Mountain of Terror

So, we have the new Jeep and we had to go check out the four wheel drive capabilities. Of Course!! Jason and I thought it would be fun to take the kids sledding. To an area we couldn't have reached before with our van. Well, this adventure took us to a mountain side that didn't look as steep as it actually was. Fun fun family time right? We all climbed the mountain side just to figure out that we didn't all fit in the toboggan. I decided to stay behind and take the next ride down. SOOOO glad I did. As they went down I quickly realized how insane this really was. They all went air-borne and Faith flew off. No one was holding on to her!! She landed in front of the sled and then proceeded to get run over. Talk about being horrified! Thankfully the snow was really deep and she didn't get hurt at all. She just got kind of smashed down into the snow. Face first. :o( She's a tough girl. Tyler brought the toboggan back up to the top to bring me down. After what I just saw I was very unsure about riding that thing down. I'd like to think I'm not a chicken about stuff but I was VERY worried about this ride. Jason took some pics as we went down...


Oh yah...I'm totally freaked out!! I was holding onto my 10 year old son and counting on him to save my life. Of course he's loving it as any boy would. Crazy boys!!

We did end up going airborne and flying off at the end. Tyler thought it was the best sledding trip ever. Not sure that I would agree with him. But then again I'm not a 10 year old boy.

We did end up finding a "kid friendly" area to take the kids. They were much more stoked about their non-scary ride (except for Tyler). Me too!

Happy Birthday

January 6th was Jason's birthday. Just another year wiser!! We had a nice celebration dinner at Red Robin with all the kiddos. They were really excited when all the staff came out to sing to their Dad. He must be way cool!!! Or so we think so :o)


The yummy sundae that Jason ended up giving to the kiddos. What a nice Dad.

Am I lucky or what?!?


His Birthday present!!! After driving the same vehicle for 8 looooong years, it was time for an upgrade. He picked out yet another Jeep. We love Jeeps! The difference this time is that it holds our whole family. Oh...and it has a Hemi.
Happy Birthday. We love you!!!

Catching Up

We had a very nice Holiday season this year. Lots of good memories! Since Christmas day is usually very busy with two different Christmas' to attend (not including our own) my parents came down on Christmas Eve. This is a new tradition for us and I think its one that is going to stick! Everything was much more relaxed and enjoyable.

The kids waiting for Bammy to read the "Real 12 Days of Christmas".

Even with the gifts waiting near by they patiently listened to the story.

Haha! Bailey was in the middle of all the gift opening. It was very noisy and she just layed there snoring. Nicholas was making sure she was okay. Who can sleep through all that?!?


This picture sums up Faith's Christmas. PINK! Pink and girly. No need to say more.

We decided John should receive the "Most Enthusiastic" award. He was so serious when he opened his gifts and then would always loudly declare what the gift was.

Tyler and his "Crazy Face". He was very happy!

Yeee Haw Cowboy! At Grandma Judy's Nicholas received his sheriffs badge to go catch some bad guys.

Rachel came down the following weekend to celebrate with us. We always love to see Aunt Rachel!!

Happy Holidays

All Aboard

We had the very fortunate opportunity to take our kiddos to ride the "North Pole Express" in La Veta, Colorado this weekend. They were so excited to be going on a real train. It was also rumored that Santa might make a visit. Ohhhh the excitement!! When we got out of the van it was 14 degrees outside. Talk about freezing cold! We made our way to the back of the train and found six seats together. This was a blessing as many families ended up split up because the train was so full. We had cookies, hot hot hot chocolate, candy canes, sang carols, read Christmas stories, and Yes, Santa made his appearance. He said hello and gave out bells to all the kiddos. We had a great evening as a family.

We're going on a real train!!

All cozy in our pj's. Just like the Polar Express!

Daddy and the boys are going to snuggle and keep warm on the cold train.



Its Santa!!!! He's giving me a bell!

Its really from him!! Look.

The Recital

Faith had her first ballet recital tonight. Talk about being one proud Momma! She did wonderful for her first time. She was super cute and Jason and Tyler got a good chuckle from her. She seemed to be a few steps behind the other girls. That made it even more cute!! Miss Laurels studio is in a building that is over one hundred years old. The heating in there is terrible!! We are told its like trying to heat a cave. Since the recital was in the evening it was colder than we had ever experienced.

Here's how the recital went:


Man, it sure is cold in here. I'm so glad my Mom put me in a leotard that has sleeves in it! I'll be sure to stay warm now. Thanks Mom!

Look! I'm sitting here being the best out of all the girls! Wait, maybe i'm just too cold to move. Yep. Thats what it is.

Here we go! I know I can do this. Just hold my hand tight, okay.


Maybe I should just watch Taylor. She seems to know what the heck is going on.

Okay, I think I missed something here...aren't we jumping now?? OOPS!!

Turning. Now i've got this one down for sure! Look at me!

I did it Mom! Aren't you soooo proud of me!!!



I am!!! The proudest Mommy in the whole world tonight.

Snow Day

This morning we woke up to lots and lots of snow. All of the kids, with the exception of John, were excited to get outside and play. We bundled them up and Tyler went out and warmed up the four wheeler. The new thing this year is tying the sleds to the back and pulling them around. Faith is too little to ride but she likes to help Dad drive them around. Tylers friend Austin joined in the fun which made three sleds behind the four wheeler. It was fun to watch! Since John doesn't like the cold, he and I stayed in and made cookies. He was a good little helper.



Jason and Faith pulling Nicholas, Tyler, and Austin.


Mom's little helper. He was a good taste tester.

The finished red and green cookies.