December Update

This week has seemed to fly by as we have faced many emotions. First the arrival of our newest family member has come taking his sweet time, Carson, to my sister Jaci and her husband Mitch. Just a few days before he came we lost a grandmother on my mom's side. It was best for her, but still sad for those of us who had to say goodbye. It was great to see so much family and just be together. But we could not be sad for too long for Grandma Jody and Papa Mike were on the plane ready to come visit us for Christmas and New Years. And then just yesterday was more fun as Kyle had a birthday. I was all ready to go out and party with a sitter for the kids, but he told me he wanted to stay in with some pizza and watch the football game. Though it was not my idea of fun it turned out to be a good game and a fun night.

Here are the kids hanging out with Papa Mike on the couch watching some Sunday night football.

When they were not with Papa they were up with Grandma Jody watching Survivor

Kyle's Birthday

Here they are ready for some cake.

And time for presents. Camrie opened one in the afternoon and then Kyle opened the rest last night. Although between Dayton and Camrie I am not sure he opened any, but the kids had fun!

Turkey Day

We hosted Thanksgiving here this year with some of my family (12 kids and 10 adults). I was in charge of the 24lb Turkey and after talking to both my mom and mother-in-law I got through it, 30 minutes late, but I did it. Everybody came and brought food and we had a feast starting at 11 and we ate till around 6. I thought it would be a great idea to feed the kids first and then the adults. So we made the kids chicken nuggets and french fries while we finished cooking and sent them off to play.

I was so busy being host that I did not get any pictures except this one. We had some orderves and these 3 baby girls, (Tayla, Camrie, & Emery, almost 2) were helping themselves. Thursday night some of the family went home and some stayed the night. So Friday we went out for some fun. They gave our bowling lanes away so we got free "Glow in the dark" mini golf and then we ate and bowled.

Dayton was a great brother to share with Camrie, he even let her bowl a few times. For some reason they wanted to get as close as possible and both slipped and fell in the bowling lane.

Kyle, my brother Deck, and my brother-in-law Mitch had their own lane and it was a fierce competition.

Dayton getting ready to bowl

Camrie was always in the action. She mostly guarded the balls but every now and then she would wonder off to join other families and try to bowl with them.

Friday night after all but my sister Jenny had left, we cleaned up a little then started in on Christmas.

We all decorated the tree. After Kyle and I got it up the kids took over.

Camrie was a big help this year and her favorite thing to do was find a spot and put as many ornaments in that spot as possible. And then she would yell till she got the attention she wanted.

Dayton also was very excited to put the tree up. If it had been up to him it would have been up a few hours sooner, but we made him wait till Camrie was up from her nap. He did great, but I had to keep a close eye on him because all he wanted to do was put up the glass or breakable ornaments.