Snow

We got our first big snow storm so we got all the kids dressed up to go play. Olivia wasn't sure what to think of it, but seemed to like walking around in it. Nolan loved it at first until he got cold. The boys thought playing on the tramp in the snow was the coolest thing ever. Of course we all had to have hot chocolate when we all came in to warm up.

Christmas with Nana and Bapa

On Christmas morning we all woke up and opened our stockings, had some breakfast and then let the kids open thier gifts. We then had a relaxing day with a yummy dinner of turkey and skyped with Lee's family. We also talked on the phone to my brothers. That night we packed u as it looked like a storm was coming in so we would be able to head out first thing in the morning. We had a wonderful Christmas with the Pederson family. Enjoy the pictures! The one of Carter in a cape is the cape Aunt Sharalee made for him herself - very cool gift.

Nana and Bapa Time

After Christmas with Oma and Opa we headed off to have Christmas in Montrolse with Nana and Bapa and Boyd and Sharalee's family. We stopped at Boyd and Sharalee's house on the way in for lunch and for the cousins to play. The we all headed to Montrose together. The kids had a fun running around Nana and Bapas house, playing the Wii and the older kids getting to have a giant sleepover in the bonus room upstairs  The next day Everyone but Nana and the babies headed up to Ouray to go see some ice climbers and hit the hot springs. We only saw a couple ice climbers, but just hiking around and seeing all the ice was very fun. Of course everyone had a blast at the hot springs. Justin and I were spoiled that the babies weren't there and could really relax in the pool as the smaller pool is shallow enough for the older boys to play in without our help. Very nice. We then headed home, got ready for Christmas Eve service, which was a children's service, and then put everyone to bed to await Christmas morning. A very fun day!

Christmas with Oma and Opa

Since we would be in Montrose for Christmas, Oma and Opa came over the day before we left so that we could open presents with just them. This is also the time we gave the kids most of our gifts as well, so that we wouldn't have to pack them n the car. Oma and Opa tok the kids for a walk while we brought the toys out and then they got to come back and be surprised   As usual the kids were spoiled rotten, but they had a bast with Oma and Opa. Oma and Opa got Livi her first American Girl baby doll, we got the kids a giant bear from Costco (that was daddy's idea) and the boys got a new Lego table made by daddy.  We just had appetizers and things for our Christmas dinner, and just enjoyed our day together. Justin and I also went out with Oma and got our Christmas present from them  - new bikes and a new trailer for the babies. Thanks Oma and Opa!

Oma and Opa Time

Oma and Opa got into town the week before Christmas. We always have a wonderful time when they are here. They took the kids to have some time with just them, I got to go shopping with my mom, and then we all went over to Todd and Jessie's house to have some time with the cousins. We had pizza and the kids played a lot, which they always love.

Christmas Lights

We had to do our annual tradition of driving around and seeing the Christmas lights. Everyone got in their pjs, we stopped by Starbucks for some hot cocoa, put some Christmas music on and away we were off. The boys always love seeing the lights, the babies just feel asleep. This is one of the traditions I hope to continue every year, even as the kids grow up into teenagers. We always have fun, good conversation  and just nice time to be together.

Electric Safari

We did our annual Electric Safari trip of the zoo t night. The boys always look forward to this and even better they were opening up the elephant house for the first time that evening. First thing was we had to visit Santa though. Tyler told Santa he wanted a guitar and Carter wanted binoculars. Olivia screamed her head off and Nolan looked confused. After that it was on to the elephants. Olivia LOVED seeing them and got so excited. The older boys got to help the zoo keeper feed them by dropping food down a tube to them. You can feel the elephant blow through their trunk up the tube - pretty cool. We also let the boys ride the horses, which they always like doing. We were going to let Nolan ride but after he sat on it for a minute he said all done so that was that. Another fun trip and we can't wait for the rest of the elephant exhibit to open in the spring!

Long Family Weekend

We got to have a very nice long family weekend. We went to the park and rode bikes around (the older boys are getting very good) did some shopping, where the kids behaved well, Justin and Tyler got to watch Notre Dame win and then we decorated the house and tree. Not much fills up my tank than time with my wonderful family.

Parade of Lights

We joined a bunch of our friend in Denver for the parade of Lights. It was very warm that night which made the parade super crowded. The kids (or really the adults) couldnt really even se so all the adults had to have kids on the back of their shoulders. Eventually Tyler and Carter found spots where they could sit right in front. I could barely see the top of their heads but a bunch of other parents were also watching out for everyone so I felt pretty safe about it. Olivia pretty much sat in the stroller and Nolan rode on daddy's back. They were very excited for the fire trucks, Tyler liked the Nuggets mascot and Nolan was very excited to see Santa.  I didn't even think he knew who he was. We had a great time seeing our friends and all the kids were asleep within minutes of getting in the car.

Breakfast in Bethleham

Our church did their annual Breakfast in Bethlehem where they do the Christmas story in an interactive play for all the kids, with a pancake breakfast included  The kids had a lot of fun. When we got there we got yummy pancakes  which they made into Christmas tress and snowmen for the boys and then got to do some crafts and coloring. Then the play started where the kids got to sing along and use their crafts to act out parts of the story. We then got to go home with a goody bag full of fun things. It was a great time and the older boys seem to understand everything more and more every year. The babies just like the pancakes!