New Year's Eve!

On New Years Eve we had a quite, but fun time together with the girls. We started by eating some of our snack foods for dinner. Then at 5pm we began by drawing a piece of paper with a fun activity to do each hour. The 1st hour we played Cranium Family Fun Edition. It was a really cool game. It is like Craniumn with a twist and had activities that we had to do as a team. Noah and Ashlyn barely beat me and Autumn. The next hour someone chose the Movie Kung Fu Panda. We set up a blanket on the floor and had a great time laughing together. Then we drew Guitar Hero World Tour. We set up the drums and both guitars. We took turns sharing the different instruments. Since the movie was over an hour long we played until 9:30 and then played Disney Sing It. At 10pm we got the girls ready to ring in the New Year(our girls would never had made it to midnight, so we celebrated early). We got out the sparkling apple cider pouring everyone a glassful. We blew up the balloons, pulled out the poppers, got ready to throw the confetti, and spray the silly string.
Then we yelled 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1...Happy New Year! And let the madness take over. Their was streamers, poppers, silly string all over the house. We had a great time. The greatest part was watching Aubrey get all freaked out over the silly string. She thought they were Snakes. She kept yelling "Go Away Snakes!!!" Then she would run the opposite direction and get this worried look on her face. We told her it was ok and that it was just string. I don't think she ever fully understood. What a great evening and one that won't soon be forgotten. Happy New Year!!!

Noah's Birthday

After playing in the snow all day we had a relaxing Birthday Party. We bought pizza's to bake, opened presents, played games, sang Happy Birthday, and ate Birthday cake. Noah was a little tired, but he enjoyed all his gifts and being together. He had a great Birthday.After everyone left Aubrey and Daddy had a blast playing one of the new guitar games.

Snow Day!

When I asked Noah what he wanted to do for his birthday he replied "I would like to go to the snow and go sledding." So that is exactly what we did today. We went to Echo Summit one of our favorites places to go and play in the snow. It was a beautiful sunny morning and the kids had a great time climbing the snow hill and riding it down on tubes and sleds. Ashlyn, Davis, and Kylee ran off together doing their own thing. Noah and Autumn went down several times with my Brother-in-law Art and nephew Preston. Autumn loved it and hardly took a break until lunch and then ran back up the hill with me this time. Aubrey went down once with me and looked like a snowman when we were done. She didn't want to go again with mom, but was willing to try it with Dad. She still was not a big fan and went back to go eat her lunch. Later in the day the kids built a couple of snowmen and by the end had a snowball fight. our girls and their cousins against Noah it was great. The best part was watching what a kick Aubrey was getting out of hitting her Dad with snowballs. She was cracking up. We had a great time. We left around 4pm so that we could clean up and have Noah's party.

More Family Fun

With all of Noah's family in town we have been having a ton of fun together. This morning we went to watch Bedtime Stories. It was really funny and the kids were laughing and enjoying all their yummy gourmet popcorn grandma brought for them. This was my niece Kelsie's 1st movie. She looked so cute I had to take a picture. Then we got together to eat dinner and play a little Guitar Hero World Tour. With Noah's new drum set it was like having a mini kid concert. Later we made hot chocolate and drove to Roseville to look at Christmas lights. Most of the homes had their lights off, but the ones that were on were so much fun for the kids to see. Here are a few of their favorites.After looking at all the lights we warmed ourselves up by drinking Hot Chocolate. Yummy!

The Day After Christmas

Today we spent the day shopping for clothes and getting some great deals, playing with our presents, and resting. In the evening we went ice skating in Folsom. We only took Ashlyn and Autumn ice skating while grandma watched Aubrey. The girls had a great time with their cousins. Ashlyn could skate pretty good with some help, but little Autumn was awesome. She could go all over with out us helping her. In fact she only wanted Kylee to help her. I forgot my camera so I asked Noah's sister to take some, but her batteries died and only got a few. I took a few more on my cell camera, but they came out pretty sad looking. On a positive note I was able to video tape and we had a great time.

Christmas Day

Christmas Morning before you can run and open Santa and stocking gifts we line up in the hallway and take a picture. My family has been doing this for years. Noah and I started the tradition with our kids. The nice think about it is that it gives mom and dad time to set up cameras and catch all the excitement on film. We opened up all our gifts from each other and my family at his mother's house. The girls got fun things from Santa and from Mom and Dad.
Next we headed over to the Hunter's home to eat breakfast and open up presents from the each of Noah's family members. Then we sat around and played with all of our toys. That evening we had a wonderful Christmas Dinner. We enjoyed Christmas Day and are very blessed.

