Christmas and NYE fun

Christmas was awesome this year!! I can honestly say this was the most relaxing, laid back Christmas we've had yet since having kids and I'm so happy everything went to smoothly. We made so many great memories...Santa visited our house, The Polar Express, Callie's Christmas recital, Christmas Eve and Caw Bruce's house to Christmas morning at home, then Uncle Randy's and then ending the day at my parent's house for Christmas dinner.

The kids got so many great gifts from Santa and the family this year. They were so excited about every single gift they received. Their main gifts from us was a motorcycle for Parker and Callie got a new vanity for her room complete with a makeup case. They got so many goodies from everyone, their rooms were full of new toys. The kids also learned a lot the Christmas about giving, and less fortunate families, and just others going through rough times at the holidays, so they were extra grateful and so are we are parents.



For New Years Eve, we worked out at the shop for part of the day, but continued our "balloon game" tradition. The kids love that game! This is where I put a note in about 10 million balloons and the kids get to pop a balloon each hour on the hour until midnight. The notes are mostly fun tasks..."Dance party", "Play the kinect", "Make someone a card", ect...but beware because there is usually 1-2 duds in the mix where the kids have to do a chore, or something they dread...like "clean your room" or "do the dishes" haha they love the anticipation and it's adorable. Of course, my semi-redneck family had to light off some fireworks too. Happy New Year!!

Winter Catch Up

Fall came and went....

...and now we are in the full throws of winter. The solstice was the other day, so I'm taking great comfort in that. I am not a cold weather kinda gal. I'm staring out the window longing for vibrant colors to return. I'm on pinterest looking for gardening tips. I am refusing to box up my flip flops even though I haven't worn them in months. Oh yes, summer, I miss you and want to get back together.

Although these past few months have been cold, they've been busy! Running around for school projects, volunteering, shopping for gifts, work, familym the holidays..it's all been crazy! For Halloween, Parker was a race car driver (again) and Callie was Cinderella. Cory and I were pirates. We even got to hang out with the stars of Duck Dynasty and Mario Brothers!

We attended family craft night at church. It was fun to see Cory get his craft on with the kids!

Parker had his "feast" at school and learned about what the Indians and Pilgrims at at the 1st Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day was a quiet day filled with eating, football, and Black Friday shopping. I must mention how disappointed we were with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade this year...we ended up turning it off...anyone else agree?

Our family has also been working very hard at our business and keeping busy with that. Having your own business kinda takes over your life, so I'm working on finding balance. I'm seeing shirts in my sleep...

Recently, we went on the Polar Express at Mt. Hood Railroad. It was awesome! We picked Parker up from school early, changed into our jammies, and hit the road. The kids got their golden ticket and the conductor yelled "All Aboard the Polar Express! Next stop, the North Pole!" The kids' faces were priceless...they were so shocked. The ride followed the movie very well. The conductor came around and punched tickets, there was hot chocolate with cookies, and the book was read over the intercom. The hobo from the book was walking around and talking with each family too. There were "caribou" on the track too. We went to the North Pole to pick up Santa. He got on and came around to each child. They got a bell and pictures, and got to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Parker said a helicopter and Callie said a Barbie. It was adorable. The conductor sounded just like Tom Hanks in the movie, it was awesome! We went to the gift shop and got some special goodies to take home. What a magical memory for the us.

The other night, we had Callie's Christmas concert for her preschool. She's been practicing everyday for about a month, so she was ready! I wasn't sure if she would actually go up on stage, or have a meltdown. She's not one to like so much attention, but she did great!!! She looked beautiful too. She had a special dress she picked up, and I took her to get her hair done before too. I am so proud of her! Thanks to our family who came out and supported her, that means so much to her and Cory and I as well.

Autumn Fun

Parker finished up Flag Football....

Family Football Pics....

We discovered GeoCaching, which we love!

Callie finished up T-Ball and had a killer season!

We went to Bill's Berry Farm, which is always a good time....

Got to go with Parker's class to the Pumpkin Patch. Special memories with special kids...

There's been not so great stuff going on too, but that's life! I'm gonna focus on the positive and choose happiness here on my blog today. So I hope you're having an AWESOME autumn and ENJOY this time of year. It's a time of change and transition, which I always love. Love you guys!