December Update

** Just a fair warning that this post might be a photo overload **

I am behind, as usual.  I had gotten really good at updating the blog regulary, then the Christmas season decended upon us and I lost track of all time.  We have been busy around here.

We got dressed up to take photos for our Christmas cards.

We made cookies and other goodies.  Mostly we made messes and licked lots of beaters.

Lilian got her first bloody nose.  During a rousing wrestling match with her brother and daddy, she accidently got a knee to the face.

We decorated the house and wrapped lots of gifts.

Lilian got new glasses, finally!

Braison pouted, as usual :o)

We jumped around in a stocking.

The kids decorated gingerbread houses, all by themselves!!

New Christmas pajamas, of course.

We opened lots of exciting gifts!

 Braison picked out these two shirts to give to Lilian, all by himself.  She loved them!

 And, Lilian picked out these "shooters" for Braison.  He was thrilled!

 Santa came and left Braison a Thomas the Train set and Lilian a doll house.

Here we are, too early on Christmas morning :o)
Then, we invited the family over for brunch:

Braison giving Nana loves.

 Grandma & Grandad opening gifs, Braison & Uncle Tyler watching.

 Grandma Barbara opening her gift, she was happy, even though this photo doesn't portray that :o)

 Papa with his new BSU shirt.

 The kids with Aunt Jen and Josh, Braison did NOT want to be anywhere near Josh (he later gave him a hug goodbye).

 The kids with their Uncle Tyler.

Christmas evening we went to my dad's for dinner and another gift exchange.  We had a wonderful time, the kids got their own "computer" and all kinds of fishing equipment from their Grandpa and Grandma Sue.  My dad took photos of the evening, but I don't have them yet.

Then, the day after Christmas we went to my mom's to celebrate with her, John, BJ, Krista, Chloee, and Peyton.  We had a wonderful prime rib dinner and lots of fun spending time with each other.  And, my mom took photos of this evening, but I don't have those yet either.

Then, we celebrated Ron & my mom's birthdays.  Ron turned 32 on December 29th and my mom will turn 51 on January 1st.  We first went to dinner at the Sand Bar in Marsing...

 Then we enjoyed cake at my mom's house.

I couldn't get the photo of Ron to rotate, so maybe I will add it later.

So, there is our December in a nutshell!

~Ashley

December 7th

Today is the 69th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941. Please take a moment to pay reverence.



On a side note, in addition to remembering Peal Harbor on this day, we also remember this day for another reason in our house.  Three years ago today we got one of the best phone calls we will ever recieve; the nurse that was on the other end of the line let us know that we could take our babies home from the NICU that evening. 21 days old and finally going home!

Christmas Cookies

We had some fun making Christmas cookies on Sunday:

And, our finished products:

We had so much fun and the kids were so proud of the final outcome!  We delivered some to Grandma Barbara and some to Grandma and Grandad.  It was a wonderful way to spend the cold day, inside :o)

Snow Day

We got a foot or so of snow last night and when the kids got up this morning they were extatic!! They were so excited, in fact, that they wanted to go out and play even before having breakfast.  So, while I shoveled the drive (again) they played in the back yard.  

They were not pleased to have to come inside for breakfast, but I fixed that by promising hot chocolate to go with it :o)

What a wonderful day of snow angels, snow balls, sledding, and shoveling!  Now, it can go away anytime! :o)

~Ashley

30th Day of Thanks

I am thankful for Tyler.  Today is my little brother's birthday and I am so thankful for him.  He is a wonderful brother, phenomenal uncle, and has a brilliant mind.  I am so proud of him and all that he is doing with his life.  Happy Birthday Ty!

~Ashley

29th Day of Thanks

I am thankful for Google.  How else would I get answers to all my silly questions?!

~Ashley

I HAVE PHOTOS!!

I totally forgot that we took a couple photos of the kids on Thanksgiving before we headed out the door to dinner!  They look so handsome!

~Ashley

28th Day of Thanks

I am thankful for weekends.

~Ashley

27th Day of Thanks

I am thankful for baking.  I really love to bake and it is always so fun to create new things.

~Ashley

Black Friday!!

Well, I ventured out with all of the other crazies to get some good deals today.  I did pretty well and our Christmas shopping is pretty much complete now.  It was pretty chilling at 3am waiting outside in line to get into the store, but you can't beat the experience!

~Ashley

26th Day of Thanks

I am thankful for the laughter of children.  Of course my own children are at the top of the list, but isn't it wonderful to hear any gleeful laugh come from a child??

~Ashley

Thanksgiving

Well, we have had a wonderful Thanksgiving day.  We went to our Uncle Jay and Aunt Kelly's house for a wonderful dinner.  And, like a nerd, I forgot to grab the camera, so we have no photos of anything, except for the desserts that I made to take to dinner.

The traditional pumpkin pie.  Made with fresh pumpkins, not canned stuff.

These are french vanilla/pumpkin cupcakes with caramel in the center and cream cheese frosting.  *These were a HUGE hit with Uncle Jay :o)

And, a Jack Daniels Pecan pie. 
Wow, after reviewing this post, I am really sad that I didn't take any photos during the day.  I guess I will try to remember everything next year!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

~Ashley

25th Day of Thanks

I am thankful for books.  Anyone who knows me at all knows how much I LOVE to read.  This is one of my favorite past times.

~Ashley

Rest

Resting up for the big feast tomorrow....