Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. When the kids woke up we read the Christmas story from the Bible and then waited for Oma and Opa to come over. We had some breakfast with them and then opened some presents. The boys really enjoyed seeing what they got each other. The rest of the day was spent with the kids playing with all their new stuff. The older two love thier new Kindles (which they had to sign contracts for to follow rules) and Olivia loves her new Princess stable. Nolan loves his leapster and all his new cars. We had a wonderful visit with Oma and Opa and I especially loved the afternoon where just me and my mom got to to spend the time shopping together. I can not wait until they live close to us and can't wait to see them this summer.

Christmas Eve

We had a nice Christmas eve. In the morning Opa and the older boys and I went to the museum. It was a lot of fun and the boys loved showing Opa everything. They really liked doing the chemistry lab with him. I think Opa may have found a new job when he retires. It was nice to just get to go at the older boys pace as well and not worry about doing what will help keep the babies entertained. That evening Oma and Opa came over for our annual dinner of hor devours and we watched Polar Express. A very nice night for sure.

Cousin Christmas

One night when Oma and Opa were here we went down to Todd and Jessie's house for a Cousin Christmas. We had pizza and just hung out. The kids loved playing ping pong and then listening to the girls play their piano and violin. Its so fun to watch them all. Josiah and Carter and Tyler seem to play a lot together. Nolan and Asher play together and then Phoebe and Livi play somewhat together (as much as two 2 year old cans). So fun to watch them all grow up together!

Wrestling tournament

Carter has decided to join Tyler with wrestling this year and they both had a tournament. It would be Carter's first. Tyler got second, so we beat one kid and lost 2. Carter lost all three matched but he tried hard. It was extra fun because Oma and Opa got to join us as well. It was also so much easier with the extra help! Proud of our boys for being such good sports and trying their hardest. carter was pretty upset during his last match, but he pushed through and did his best. We couldnt ask for any more than that.

Nolan Christmas program

Nolan had his preschool Christmas program. It was very cute. Oma and Opa arrived the night before so they got to come to it too! I guess all the excitement was to much for Nolan because during the break between his class performances he fell asleep in his teachers lap! I couldn't believe it. He got back up there for his second set of songs though. Olivia also fell asleep in Justin's lap and she was snoring so loud people were turning around. Oh well, Nolan was super cute regardless!

Report cards

The boys received their report cards (they only get them at semesters up here) and we are happy to say once again we are so proud of our boys. They are doing very well in school academically, but more than that when it comes to their behavior marks, they are all great. We couldnt be prouder of our boys!

Nana and Bapa

Nana and Bapa came to town and it was a fun time as always. I had to work, but Justin took all the kids swimming at their hotel pool. Always a fun time. Then we had dinner at our house and celebrated Bapa's birthday. Justin made him a cake that looked like the golf course by their house. Bapa also brought the kids a fun Christmas hat and plays music. The kids think this is the best thing ever.

Livi and Nolan

I love Livi and Nolan's sweet relationship. Today was the first day Livi was sad after dropping off Nolan to school. It was the saddest thing. With tears in her eyes she just kept saying "I want my Nolan". I love how much they love each other. Whenever we pick Nolan up they have to give each other hugs, even before I get one. All the other moms always do a collective "awww". I hope they always have this sweet relationship. 

Thanksgiving

We had a pretty quiet Thanksgiving at home. I was sick the night before and had to work at 8pm for Black Friday that night. At first we were going to postpone everything, but I was feeling a little better, so Justin went ahead and made the whole dinner. We decided to do ham. and it was very yummy. The night I worked from 8pm-1am and then went back on Friday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Very log day for sure. However I am so thankful for my wonderful little family. Leading up to Thanksgiving we did a Thankful Tree where we would write down things we were thankful for. The boys wrote things like our family, and their house. Nolan and Olivia wrote things like Minnie Mouse and Hana. The boys school also had each child write a letter to someone they are thankful for. Carter chose Tyler.  So sweet.

Sesame Street Live

I had a special treat of taking Livi and Nolan to Sesame Street Live. The kids dont really watch Sesame Street anymore, but they still know who Elmo is. They had a lot of fun. We got cotton candy, which was a huge mess, but they loved it. They did great the first part and then there was intermission. We went potty and then came back. They were somewhat antsy through the second part, but they made it through. It was so much fun getting to do something with just my babies.

Climbing Monkeys

It was a nice day so we took the kids to the park. The kids love this park and call it the Monkey Park because they can climb so much. Always a lot of fun!

Family pic

We got our family pictures done again by the great Allison Easterling. Here are some of my favorites:

Broncos Player

One night I had to meet Justin at the mall with the kids so I could go into work. On their way home we heard about a care and share drive for turkeys and a Bronco Player, Duke Ichancho was there. So they stopped by a walmart, picked up a Turkey and handed it out. They all got to meet Duke, and Tyler told him "Good job" when he asked why a good job, Tyler told him "for beating the Cheifs". Tyler also got his football signed. Poor Nolan didn't even have shoes on, because I thought Justin would be going straight home and I guess Olivia was scared to death of this giant moan so she clung to Justin for dear life. Still a fun experience though. 

Decorating

We decorated our Christmas tree with all the kids. We decided to get a real tree this year since we would staying here for Christmas. The kids loved picking it out. The boys were so excited to take all the decorations out and put everything up. The babies seem to understand how to put things on the tree more this year as well. They always want to find their ornaments.  It is always fun to see through Christmas through their eyes.

Tyler wreslting

Tyler decided he wanted to do wrestling again so we found a local club for him to join. His head coach actually wrestled in the Olympics. It seems to be run pretty well and the kids get some one on one time. He had his first tournament and he got third place, but did win one match. Here is to a great season!

Canvas and Cookies

One of the things we love about the boys school is all of the things there are to do. One of the really fun things is Canvas and Cookies that the art teacher puts on. The kids come
in after school and paint a picture with her and then get cookies and juice for a snack. So fun! Carter got to go to one in November and had a great time. His picture turned out great as well.

Football and Museum

Justin took the boys to the Air Force vs. Army football game. At first he was just going to take Tyler, but Carter really wanted to go. Justin said both the boys had a lot of fun. Even Carter happily stayed for the whole game. They got to see the parachutes and all the cadets walk on, and all the other fun stuff. That night the Nature and Science Museum was having a free time so we all headed down to that, The museum is great and there is so much for the kids to do thats hand on. Even the babies had a lot of fun. I think when Oma and Opa come out for Christmas maybe just the older boys can go with Opa. They can't wait to go again.

Pictures

Just some sweet pictures to share from the past few weeks: