Brian's Educational Project

After a lot of Wii and Nintendo DS playing this Christmas, Brian thought it was time for the kids to take a break from too much gaming and put their minds to work.  He engaged the kids in a project to build creations out of spaghetti noodles and marshmallows.  Look at those little geniuses at work! 

Christmas Day!

The kids woke up bright and early this year to see what Santa had brought them.  Santa always remembers the orange.  He cares about their good health.

I always wait till Christmas Eve or at least a couple days before Christmas to put the presents under the tree.  Too many incidents of accidently unwrapping presents or curious toddlers have taught me that.  This year the kids had fun organizing all the presents in piles at least four times a day until Christmas finally arrived.  Next year I think they will come out Christmas Eve...

Brian was fortunate to have Connor and Rocky this year for Christmas.  We got to spend Christmas Eve, Christmas, and almost all of the break staying up late with them every night either watching movies or playing Mario on the Wii.  So much fun!!!

All Cozy in December

I left the room for just a second and when I came back Michael had started unwrapping a brand new roll of wrapping paper.

He knows he's in trouble!

Michael crawled in bed with Hannah at bedtime.  He wanted to sleep in a big bed tonight.

My little 6-year-old devouring the second Harry Potter book.  Boy, that little Rachel is SMART!

Laurie reading before bedtime with her favorite dog, Simon.

Gingerbread Houses!

Every Christmas season we have a tradition making gingerbread houses out of graham crackers.  This year was no exception.  Brian bought all the goodies to decorate the houses.  It took a lot of restraint for the kids not to load their houses to the brim with candy mistakenly thinking that they could eat all of it.  After we were done and took pictures they had about 5 minutes to eat and then we put them away.  The kids had a wonderful time.

Trip To Billings to See Grandma

I had a wild idea to take the kids to Billings in the middle of winter.  We hadn't been there for almost 2 years so I decided to just go.  Against Grandma's advice we started out going the Yellowstone Park way.  About an hour north the blizzard was so bad I couldn't see five feet in front of me or to the sides.  We were forced to turn back.  But, we didn't let that stop us.  We went a different route through Dillon, MT.  It added about 2 hours to our trip but the 9 hours in the car was well worth it.  We had a wonderful time hanging out at Grandma's. 

Violin and Piano Recital

Laurie and Megan take violin (and piano for a very short time) from Joanna Lords.  She is excellent with the girls.  They are so talented musically.  I could not be prouder of the progress they've made.

Enjoying Cold Autumn Days

This was one of the very first snowfalls of the year.  Michael loves the snow!  He keeps saying, "Side!  Side!" because he wants me to take him outside.  He is so much fun!

Michael's favorite and most used word is "CAR!"

Princess Hannah with her sidekick Ariel.

On cold winter days playing a good ol' game of chess is so enjoyable and satisfying.  We've pulled out quite a few board games already and Laurie (10) is at a fun age to play most games.

This was a once in a lifetime event!  All five of my kids in close proximity for an extended period of time NOT FIGHTING!!! Hurah!  Even Michael was enjoying "Little House on the Prairie."  Sorry Michael.  Five girls in the family.  :)

Rachel and Hannah and Michael are dancing to Christmas music.  They are excited every year to get out the Christmas tree and all the decorations.  Every year they each get a brand new ornament.  Nothing can contain the raw exuberance of children.  I love it!

Rachel found a new private spot to read her stack of fairy library books and Illustrated Stories of the Book of Mormon.  She is a voracious reader at 6 years old.  Her primary teachers (every single one independently) have always told me how smart she is.

Hannah playing "Littlest Pet Shop"--and Ariel of course!