Family Picnic

This year I am going to try and do more with the family. We started out with a picnic in the family room. We roasted hot dogs and made smores over the fire. We followed by watching Journey to the Center of Earth. My kids loved it and hopefully the fact the hot dogs were disgusting didn't matter, it was fun.  This month, we also had friends over for cake and ice cream, then celebrated Chinese New Year by eating Chinese food at the coffee table. Sean wasn't too excited, but eating while sitting on pillows instead of chairs was quite exciting for the kids. I had activities to do and stories to read so we could learn about Chinese New Year. I made Egg Rolls (fried), Orange Chicken (Tempura battered and fried), and fried rice. I took 2 hours to make, I wasn't expecting that, and then we were sick from eating all that fried food - but it was sooooo good. Needless to say, we didn't get to the activity portion, but we did try to eat with chopsticks, at least it was something.

I talk about the dog not so kindly some times, but this is why I love her.

Christmas

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Christams Day - He was out there 4 times by noon.

Emily Choir Concert

Emily had her Christmas Choir Concert and did a wonderful job. This is a picture of her with her friend Aubrey.

This is how the season starts.

Seasong Greetings from James.

Raking Leaves with Dad

Sean came home early and spent the afternoon raking leaves. The boys helped. Can you believe this is the middle of December?

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we went to Colorado. I flew out Monday morning with James and Chase, Sean drove out Wednesday with the girls. The first day I took a 3 hour nap. I don't know if it was the Dramamine, the cold I was getting or the stress of flying with two boys that really didn't want to be on a plane and who weren't afraid to let everyone know in very loud voices (see blog below). The rest of the time involved baking, bowling, movies, shopping, early Christmas gifts, lots of talking, and a blizzard to drive through. Overall, it was a great visit.

Flying with the Boys

This is James and Chase at the airport. I don't know if you notice how much stuff I was actually carrying, but it was an armful, plus a baby. This is the before picture; I didn't take an after picture, but this is what it would have looked like.

This is a picture of a bleeding ulcer.

I was so glad when I got to the Denver airport and saw my dad. He gave me a hug and then took the booster seat that James was carrying to help out. I'm sure James was grateful to have the burden lifted. I just followed behind with the large carseat, the backpack, the purse, the jackets, and oh yeah, the baby.