Ordinary Days

 Gotta enjoy the few sunny days we've had.  Its been a really cold/rainy season and seems to be dragging on, but getting down to the beach even when its cold seems to help everyone feel better.

 Cold weather also means finding some great indoor activities to do.  We decided to get a pass to the children's museum after not having a pass for awhile.  It was like brand new to Grayson.  He couldn't get to each new activity fast enough.  Lizzy was good enough to indulge us and maybe had a little fun too.  I just love this picture of her. She really is that sweet of a big sister.  

Even Aaron had to get in on some fun.

 This construction site may be the favorite.  I have about 100 pictures from this room on my camera because the kids wanted a new picture with every new brick they put up.  LOL!  Here are a few.  You get the idea... I imagine.

We came back a little bit later with the Strongs and again spent most of our time in here.

Speaking of the Strong's.... we decided if we were going to have all this cold... we really should be enjoying some snow as well, so we went for a weekend up with these guys and rented a cabin together in Cle Elum.  Seriously... it was a blast.  There was a great sledding hill just behind the house and we spent most of the time there, except when we got too cold... we slipped into the hot tub.  Great memories. 

Love that our kids have such great friends.

 And love... those rosy cheeks.

Found this on my bed one night after a family home evening lesson on kindness.  That Andrew is one sweet kid.

I think this is the first time my kids have participated in crazy hair day.  They looked awesome.

 Grayson messing around with my phone. I'll spare you the rest.  :)

New Year

We like a little madness on occasion at our house.  That's why we've had this New Years party a few years in a row at our house.   

 We did a white elephant gift exchange again this year.  A few more laughs than last year and a few less tears from kids who got a bad present. :)  This jugged hare was gifted after Aaron and I saved it from a family party several years ago.  Sad to say... the winner chose to leave Aunt Dalelene's hair with us rather than take it home with them.  What a shame.

Christmas 2016

 Every year it seems that my Christmas decorations are not quite enough, because these ELF inspired decorations start to pop up as we get closer to the BIG day.  

 My favorite it usually the hall of snowflakes.  It's always very pretty.  And by the way... check out that tree.  We cut it down from a place called Farmer Brown's (true story) and didn't even chop off the top this year.  It was a beauty!

 Lizzy helped me with some of the Christmas Eve cooking this year and the chocolate dipped oreo things were pretty awesome.  

 These strawberry Santa's were not quite pinterest material, but kind of cute and really tasty.

 And then... the big morning.  Grayson... it must be told was pretty grumpy Christmas morning.  He didn't seem to really get it until an hour in.  It was kind of disappointing and funny at the same time.  I don't think this will be a problem next year.  When he "got" it... he really "got" it. 

Catching Up

Lizzy hosted a fun get together with some friends for Halloween.  I wasn't there the whole time... but I heard there was quite a bit of murder in the dark.

 Sabrina hosted a painting pumpkin event.  Glow in the dark paints this time.  Always a good time with the Strongs.  

And if you give a mouse a cookie... (or in other words.. Andrew and Sam had a party too)

In the above picture.... Sam and his friends were discovered all spinning on the ground together.  I don't know why, but it was funny. 

This was eating donuts off of a string.

The dry ice root beer was a pretty big hit.

Sam was Kylo Ren, Lizzy was a character from Septimus Heap (can't remember the name), Andrew was BB8 and Grayson was a bunny.  Not themed... but very cute!

Soccer season ended with a bang... and some dirt... lots of dirt and mud and rain.  LOL!

Grayson coming to big kid primary.  

Nightly post prayer ritual.

Grandma and Grandpa and Brett came for Thanksgiving.  We had so much fun.  Like we always do... but so fun that they make this trip so often.  We always enjoy it.

Grandpa was constantly occupied with playing games with Grayson and Sam.  Since he never says no... I guess he likes it.  (Or he's just a nice guy.)

Then we all went skating.  Which was fun... but not the fondest of memories... since Brett fell and broke his back.  Not even kidding.  Fracture... I guess, but still.  It was bad.  He's been in so much pain the last few months.  He's a pretty good sport... that guy.

The Haux family joined us for Thanksgiving.  Which was really nice.

Christmas Tree!!!!!

These ladies are seriously the best.  Sabrina and Lynn and I have decided we need monthly projects to work on.  We have so much fun hanging out and sometimes we accomplish stuff too!

Andrew being honored for being a stellar reader.

These 2 kids were deemed old enough to come to Dad's work party at a glass blowing museum.  They didn't break anything... so I suppose they survived.  It was really fun to watch.

I got released from my primary chorister calling, but this was my view every Sunday and I pretty much miss it a lot.  They aren't always as sweet as this mind you... they also can be kind of naughty, but overall, pretty dang good kids!