride on a real train.
Everyone had their tickets checked as we boarded the train.
Off we go!
The conductor came through to make sure we were all where we were supposed to be.
Everyone enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate as we listened to the story of the Polar Express.
Then it happened! We arrived at Santa's Village !! We saw Santa in his sleigh and then he came aboard the train.
All the children received a gift from Santa! And we jingled all the way home.