Christmas 2010

The Wednesday before Christmas we were able to go over to Show Low and spend some time with Alan's Granny. Sara found this dog statue and wouldn't leave it alone. She thought it was so great and kept barking at it :)

Every Christmas Eve our kids get new pajamas to wear. This year I decided to just make them all new flannel pj bottoms. It was so fun and I think the kids really enjoyed them.

Of course we have to get all the stockings hung for Santa to come. This used to be my favorite tradition and I love seeing my kids have just as much fun as I did.

Growing up my family always had the tradition that we had to eat on orange on Christmas morning before we were allowed to see what Santa brought. I used to hate it and now here I am putting my kids through the same torture :) Mean mom, I know!

And Christmas morning! FINALLY. I love watching how excited kids are for Christmas. This year was a pretty simple on for us, but the kids were completely oblivious and loved everything they got!

Leaves are Falling All Around...

I love Fall. We just moved into a new house that has two huge trees in the front yard. Most people might get mad when they see the leaves...I was so excited. As soon as the trees where bare, we raked all the leaves and let the kids just jump. They all had so much fun. Sara thought it was so cool that she could fall and not get hurt and the others were having fun just playing. It is so nice to live in a place with seasons and then somewhere for the kids to play. :)

Sara's first B-day

Time flies too fast! I can't believe that she is already one. Sara had a great time getting to open her presents. When it was time for her to get her birthday cupcake though, she would not eat it. She had no desire to get messy or even take one bite!

Catching Up

Okay so I am so far behind it isn't even funny. This is just major random, but I needed to do it for journaling so please bare with me :)
Every year we do a cookout on Labor Day at Grandpa Smith. This year was Sara's first one...and she loved it. She was so dirty and loved being outside. It was perfect weather and fun to be with cousins.

This year the cows came right to where we were eating. The kids thought it was great and tried to see how close they could get :)

JoAnn and all the 2nd graders got to go to the fair to sing for their parents. She did so good and knew every song.

We were able to go to Payson and stay at the Layton cabin with alot of my family. While we were there, they decided to go swimming at a deep park in a stream...

it was FREEZING. The kids were so cold, but kept going. Savanna was the first one in, not on purpose though. She tripped while we were walking across the shallow part to the other side.

But JoAnn was the first to jump. She was awesome! After her the other kids started going. And she kept jumping in. I was sure after the first jump they would never do it again, but I forget how amazing kids are.

This is where Jay was, catching crawdads. He jumped once and said forget it! I say he is the smart one in the group :)

Can you see that none of the adults were brave enough to get in :) None except Phillip that is. He was great. He helped all the kids and stayed in just as long as they did.

First Day of School

I can't believe I have 2 in school now. Jay is loving it! He is such a bright kid and catching on so quick to reading! JoAnn is still way ahead in her class and is now a helper for other students. I thought they looked so dang cute...but it could be just me :)

We love the 24th

It has been so much fun living in St. Johns during the 24th. We always come up, but this year we were able to do everything. On Tues and Wed. Alan played in the 3 on 3 basketball tournament and I was able to play in the co-ed volleyball tournament. It was a blast. My brother, Levi and his wife came up on Tues. to play on my team for the tournament and they were able to stay for the whole week. Also, my sister Tonya was on our team and Alan's sister Gaylene. And my mom was able to come on Wed. to just be here. It was so much fun and the week is also just constant crazy. I love it! Thursday is the ice cream social, Friday is the Jr. Rodeo and campfire circle, and Saturday is the adult rodeo, stake fry and adult dance.
Sara loved the ice cream social. She would yell every time we took the popsicle out of her mouth!

The kids were able to have their best friends come over on Fri. for the Jr. Rodeo. They all did the Mutton busting and egg toss. The arena was so muddy and they all came up just filthy!
Do you like how Jay is biffing it? Such a cowboy :)

They got a dollar for riding and loved getting muddy...well most of them did!

And then just like true cowboys we had them wash off in the horse trough! They thought we were so cool.

Jay and Tucker only got about three throws in before their egg busted.

JoAnn and Emmy actually won the egg toss. They had so much fun.

My kids thought Uncle Levi was the greatest. He had his horse their all week and they were able to ride it at home. JoAnn says that all she wants for Christmas is a horse...Small request right! :)

Memorial Day

Way behind I know. This was at Memorial Day...every year Alan's family has a cookout and branding on his Grandpa's land. I love being in the mountains and my kids can't wait to be outdoors. JoAnn was so excited because this year she was able to help Alan and Grandpa Wahl cook the steaks!