Christmas Traditions

We met my family downtown to have dinner and look at the lights. I think everyone else in the state had the same idea. It was soooooo crazy!!! The food court at the mall across the street had so many people. Lines were long and tables were scarce. It was snowing and freezing outside, so we spent more time in the mall than looking at the lights, but it was a lot of fun anyway. That's how traditions are--fun and memorable.

Old Man Toby

Toby will be 10 years old in February!! That is 70 years old in dog years--what an old dog man. He got a haircut a few weeks ago and he just shivers and freezes all the time. One day I was running around and thought, "I haven't seen him for awhile." I found him curled up in my pillow. I think he's going to like what Santa might bring him this year--at least I hope so. :) He is such a big part of our family.

Christmas Tree

Last year, when Jon and I were taking the tree down, we threw out all the light strands that weren't working and bought some new ones that were on clearance. This year, when we pulled the light box out, half of the lights weren't working. Only the brand new ones were. Ugh. I had to go and buy 6 more boxes. I hate paying that much when I know we can get them on clearance, but I wanted the whole tree lit--not half of it. I love having a real tree--the smell, the feel, the look...

All Grown Up

Kendall has his third super league basketball game tonight. Last week, he and his friend went to the sports store and bought Nike sweatbands. He looks so grown up--he just got a haircut too and I think it looks great!! He is not feeling well and still went to the game. I hope he does well!!

Recorders

He's on the bottom row in the green shirt.

The three bell/triangle ringers.

Jarren got to learn the recorder this year in school. He really worked hard and practiced a lot and then he was one of three boys chose to do bells and triangles for a few of the songs. He really did NOT want to smile for the pictures (again, taken with my iPod--I forgot the camera), but had some silly expressions during some of the songs. Of course, I missed getting them captured. I was really surprised at how well they sounded, especially since when they started, Jarren told me he needed a new recorder because his was really squeaky. :) Hahaha.

Family Christmas Party

The day of the big snow, we had to head north for Jon's family's Christmas party. Luckily, we got the snow and the roads didn't. We had a nice dinner, a great time visiting, a cousin talent show, and a visit from Santa. Jenna was really excited because her favorite cousin was there. It's always  nice to get all together, but it's sometimes crazy too. Because there are so many of us, I feel like I get a little snippet of time with people and there's just not enough time to really spend with everyone. Sorry for the quality of pictures--they were taken with my iPod.

Jenna and Isabelle

Jarren

Kristen

Kendall

Cousin Kent aka Santa

Let It Snow!!!

We woke up to quite a bit snow. It was soooooooo pretty!!! I LOVE our backyard when the snow is thick and heavy.

Jon shoveling--lucky guy. :)

The winter wonderland backyard