Last Post for 2011

So I know one day I wanna make a scrapbook of this blog. So since I slacked off at the end of the year, I need to wrap it up all in one post. (oh and I stopped doing photography... so I haven't been editing much, these pictures are straight from the camera.)

First off, at the end of October we drove to STG for a family reunion. We celebrated Halloween, went to Zions, and a few other things. Then we went to Vegas to visit my family for a few days. Since my sister's family was visiting as well, we celebrated an early Thanksgiving.

3 generations of Packer's fans... with Utah & UNLV shorts

We were a family of 4 skeletons

Celebrating our early Thanksgiving

When we came home we got back into the swing of things. We celebrated Kenny's 30th birthday. Had a little different Thanksgiving, and then I went black friday shopping.

Daddy eating his yummy Resees' Ice Cream Cake

In December, the Little Princess lost a tooth (all on her own), then we decorated for the season. The kids carried on their tradition with their Daddy of building a gingerbread village. Both the kids had Christmas programs at school, and the Little Man was one of the Wise Man. He kept waving to us from the stage (when he wasn't peeking inside the present). One of our next adventures was driving into the wild and cutting a small Christmas tree for the kids' room.

missing something?

starting the gingerbread village

completed village

giving a thumbs up from the stage

happy to be in the program, next to his best bud

sledding in the forest

found the perfect tree!

family picture

haha... we found him one night sleeping on our giant pile of clean clothes. Silly kid!

We were blessed to spend the last week of the year with Daddy (he used a few vacation days.) The last day of the year... we went to our friends house and celebrated the New Year with lots of yummy food, games, fire crackers, and some sparkling juice!

We had a great year. We were blessed with good health, a great job, lots of friends, fun vacations, supportive family, and many more blessings from the Lord. (of course there were trials throughout the year, but you can't expect less than that.)We can't wait for this next year to see what adventures it brings.

Day 301

The little guy had a playdate today. His friend is having a birthday party this weekend and we'll miss it since we are going outta town. So we invited him over and gave him his present and the boys played a ton. We love how many friends we've made here in Montana :)
*and yes, my kitchen is a mess...that's what happens when you are crazy busy!

Day 300

So today the little man had a field trip. They went to a farm and first they got to check out the horses from a distance and feed the goats. Next they listened to fairytales and saw different scenes from each story. Each kid got to pick a cake pop from the witch (in Hansel & Gretel), and try some hot chocolate that was "just right" (from Goldilocks). Then the kids ran through a hay maze, and last played in a huge pile of leaves. My little man had a great time (once he warmed up to his new surroundings). Plus his little buddy was back from vacation so he was excited about that too. Here's a snapshot of the cute little group.

Day 299

Guess What?!

It snowed today!!! Can you believe that? It didn't stick, but still. First it snowed tiny little flurries... then 45 minutes later there were BIG flakes. It was fun!

Day 298

I love fall!!! So we try to do everything we can. Tonight we made caramel apples. The kids had a great time!

Day 296

So since the little guy's been into picture taking lately I thought I'd go try and get some photos with the beautiful fall colors. So yesterday I got everything ready and then told the kiddos what we were gonna do. It didn't go well! He HATED the idea because I wouldn't let him wear whatever he wanted. Since he was about 2 we've been fighting over clothes. (he's a very opinionated boy) So I resorted to bribery!!! I payed him $5, and that still took some coaxing. And sweet big sister needed to get paid to make it fair. So $10 later, and a few tears.... we have these pictures:

While we were taking this picture, she asked me "Why do my eyes kinda close shut when I smile?"Dear ol' Daddy... that's why!

Aren't they cute?

Day 295

I love that my kids are playing outside when it's rainy and in the 40's! I also love that they are imaginative. They decided to make a shelter... they shoved an umbrella, 2 sleds, and she's working on getting the christmas tree stand into the tree. For decorations they have birdhouses and buckets. Somehow they have a kitchen (to make stew) and a garage... where the puppy (little brother) is kept.
When my little man discovered I was taking pictures he kept doing "silly" things and asking me to take his picture. This just started the last few days... and I think he's adorable. The first picture below he's balancing on his one foot. And the second, he's shaking his head back and forth.

Day 294

WARNING.... this is a scary costume!!!  Ok maybe not to you, but I have a hard time looking at it-well the mask. I love Halloween.... the fun side. And this is a little too creepy to me. She loves it though, so that's what's great, right?

Day 293

WOW! I thought having my son in preschool would free up some time for me. That hasn't happened yet. I find that I wait to do all my shopping and errands, and even cleaning for when he's in school. So free time... nope! It is nice being able to run errands without kids though. (I've even been able to go on a few lunch dates with my hunny-no baby sitter needed!)

