Isabel's birthday

We started out our day with pancakes and pictures

After school, Isabel had a suprise waiting for her. Papa and Grams were here to celebrate her special day. They even brought a present.

Isabel has been asking for one of these for a while.

She looks like a natural!

Of course we went to the Creamery

And of course we had red velvet cake

 Reece and I decided to let Isabel get her ears pierced this year but since she was in the middle of basketball season she chose to wait until her season was over. Maybe we will have pictures of that in another post.

Isabel also got to have some friends over for a birthday party. They went to the movies, then came home for pizza and games.

 This little girl has been a blessing in our lives since day one. She has a way in helping others find light and happiness. She is confident but not rude, she loves her brothers but still knows how to put them in a head lock if she needs to. Our sweet little Isabel is an example to all of us, and now she is 11.

New Years in New Harmony

So... we have a pretty fun tradition of going to my parents for New Years.

We actually go down to Washington, and play at the rec center. They have so much to do and they also feed you. They even have fireworks!

Here's our table set up right in front of the live entertainment:

This year they had a few games set up for the kids. One of the games was a giant size pie in the face. All the kids loved this because they got to lick all the whipped cream off of their faces.

They have a rock wall

This was another fun game where you got to shoot balls out of a blaster at the other team

Laser tag in a make-shift arena

 These water rollers are always one of the favorites

 and swimming of course.

And what would a new years eve party be without cotton candy on the dance floor???

My kids are always exhausted after the party, and they love having giant sleepovers with their cousins.

My dad and mom are the ones who make it all possible, so a big shout out to them for putting up with us all week!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning...

biggest smile goes to Isabel and her new bike

 Second biggest smile goes to me...

and my new camera.

 My cute boys!

This seemed to be a popular game this year!

I think we played every free second we had.

Time for bed!

What a wonderful day!!!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve started out with a brunch over at the Toiaivao's.

We love the time we get to spend with our "extended family."

After brunch, we went home and did nothing, and when everyone was sufficiently bored, we decided to go find a hill covered in snow.

 The sunset was breathtaking

Our evening was filled with an exciting game of Nertz.

Even Isabel's doll got to play

After a LONG game of Nertz, and having to wrap a few more presents, I was spent!

"Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus"

Good night Christmas Eve!

Winter Band Concert (December 2015)

Max had his winter band concert just before winter break.

Grandpa and Grandma were in town, so they got to have a listen.

 Such a handsome boy!

Also...

I just have to throw this one in here, because I thought it was hilarious that this parent stood in the isle for the entire song so she could get a better angle. 

After the song was over she relocated to... the stage! I couldn't believe it. Neither could the teacher. I think the teacher was being kind and was waiting for her to take a picture, but when she realized that the woman was going to stick around to record the song, she kindly asked her to move.

What in the world???

Broken? (December 2015)

The ball ran into my finger at basketball

 I wondered if it was broken, so I went to my doctor... who happens to be my husband ;)

Well... he said it was fractured, and now...

This:

Maybe I picked red and white because it looked like a candy cane.

Just in time for Christmas.

Build a Bear for Military Families (December 2015)

A good friend of ours informed us of an opportunity to serve, and it sounded like fun so we jumped on board. It was so fun to dress these bears, knowing they would be going to a little boy or girl who might probably be missing their mom or dad terribly. 

The bears we dressed, along with others that were purchased and donated by others, will be given to children of military parents. They include a voice box that the parent can record a personal message on. What a great idea! So glad we got to be a part of it!

Lunch Date (December 2015)

Each week I try to take Max out on a date. 

It's a special time we have to bond while we share life's happenings.

This day we ate at smash burger.

Love this boy!