Christmas Eve

Here we all are at Noah's sister's home having our talent night on Christmas Eve. We all had a great time and a lot of fun. Ashlyn sang 2 Christmas songs, Autumn and Aubrey danced, and Noah and I were in charge of a Christmas song pictionary and read a Christmas poem. The best part of the night was a the nativity. All the kids were involved and it was a really exciting and comical to watch.

Anissa's Birthday!

Today for Anissa's Birthday the girls and I tried to make her day as special as possible. We made her breakfast and watched her open her presents from her family. Then we went to the store to go finish shopping for her while she took a nap. We then picked up pizza's and ate them at the park before heading to the theater to watch The Tale Of Depereaux. When we arrived home Anissa opened up her presents from us and have cake and ice cream. I hope Anissa had a nice time on her birthday.

All Dressed Up

Here are some pictures of our girls all dressed up in their Christmas Dresses for Church.

Phantom of the Oprea

For 10 years now Noah and I have been wanting to go see Phantom of the Opera. We we wanted to see it in San Fransisco, then in New York City, in Las Vegas and finally we got our chance to go see it and jumped on it. I met Noah at his office and we exchanged gifts with each other. Then we went to Memo's Mexican Restaurant for a nice romantic dinner. We met the chef and he took our picture. We then took BART into the city to the San Fransisco Orpheum Theater. What an amazing building. Built in 1926 this 12th century Spanish palace is revealed when you walk into it. Full-bodied lions are on the ceiling in the auditorium and mythical figures from Spanish folklore surround as you move down the aisle. The ornate sun with twinkling stars light up your seat from above in the elaborate cathedral that is the theatre. We really enjoyed watching Phantom and the cast did an amazing job. It was a wonderful way to spend our 10 year anniversary together.

Our 10 Year Anniversary

Today marks our 10 Anniversary. We can't believe that is has been 10 years already. What an adventurous 10 years it has been. When we look back it seems like just yesterday, but then we see all the things that we have been through and have accomplished . In our 10 years we have been together we have learned a thing or two about marriage.

Here are Ten things Noah and I have learned in our 10 years of life together:

1. Every chance you get take time to be alone with each other.

2. Say I Love You and give a Kiss as you leave the house every morning.

3. Twice a year go away just the two of you, even if it's in the same town and only for one night.

4. Singing "I am A Child of God" will calm your little ones and maybe even get them to sleep.

5. Never assume that your spouse is a mind reader.

6.You have to communicate with each other.

7. Fights will happen, but it's the way that you handle it that matters most.

8. Share your goals, dreams, and desires with each other.

9. Learn to laugh at your self and each other

10. Life is short enjoy every moment together.

Autumn's Christmas Performance

Autumn's pre-school class had a Christmas Party followed by a presentation for all the parents. They ate breakfast, had a book exchange, they watched Frosty the Snow Man and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. When we arrived they had darling hand print Santa sweatshirts, and antler hats on. They sang us three Christmas songs and ended by signing Away in the Manger. Autumn did a great job. What a great way to end the party.

Ashlyn's Gingerbread House

Today Ashlyn's class made gingerbread houses. Each child received a stack of 6 graham crackers, frosting and filled a quart size bag with goodies to decorate the outside of the house. I was able to help her class and watch the children make very creative houses. Ashlyn had a blast and by the end was wearing more frosting on her face, hair, and clothes than was on her house. What a fun project.

Carousal Rides at Tilden Park

For FHE we headed to Tilden Park for A Christmas Fantasy and carousal ride. We saw the Christmas decorations on the lawn area, real reindeer, Santa and his little helper. They have an indoor carousal decorated for Christmas, and trees decorated with specific themes. This year they had a webkins Christmas tree that Ashlyn had to have a picture by. We rode the carousal twice and the second time the girls rode on the tea cup that spins around as you go around. Aubrey actually rode a small horse this is the first time that we have gotten her on the carousal without freaking out. We had a great night enjoying what will be come a great Christmas tradition for our family.

