Buddies

Sometimes I find these two being naughty, but on this day this is how I found them!

Who's reading to who??

Family Picture

While we were in Colorado we got everyone together and took a family pic. It's not professional but I think it turned out just fine. We are a good looking group, don't you think?? :)

Happy Birthday Laine!!

Our little Laine turned 2 on Jan 2nd this year. What a character she is! She makes us laugh and brings us so much joy and we are so blessed to have her. We celebrated her special day at home. Started off the day with her birthday donut and song. Our friends the Collings were here stopping through on their way home back to Maple Valley so they celebrated with us and we were so glad. Then later in the day we opened presents and had cake. She loved all her gifts and loved her special birthday cake. Our friends Leah and Abby love to bake cakes and so they baked a cupcake cake for Lainey and it was super yummy! Thanks so much girls! The Moulton's called Lainey on skype on her b-day and that was so much fun! What a treat, they sang to her and even had a print out paper head of Lainey on a stick, just so they could feel close to her on her b-day. That was so fun, thanks guys! We also celebrated Laine and Danica's b-days together while we were in Colorado. It was a fun party with family and friends, pizza, and a very cute princess cake! They each wore a princess crown and we sang to them.

Laine is all smiles and loves her new presents! This little purse set is from the Thorpe's. She loves it! Thanks you guys. :)

Christmas Vacation

Christmas break was so much fun. We traveled to Colorado to spend the holidays with my family. It was so wonderful to make the trip and get there all in one day! We are loving that. We got horrible gas mileage this year though because we brought the trailer filled with all our Christmas things and everything we needed for the trip. It was nice to have the room but a bit costly. The weather in Colorado was so warm and unusual. It felt like spring! It was a nice break from the cold in Idaho but it didn't quite feel like Christmas weather wise. It turned out to be a nice blessing though because the kids got new bikes for Christmas this year so on Christmas day it was warm enough that the kids could go outside and ride their new bikes and not freeze. A fun surprise for the kids this year was from Grandma and Grandpa. They bought some bunk beds for all the grandkids to sleep on when they come visit! The kids loved it and it was so fun to have a space of their own while we were there. Grandma also got them each their very own winter blanket and pillow. While we were there we went and saw Santa, we played with our sweet cousin Danica, we went to the movies, went bowling, and drove up to Telluride to ride the gondola and see the ski town at Christmas time. It was a wonderful trip and we are so glad we went. Thanks mom and dad and Brandie for having us there and putting up with us all! :) We love you guys!

Before we left for CO. we gave the kids our family Christmas gift for this year.
We are having fun with it!

Ornaments from Grt. Grandma and pa Allen

New jammies and snuggle time!

Wyatt's 2nd Grade Christmas Party

Wyatt's 2nd grade class had a fun Christmas Party that I was able to go and help out at. They got to watch the movie Polar Express earlier in the day and then in the afternoon they had a white elephant gift exchange. I came to help out with that. It was so funny to watch the kids open the gifts and steal the ones they really wanted. As you can see Wyatt was thrilled with the gift he finally ended up with! Candy, Candy, and a book :) It was a fun day filled with lots of sweets and sweet memories.

Goodie Exchange

Every year for the past 5 or more years my good friend Becky in Maple Valley has hosted her annual goodie exchange at Christmas time. It's become a tradition that many of us look forward to all year long! She is such a wonderful host and does an amazing job. Since we moved away this year I knew my holiday's wouldn't be complete unless I was able to attend a goodie exchange. So after some convincing from my dear friend Becky I decided to host my very own exchange. Being so new to the area and not knowing people super well I was, needless to say a little nervous, ok, a lot nervous about throwing this party! I have had such a great example all these years so I really just planned my party they way Becky would. It turned out so wonderful! I had plenty of hor'deourvs for everyone, all the treats were really yummy, and everyone kept saying all night what a great time they were having and thanking me for having the party. It was a fun night and a great opportunity for me to get to know some ladies better as I start to make new friendships here in Idaho. Becky, thank you so much for helping me with all the preparations, for your support and encouragement, but mostly for helping me get out of my comfort zone and open my home and my heart to those around me! After the party I was definitely in the Christmas Spirit!!

My home decorated for the Holidays

My hostess gift - a whisk filled with Hershey Kisses