Christmas Tree 2011

Every year we go cut our tree. I think it is JR's favorite tradition. Our tree farm closed down 2 years ago. We didn't love where we went last year. This year's farm was better. There were even farm animals you could feed; such cute little piglets. Still, not quite the same quality of trees. All that said, we had a great time going together, searching for the perfect tree and cutting it down.

(Poor S, her hat is over her eyes)

Blast from the Past

I was looking through some pictures. Here are all the Christmases I have since I received my camera.

Christmas 2006

  Christmas 2007

Christmas 2008 

Christmas 2009 

Christmas 2010

Bring It On

So I have decided getting ready for Christmas is a lot of work. Good thing I have my hard workers to help me. That makes it a lot more fun!...Oh, and for your viewing pleasure, a family picture that the kids poised. Yeah, branches covering the face doesn't work that well. BUT they got to climb a tree and they were trying to help.

Thanksgiving 2011

 We had a great Thanksgiving holiday. We went to JR's parents. Everyone came over the first night we were there. The next day JR, his brothers, and Dad went golfing. Jill and I took the girls to get their nails done. Then we took them to a trampoline place called Sky high. Thursday we enjoyed a yummy feast, played Bingo, and went to the movie "Arthur Christmas". Friday, Jill and I took all the girls shopping. That night most people went to Jake's play-off football game. I took Riley and my girls out to In-n-Out and to see the muppet movie. Saturday, we did some more shopping. The girls went swimming because it was so warm. That evening everyone went to dinner at the Melting Pot, except H, S and me. H was sick and we stayed with her. I was bummed when I got home. I realized I never took any pictures, but as I was unpacking I found a treasure. I had the girls get their pictures taken in a photo booth at Sky High. Thanksgiving was fun--being with family and soaking in the sun.

H's 7th Birthday

H celebrating her birthday with a red velvet cupcake, her favorite.

We didn't get around to opening S's presents until H's birthday. It was a little like Christmas morning. We laughed because H was playing with S's present and vice versa. Too funny! 

A Whole Year

The very beginning. At the hospital the day S was born.

Getting ready to head home. All the girls have worn this outfit home from the hospital.

Daddy's Heisman pose

My Blessing day with sisters, Grandpa Mike and Grandma Jill

My 1st Christmas (card picture)

Grandpa Tom and Grandma Maggie before they left on their mission

Morgan and me the polka-dot twins

Cute girl

Great Grandma Lala and me

H and R taking me for a walk

Sitting in my bumbo

My 1st snow

My 1st St Patrick's day

My oldest cousin, Jake, and me

S's 1st Easter, with Uncle Randy, ET, and G

Visiting the Redwoods with Grandma and Grandpa on their mission

1st Fourth of July

All dressed up for Katie's wedding in July

A bright summer day at the Space Needle

S with cousin K

Yee-haw, Cowgirl! 

Blowing out the Candles

 Eating up the cake, yum.

The birthday girl

Family Fluke

So, all year I have been wondering if E's soccer coach is a relative since she has a family name. At the team party I finally got around to asking. Guess what? E has been playing with her 3rd cousin, Darby,  all year(Yes, this is the best picture I have of them next to each other) They even kind of look like each other with the same eye and hair color. But wait there is more.

Darby's Grandparents were sharing a house with my aunt and uncle when they were all serving their missions in Nova Scotia.

Larry, Marge, and Uncle Bob

Then it turns out that Larry and Marge's daughter, Melia, lives a block away from me. She has been in my ward for years and I never knew we were 2nd cousins. I can't wait to call her and hear her reaction.
Ah, crazy family connections!!!