Christmas break for the kids started when school got out on Friday Dec 18. Their dad came home on Dec 16th. Caleb's Christmas Choir concert was that night as well.
We went to Manti (no photos) the 19th and 20th and had Christmas with the Whitlocks and the Bowns. It was nice to see Grandma & Grandpa Butter and the rest of the crazy Bown crew. We got to stay at the farm (always makes for happy kids). We even took the puppy (Perdy) and she didn't run away (always amazing!). We had Wursten for dinner at the Whitlocks (Wursten and potato salad or pizza for the kids - one of my favorite holiday traditions). Most of the family made it out to both parties so we got to see lots and lots of cousins.
We did Christmas Eve at Cassidy & Chad's house in Paradise this year. It was eventful to say the very least, but the kids were just happy to play with each other for more than 20 minutes. Brooke asks me regularly if she can go to Sunny's house. I know for a fact we could have just gone out and visited and the kids would have been thrilled. Grandma Terri delivered with some amazing gifts she had sewn this year. New pajamas all around (Travis, Nash, Sam & Brooke all have pjs with one leg of zombies now). I think my personal favorite was B's new batman costume. Girlfriend ROCKS it! Nash's favorite was probably his new Rubix Cube. He packed it everywhere for a few days learning some tricks so that he is now able to get one complete side put together. It's a work in progress for sure but should keep him busy for months! Sam got a new I Spy quilt and a levi jacket that are probably her most favorite items.
Didn't realize how tall this girl is until she was next to all her cousins over the break. Apparently she's like an Amazon woman! I guess I'm use to it - she's only about 3-4" shorter than me!
She will even do the "I'm Batman" voice if you ask nicely :)
We had Christmas at the Maughan farm the Sunday after Christmas. We didn't have all 98 of us there, but there was a good turnout still. It was good to see Grandpa and Marian and several of the cousins and their kids.
The Reeder party was also the Sunday after Christmas. As always, lots of food and lots of laughs. The white elephant game this year was a new addition to this party but there were some really special gifts that surfaced! I think my favorite was that Kayd took license plates off Justin and Colton's cars and wrapped those up! Sunny was sure bummed out when they got "stolen" from her! Mom also finished Jesse and Nessa's quilt that was intended as a wedding gift (married in May). I think it turned out pretty stinking AMAZING!
These girls have too much fun together. Sam enjoys towering over them all just a little bit.
Sara (Feb 9, 2002)
Sadie (Feb 2, 2004)
Sam (Feb 19, 2003)
Jade (May 1, 2004)
Grandkids and Great Grandkids 12 years old and under
Sadie, Sam, Jade, Nash, Jack, Carson, Caleb, Rylee, Sunny, Brooke, Parker, Bryson, Rhett, Morgan, Allie, & Tate
We got to have Travis home for Christmas again this year (not sure that will happen in 2016). The kids were nice and sort of let me sleep in until about 9 am. Travis managed to drag gift opening out for an entire hour and a half! Don't ask how he managed to pull that off without tears, but it happened! I think Nash's favorite gift was his new Ripstick. Brooke's favorite gift was probably the Wizard of Oz Dolls. Caleb's favorite is probably his new BB gun (although he's bummed out that mom won't let him shoot it without dad around). Sam got the Dirty Dancing movie so she's happy! I finally got new seat covers for the two front seats of the Tahoe (only been asking for a year and a half). Travis got his smoker on Black Friday (couldn't lift it out of my Tahoe on my own and didn't really have anywhere to hide it) - despite how super excited he was to get it, he still hasn't used it yet! I'm sure it's quickly approaching though!
Instead of Legos this year, Nash got these. They are like magnetic building blocks. The kids always fight over them at the chiropractor's office!
All the kids got new boots this year!
A robot like they build in Robotics Club. Should keep the kid busy for a minute or two anyway!
Nash was a good sport and let B try her new tiara out on him
This year's new dress ups include - Ariel, Cinderella (NOT going to the ball), Sofia the first, a pink Cinderella dress, Elsa & Ana along with a tiara and gloves
2 peas in a pod here
We spent New Year's Eve out at Grandpa Scott & Grandma Kris's house. Dad was back in Alaska so it was a party without him this year. The good news is that even though he had to leave on Dec. 29th and is gone for 3 weeks, when he comes home he gets to stay home for 3 weeks. We are hoping he can find a new job in 2016, but who knows what the year will bring. Despite the challenges of his job, we are thankful he at least has a job. For now I'll continue working at Ridleys and teaching preschool. Hopefully I won't have to do it forever, but for now (again) I'm thankful I have a job I can rely on!
2016 Events to look forward to:
*Sam turns 13 in February!
*Sam turns 13 in February!
*A most epic birthday surprise for Sam will arrive in June
*Brooke turns 5 in May & starts Kindergarten in August! No more babies at home! What will I do?!
*Caleb turns 8 in July & gets baptized!
*Brooke turns 5 in May & starts Kindergarten in August! No more babies at home! What will I do?!
*Caleb turns 8 in July & gets baptized!
Here's to hoping that 2016 brings you lots and lots of joy!
