Our Christmas Card

December Fun

It always surprises me how much we pack into December. Here is a quick recap:


Our first HUGE snowstorm of the year. We woke up to at least 2' overnight and more came down all day long (12/23). It was also the first good sledding day.Our Magic Elves have been here bringing fun and mischief. We've found them doing all kinds of things from decorating the bathroom mirror, to bringing fun gifts for the kids, to making "snow angels" in the kitchen.

The town tree lighting with sleigh rides pulled by horses and a visit with Santa (12/7)


More snow fun at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Grandpa and the kids took the backhoe and drug a big 'ole tire down the hill to make a fantastic sledding trail.

Kaitlyn's very first school Christmas program. The kindergarten sang 2 songs - Must Be Christmas and Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer

Ty Turns Three!

What more can I say? He's three. Our baby isn't a baby anymore. Probably not even a toddler anymore. But on the bright side, this means I might have some hope of him growing out of the no-to-everything-stage soon, right? RIGHT?!! Ok maybe not. But he's still a cutie. And he had a wonderful birthday.

Kaitlyn helped me fill the floor of his room with balloons. Ok, she contributed very little to the blowing up part, but was the thought behind everything. She also insisted that he open one present first thing in the morning. It's drill weekend, so the rest of the presents had to wait until Sam could get home for the cake and ice cream party. But first we had to prep for the kids' party. The kids helped decorate cupcakes and sort-of stayed out of the way while I got everything set up.

The theme for his party this year was Farm. Fitting, since next to heavy equipment, he likes to go feed the cows (which I guess still involves heavy equipment). We had a few of the neighborhood kids over for a fun little party. (details can be found on my craft blog)

(Kaitlyn is straight-faced because she was annoyed that I asked her to move to the far side of the line for the sake of getting the kids out from in front of the window, and in so doing she didn't get to stand by Kaylee and was annoyed at me)

And then, according to our tradition, the "people party" (Kaitlyn-speak for grown-ups/family) with cake and ice cream was that evening. I love this one because I don't have to be the activity director as I do at the kids party. Instead I just sit back and let everyone spoil my kids :) And yes, my kids always get great loot.

And there's the cake! Happy Birthday Tyler!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving day was really low key around here. We had plenty of time to just hang out and slowly get things ready. Sam did most of the cooking. Ty helped with the pies :)
Mom, Dad and Wyatt came over to our house for dinner.

Then the party continued with a big birthday bash for Sam's Grandma Swapp, who is 80 this year. The majority the family was able to make the trek up here to celebrate. That's quite a tribute to grandma and shows just how close this rather large family remains.