Should'a Been a Cowboy

Every year they have a really fun Rodeo and "fair-like" thing here in Denver called the stock show. I don't really understand why it is in January...it was cold, but we had a blast. Thanks Dave and Joy for going with us and adding to the fun.

The kids loved the animals
They had a great time watching the cowboys, but Caden did admit to being a little worried about the baby cows. Avery doesn't love to sit through anything, but she loved the cheering and clapping.

Visiting Idaho

We took a little trip to Idaho for New Years. There was a lot going on while we were there and it was great to see everyone and be a part of all the fun. I didn't get pictures of everything but here are some of the highlights.

Jake was a good sport and let all the kids take turns on his sled. This is heaven for a kid.

The grandkids all had a sleepover at Grandmas' house on New Years Eve. We thought it would be easier so they could fall asleep and stay asleep when their parents left...they outlasted the adults in the end.

Kamrie loves stories and Grandpa is always up for reading.

The kids loved the game that Santa left for Grandpa. The pistol shoots these plastic bottles that come apart. They had a ball.

Kamrie shoots like such a girl.
Nice, I couldn't close one eye like that until I was married.

While we were there, we got together almost every night for food and fun. Tanner got baptized and we were so excited to be able to share that special day with them...the kids sang and it was so so cute. Thanks for letting us share your day. We are so proud of you and know no other decision will bring you more happiness. Stay close to Heavenly Father and let him help when you just don't understand or you need help...He will help you. He loves you and so do we. Congrats!!!

Sooo BIG!

This is a little old but I just found the picture and didn't want to miss it. Kamrie is so awesome! She has always loved Nursery. She loves to sing and I hear she can always be found helping take care of the younger kids, surprise, surprise. She graduated and has moved on to Sunbeams, which she also loves. Each week she asks me when she get to stand up and talk. We love this little girl!

My little Apron Model

I know I already posted pics of the aprons but I had to add a picture of them in use. Kamrie absolutely loves both of them...and Avery gets one draped over her whenever she is close to the kitchen. This was such a fun project, I can't wait to make more.

Santa Stopped Here

We had a fantastic Christmas this year! It was our second year having Christmas with just our little family and we are trying out some traditons to see just what fits us. On Christmas Eve we went out and looked at Christmas lights. We found some really great places close to us here in Denver where people went all out. It was super cold so we didn't want to spend too much time outside but we loved seeing how creative people get with lights. I forgot the camera but there were some really spectacular displays.

After we had our fill of lights, we came home opened our Christmas pjs, read and talked about the Christmas story, prepared some snacks for Santa, and ended the evening with "silent night" daddy's favorite.

Santa came and there were wonderful surprises. Everyone was thrilled!

Christmas Day was full of toys, fun, and food. We tried something new this year and took the kids to a movie later in the day with some friends. Avery didn't love the movie so mom spent forever walking around the theater with her while everyone enjoyed the movie. It was a good way to relax in the middle of the day but not the greatest idea with the little one.

All in all it was a wonderful day with lots of time just BEING together.

Thanks to our second family for sharing your holiday with us.

Nine Months and Counting

I can't believe Avery is almost a year old. It seems like such a short time ago that a few of my favorite people and I were sharing the "joys" of pregnancy and now there are all these adorable little ones crawling around. Avery is definitely getting more and more fun (interactive) all the time. She has so many new tricks. In the past little while she has learned to do pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo and is mastering a few words in sign language. She signs please, more, and all done, all with her own little twist. She has also started saying a few words like dada, mama, caden (dayda), bye bye, uh oh (uh uh), and our favorite no no no. She continues to crawl and is cruising along things very well. During our visit to Grandma's she mastered the stairs, up and down. We had a little scare with her weight this past month. According to our scale she didn't gain any weight for 2 months but at her weight check she had added almost a pound. That put her just out of the danger zone, so we will keep watching but for now the doctor just says "someone has to be small." At her 9 month visit she tipped the scales at 15lb 11oz. We love every little ounce of her and adore each new thing she does. She adds so much to our little family and we can't imagine life without her.