Static

Does anyone have a remedy for static hair? We are desperately seeking a chronic static treatment.

New Year Eve

After Christmas we met Michelle at Little America, WY so that Grandma Julie could go visit the Hammonds. Then we patiently waited for Grandma and Grandpa Washburn to arrive.

On New Year Eve we, along with Grandma and Grandpa, the Plaisteds, and Mike (a man who works at the pharmacy with Matt, and his two sons). Went out to Boysen Reservoir to ice fish.

It was a pretty slow day. We caught 2 fish by the time we left at 4pm. However, Mike and his sons stayed out for another hour and caught 4 more fish out of our holes.

The kids love to be out there fishing and playing around, even if the fish aren't biting. The only set back we had was when Jacks stepped in a hole and got his sock and boot soaking. He was pretty upset and curled up into a ball on the chair wrapped with blanket and took a short nap.

After fishing we headed home to ring in the New Year. I made it til 9:30. Next year my goal is 10pm. (Probably an unrealistic goal for myself).

Christmas Afternoon

After Sacrament Meeting we went home and climbed back into our pajamas, and then could contain the kids excitement no longer.

Once we tore through the presents we made our traditional breakfast hash (although we didn't actually eat until about 1pm)

Then we lazed the day away playing games, watching movies, and relaxing.

Also note worthy, this year we got a keyboard for the kids and Bennett will be starting piano lessons the first of the year. We're all pretty excited to learn how to play.

Grandma Julie came and spent Christmas with us this year. It's always fun to have family and friends come and visit.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Morning

This Christmas morning I tortured the children.

We had church at 9 am, so I allowed them to open only 1 present when they woke up, and it just so happened to be new church clothes!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent making a turkey dinner,Santa's sugar cookies, and other goodies to enjoy such as caramels and fudge.

Once we were filled and stuffed to the brim, the kids began begging to open a present. And it just so happened I had one present ready for them to open that night. Guess what it was! Pajamas!

Matt asked Bennett if he knew what the Christmas Eve present was before he opened it. Bennett said no and was excited to see what he got. Matt was wondering if we should be worried that Bennett hasn't caught on after 6 Christmases that he will always be opening pajamas on the eve. I think no. It's fun and they love pajamas.

*During the Christmas vacation I was able to get Jacks out of his 2 times for a bath and to wash his pajamas. (I'd say that's love)

*The kids made it a requirement to make reindeer antlers for this classy picture.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Sledding

We spent our Christmas Eve morning sledding with our friends the Plaisteds. It was bitter cold, but no one seemed to mind due to all the fun they were having.

Birthdays

I turned 30 this year...and yes, I actually did find a gray hair hiding in the midst of my luscious locks.

It's pretty sad when you turn 30 and realize you've actually hit the point when people actually expect that you are, in fact, mature and responsible. I feel neither of those. Will there ever come a time when I don't picture myself as a 20 year old college student?

Ella also celebrated her 9th birthday on the 22nd. I don't know what was wrong with her, but she didn't want the traditional birthday cake with 7 minute frosting. (Homemade 7 minute frosting, yum. No birthday is complete without it). Ella wanted an oreo cake. So being a mature and responsible 30 year old, I demanded Michelle make my very own 7 minute frosting cake...Which she complied to. (Birthdays are great if you get to be demanding)

Lights on Temple Square

Matt took the week before Christmas off and we headed to Utah for some vacation time. Our first stop was Temple Square to see the lights. The Hammonds joined us and we wondered around for a couple of hours. It had been years since Matt or I've been and the first time for our kids. It was pretty fun for everyone to be together for some holiday fun.

Kindergarten Christmas Concert

Bennett's school has a Kindergarten Christmas Concert before they let out for vacation. He was pretty excited to get to play a flute type instrument for "Up On The House Top".

These are the boys he claims for friends: Jacob (not looking at the camera), Bennett, Jesse, Trevon, and Evan.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to take a picture of 5 boys? Pretty hard, considering this is the best picture I got.

Gingerbread Village

We made gingerbread houses at preschool. I had leftover frosting (cement) so the kids sat down to make their very own.

The final total? 6 gingerbread houses.

A little excessive? I think so.

But at least they were entertained and enjoyed themselves.