Ward Christmas Party

Our ward Christmas started off with some great food. Marinated Steak and Chicken with salad, rolls, and potatoes. After eating and socializing it was time for the program. The YM/YW sang some Christmas music while all the primary children went out in the hall to get ready for their part. I went out to help my girls get into costume.
Then it was time for the Nativity story. In between the reading the primary children and YM/YW sang. My girls did a great job and everyone thought Mary was totally adorable. Autumn did get a little tired of standing and sat down about half way though the program. The little boy that played Joesph did the same thing. As some one in the ward said "Mary and Joesph did walk a long way and Mary did just have a baby."

After the program the three wisemen(aka Bishop, and his 1st and 2nd counselors)visited the children bringing them small gifts. We ate some yummy desserts and then headed home. It was a great Christmas Party and we were grateful to have such an amazing role in it.

Being in the Nativity

About a month ago my dear friend(the ward activity leader) Tina called me up to see if my little Autumn would like to be Mary for the Ward Christmas Party. I told her that Autumn would love it. Then she asked if Ashlyn would like to be one of the Shepard's. Again I told her that she would be honored.
So this afternoon we had a short run through of the Nativity Story with everyone in costume and on stage. My girls were hamming it up on stage. By the end they were pretty tired and being a little on the silly side during the last practice. Autumn held baby Jesus good for about a min. or so then kept dropping him on his head. I found out after practice Ashlyn was in a wiseman costume so we had to find a shepard outfit. I hope all will go well this evening.

Making Goodies

The girls have been asking me and wanting to make sugar cookie with them. So for FHE we made the dough, rolled it out, cut-out stars, Christmas trees, and candy canes, and baked them. Of course no cookie would be complete with out frosting and sprinkles. To the girls decorated their cookies amd then ate their creations leaving a few for some friends. The girls had a great time baking. They love to cook and help make things in the kitchen. We had so much fun together.

Holiday in the Park

Yesterday evening we took some good friends of ours to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for the Holiday in the Park. They have three kids the same ages as our girls so it worked out great for all of us. We invited our neighbors little boy Jeremiah, who has his own pass, to join us on our adventure.The rides were all open and the park was all decorated for Christmas. Each area is decorated in a theme like Toy Land, Christmas Tree Forest, and Candy Cane Lane. They have shows, a parade, and a snow area. We watched a Toy Box Christmas, caught the end of the parade, and played in the snow. It was a little chilly, but we had a marvelous time.

Posada

At Ashlyn's school they had a Posada. It is a time for you to walk from class to class and play games, walk the cake walk, take pictures with Santa, do crafts, eat food, and hit the pinata for some yummy candy. Sadly I forgot my camera so there will be no pictures of this memorable night.
The 1st activity we did was watch Autumn and Ashlyn hit the pinata for their age group. Autumn whacked that pinata really good. Several kids later it was busted and ready for them grab and bag the candy. Ashlyn had several kids go before her and when she stepped up to hit the pinata it was hanging by a thread. Ashlyn took one swing and the pinata came crashing to the ground. You should have seen the look on her face when it happened it was... priceless.We then went to do some other activities and visit with friends. The best part of the night was the cake walk. We were the last group to do the cake walk before closing. They just started calling everyone up to get a plate of goodies. They loaded each of my girls up with three plate fulls.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

The girls were really excited to decorate the Christmas tree. We had to teach them not to put all the ornaments at the bottom and in one place. Once they got the hang of it they did a great job and had tons of fun. We have been letting the youngest child put the Angel Moroni on the top of the tree, but Autumn wanted to do that and Aubrey didn't care. Autumn did a great job at putting the Angel on the tree. She was really excited about doing that.

Babysitting and Santa

Every year our ward YM/YW have a babysitting night for the parents to go do some Christmas shopping for a couple of hours. Noah has had to help every year so I get to shop solo. I was able to go to three different stores and get a big chunk of the Christmas shopping done. Meanwhile the girls and Noah played reindeer games, frosted cupcakes and ate them, drank hot chocolate, made Christmas cards, took pictures with Santa, and watched Santa Clause is Coming to Town. They had a great time and didn't want to go home at the end of the night.

The Perfect Christmas Tree

This evening we set out to find the perfect Christmas tree at Smith Family Farm. The girls ran to the first tree they saw to claim it. We let the girls know that we needed to look at all the trees available so that we could make a better decision on what to buy. We walked around and back and forth from tree to tree . And then we saw it...the perfect tree. After some pictures in front of our tree we walked around the farm to see all the fun decorations they had up. Then we paid for our tree and they loaded it up in the truck. We didn't have time to decorate it tonight, but at least now we have one.