I realized last night that I've been wanting to make a pillow dress for my daughter for the Halloween season. I HAD to get the dress made last night, so she could wear it today since today was her last day of school this week, and she only has next week till Halloween.

So here's the adorable little ghost!!!

Day 261

Today she got to play all over the field, defense, goalie (nobody scored on her!), and offense (she almost got a goal, just kicked it to a little too far to the right).

Later in the day we got to go watch a friend get baptized. It was neat to watch, and great for our little miss to see since she'll be getting baptized herself in less than a year (crazy!).

Day 260

So today we got some hair cuts. Our little refused because we went to a friends house. (he said he will only go to the store and get it done!) SILLY KID. after hair cuts we got to go to church for an ice cream social. We ate ice cream, played basketball, volleyball, and the kids colored and watched RIO. It was a busy, but fun day.

Day 258

It seems like our days have just been filled with soccer and school...

Day 257

Yesterday I finished editing senior pictures I had taken for my sister-in-law. Isn't she gorgeous?

Day 256

aww... first day of school went amazingly! I thought he would need me to stay longer, but after a few minutes, I could tell he felt ok ( a little timid, but not too bad). I told him I was leaving and I'd see him later. He said ok.

Then he came home wearing these.... Clifford, the Big Red Dog, ears. He wore them the rest of the day, and the next, and was so proud of them. He's such a cute little boy. I love when he's happy.... he's so much fun.

Day 254

The first soccer game of the season! They both did excellent, and I think both will sleep well tonight. Our little princess played well, and is a little more agressive this year. We are hoping they both have a fun season and get some great exercise too.

Day 252

Today was a practice day of school. We got to go and meet his teacher and play a little. Next week he'll start for reals. He was so excited!

Day 250

So we had a great Labor Day. How about you? I slept in, the kids played Donkey Kong, Daddy went to work for a lil bit, and then we headed to the lake. We met some friends up there and played in the water and sand for a few hours.

Today the kids had cleanings at the dentist. They both did fantastic! {no cavities} We came home and instead of showing me his tooth-brush.... the little guy wanted to show how strong his teeth were. He dug up some carrots from our garden and gnawed away. I thought he looked so funny-but cute, with the greens hanging out of his mouth. The kids have loved the garden this year... too bad we can only grow tiny tomatoes and tiny carrots. {and weeds!}

Day 248

I stayed up late last night to finish some craft projects. I had to display them at church today to show the ladies what craft we'll be doing for Super Saturday.

Day 246

Aww.... he finally brought me home some flowers {and they are my favorites}. Thanks hunny!

Day 245

We met our friend at the park and she taught us a really cool activity... slack lining. The kids were a little timid at first, but quickly fell in love with it.

Day 244

Ok, so our summer was busy. I'll post a few pictures to get you up to speed.... Right after school was out, our little princess did a gymnastics camp for a week. She loved it! Then we headed to Seattle to help our newest cousin be born: We were gone for 3 weeks and had a blast while we were there. We also celebrated someone's 7th birthday! (I can't believe I have a kid that old.)
We came home, had swim lessons. Then the "men" in the family had a campout with church. (and we learned our little man doesn't do well with misquito bites- he swells up!) Next we had a visitor and crammed so much into her trip (2 baseball games, farmer market, water park, Glacier National Park-misquito problem, 5 mile hike to waterfall- misquito problem again, canoeing: and eating at some of our favorite local restuarants). And our little girly had to have her 2 front teeth pulled (her other teeth were coming in). The dentist said she looked like Bruce the Shark :) Next we went camping:swam in a pond, and then I helped throw a baby shower. Then we headed to my family reunion in Utah. We stayed an extra day to hang out with Kenny's family (who drove 4 hours just to be with us for less than 24 hrs.) When I came home from the reunion I layed on the couch for almost 2 weeks due to my first ever sinus infection (it was horrible).

Once I could pull myself off the couch, we started preparing for school and we had to float the river at least once this season. And now here we are. The first day of 2nd grade!!! (and she's riding the bus home this year- that's a scary new adventure). Now you all got the quick version of our summer. I'm hoping since we'll be in town more, to start posting daily again. And in 2 weeks, I'll start having the afternoons to myself. The little guy is starting a 4 day preschool :) I'm a little excited! Hope you all had a fabulous summer.

Day 157

After church our family ALWAYS comes inside and changes right into jammies. I wanted to snap a quick picture and asked the kids to come outside. My little guy INSISTED on posing on his bike.

Day 156

We had a very full day. Daddy had to work, and I didn't want to go crazy having the kids all cooped up inside all day, so we had some fun. Some things we did... garage sale, children's museum, grocery shopping, play in the park, clean rooms, baths.... and topped it all off with a little DONKEY KONG!