Sledding fun

We went sledding up to Black rock mountain and it was a blast. Brylee didn't care too much for the actual sledding part, she mostly just chilled on this huge rock and ate snow the whole time. Kyler and his cousin Sky had a blast riding down the mountain together, except when Kyler would steer them into a bush or rock. At least they didn't take down Grandpa like Brylee and Aspen did. If I only would of had my camera ready for that one. Sorry Grandpa but it was really funny.

Brylee loves posing for the camera anywhere, anytime. Isn't she cute?

This is black rock mountain. The famous tubing place in my younger years. We've had lots of laughs, cries, bruises, and broken bones on this mountain, but boy is it fun. It took us a couple runs to make it nice and smooth after the fresh snow, but it was worth it. I think I had more fun than the kids. If it wouldn't have been for the huge slice in the tube, I could have gone for hours. Also, the kids were freezing. It was a great day for sledding.

Cadence had a great run down the mountain, but I think all the fresh snow spraying her in the face did her in. She was a great sport though.

Christmas Day

Here's our HUGE charlie brown Christmas tree, which we all have enjoyed and loved. We were never able to put a star or angel on top, because the branch was about the size of a pencil. It was fun having a big tree, though. I think Santa lost his load at our house. I don't remember our kids being THAT good. How can you beat that smile though? Our kids woke us up at 5:45 am. I guess the days of sleeping in until 8:00 are gone!

Kyler was really happy with this sled. It got some great stuff, but no dirt bike. Guess we'll see what happens next year.

Cadence was so happy with her Baby Alive that she didn't really care about much else. How can someone be sooooo excited to change messy diapers?

Aspen finally got her spectator kit that she had been eyeballing at Walmart for two months.

We all sure had so much fun. What a great time of year to give of yourself to others. I hope this next year we can all try and be a little more Christlike and keep the spirit of Christmas all year round. Thanks everyone for all the fun goodies and especially for your love and friendships. Now let the diets begin! Merry Christmas!

Brylee's first Dance Recital

Here's the happy clan at Brylee's first dance recital on December 15. She is quite the entertainer.

She did really good but she didn't see us because she was too busy watching her teacher.

Even though she didn't hit all the moves, she smiled the whole time. Good job Brylee! You did great!

Santa

Well, we finally saw Santa for the first and only time this Christmas. Kyler asked Santa for a dirt bike, of course, which he has been asking for since he was 2 years old. Too bad mom and dad say no, though. He did ask for an art set and an ipod, too. Cadence was a little shy, but she still asked Santa for a Baby alive that poops and pees. What will they think of next?

Aspen really wants a spectator kit and a violin. She loves to draw, learn, and any kind of musical instrument.

Brylee asked for a swim to me little puppy and littlest pet shop.

Cabin Fever

This is the beloved cabin. It turned out great, and it's almost finished. Yeah! This is where we had our family Christmas party. The weather was gorgeous.

This is the view from the balcony. Pretty great huh?

Savannah, Brylee and Cadence posing in front of the Christmas tree that they help find, and decorate.

This is pretty much what Aspen did the whole time we were at the cabin. She just did not feel good.

I totally scored with the crafts we exchanged this year. Everyone did such a great job. Thanks for all the cute stuff from my family. You guys are awesome!

Family Christmas Party

Our Christmas this year was pretty laid back. We usually sit around, eat, play games, eat some more, do some crafts, eat, play more games, and eat some more. I probably gained at least 5 lbs, but the food was good. This year everyone from our family was there except Josh and Shelisse. The crappy thing about pictures is they tell the truth. Which sometimes really sucks. I look like a downed rat, I know, but it was the end of the day and I was beat. Brent tiled one of the showers almost the whole time we were at the cabin, so he was worn out too. What a bunch of party animals!

I think this is the only time I saw Brent sitting down. It was only because I made him while we did our white elephant gifts. Look how happy he is.

Stacia had to come without Josh this year, but we got to play with Taylee, who is always full of smiles and laughs. Mike and Sarah look happy to be there, or maybe Mike is smiling for another reason. He is kind of leaning to one side.

Grandma and Grandma are snuggling as usual. The grand kids love hanging out with them. Grandma loves that baby!

Dave brought his girlfriend Brenda and her kids this year. They all had fun playing together.

Gingerbread Houses

At our annual family Christmas party we like to make gingerbread houses. Last year we made them from scratch. They were yummy and fun, but way to much work! This year we just made them out of graham crackers and they worked just fine.

Brylee was so proud of her house.

Cadence was pretty much sick the whole weekend, but she still found it in her to load her house (and her mouth) with plenty of candy.

Aspen was also sick but she did a great job on her house.

It was so fun being with cousins and having a great time. Kyler missed out on the decorating because he went fishing. He still had a blast though!

Aspen loses another tooth

Aspen lost her second tooth. So now she can ask for her two front teeth for Christmas

Look what the tooth fairy brought! She actually remembered this time.

Aren't they cute

Brylees Dance Performance

Brylee had her first dance performance . She definitely is a born dancer. She did great!

Ta da!

Her costumes were cute, but there were some there that were really cute. She makes anything look cute though.

More Twilight Fun

What a bunch of cool twilight groupies, minus the one on the right side. "What's twilight again?" We drove a long way to the city of forks. I was ready for a nap.

This is the display they had in the theater lobby. They had prizes for people who wore their prom dresses and for look alike contests. This is our version of prom dresses.

We had an hour to kill so we played a little 21 and go fish. What party animals!

Aren't we all excited for the movie!

Twilight

Well, for girls night we all went and saw the midnight showing of twilight, and it is was fun. Most of us wore our matching shirts that said this...

The lines were crazy, which you can see. The theatre was sold out and people started lining up that morning to get in. We sat outside in the cold for about an hour.

Here's all of us crazy girls waiting and freezing in line. But we're having a blast!

We all went and ate at chilis before we went to the movie. Mostly I was just along for the ride. I haven't read the books yet, but I did like the movie, even though I thought some parts were a little cheesy. It actually made me want to read the books, just so I can find out what happens.

The BEST Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is awesome. Even people who don't like sweet potatoes love this.

5 sweet potatoes(boiled and peeled)

Mash potatoes and mix with following:(I use an electric mixer)

1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup real butter
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar

Put mixture in a 9x13 pan and spread evenly. Top with mixture:

1/4 cup melted real butter
3 Tbsp flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Smash together and crumble on top(It's easier if you use your hands)

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Too Cute

Are they the perfect couple or what? Cadence and Kyle having a playdate. They look thrilled. I actually just gave them some gum, and I think it was a little old, and was just a little hard to chew, hence the long faces.