Tyson's Riding Big

Tyson was the quickest learner of all the kids but he was the oldest too. He didn't need much help from dad and he had it down. The next day I took him out and worked with him on starting by himself because that is the biggest pain once they take the training wheels off. He learned that after a few tries too!! Yeah!! He is having a lot of fun riding his bike and feeling pretty big. He even wanted me to set up the jump for him. Crazy man!!

SNOW YEAH!!

We went to visit everyone up north in the snow. We went the day after Christmas and made it up and back with great driving weather. What a party!! Dad and mom had a full house for a couple nights. It was so much fun and we really appreciate everyone visiting and playing with us when we come up. We went sledding, ice skating, had a baby shower, went to church, played games, attempted duck hunting, checked out some deer and elk, and just had fun!! It is great to have such an awesome family!! We headed to Eagle Mountain to visit the rest of our family up north and did some more sledding and another late night. Shane and Steve pulled the kids behind the truck on some tubes and attempted to add a sled but it ended with Kylee being ran over after falling off. The kids always have a hard time coming home because that is where all the cousins live now except for Shaylee and Brighton. They moved to Logandale. YEAH!!! We will miss all the rest of our family but love to come and visit. Thanks for the pics Amy and Tracie!!

Wonderful Christmas Season

We had a crazy, wonderful, Christmas season. This year we started a new tradition of the 12 days of Christmas. We chose a elderly lady that we don't know that well but has been a kindergarten helper for the last 3 years at least. We had a lot of fun and it was nice not stressing about getting caught because she can't move very quickly. Every Christmas eve we celebrate with the Applegates. We have a wonderful time caroling, eating and just visiting. The kids really enjoy it. They love to go caroling and to get to visit with their extended cousins. After that we opened pj's and read the Christmas story with Grandpa and Grandma. The kids each shared a talent and we got ready for bed. Steve gave the okay to wake up at 4:30 and that is what they did. We were up bright and early and had a great time. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year and even though it is stressful and I never quite get everything done. It is still my favorite!!

BYU Game

We were so glad that BYU ended up playing in the Las Vegas Bowl. Shane and Carrie flew in Tuesday night and we went in the visit and shop on our "snow day". Yes, we had a snow day even though Logandale go NO SNOW!! Well Friday Grandpa, Grandma, Casey & Kyle came down to visit and go to the game. Shane and Carrie came out Friday night to visit and all the kids loved the attention from so much family. Grandpa and Grandma even let the kids open a present each. Drake got a BYU sweatshirt, the girls pj's grandma made all the cousins too, and Tyson a roping cowboy!! We had a great time and ended up going in a little early Saturday after Drake's flag football game to see Shane and Carrie again. BYU had a disappointing game but we still had fun cheering them on in the chilly, but warm for some, Las Vegas weather. Thanks for coming to visit us!! (I'll have to add some pics later of the game)

Christmas Church Clothes

Okay, we started a tradition the last few years that the kids get to open their new church clothes the Sunday before Christmas so if they can wear them the Sunday before which is usually the Christmas program. We have talked about the importance of dressing nicely for church and why it is important. I enjoy it because if I chose a dress that is a holiday dress then they have an extra week to wear it too. They love it to because they open a present early.

Sawyer Band Concert

 

We went to Sawyers Christmas band concert and it was awesome!! He played in the JV Band and in the JAZZ Band. He had a solo and did awesome. He loves to play music and is very talented in that area. Keep it up Sawyer great job!! Moapa has a great music program and it is a lot of fun to see so many kids involved in music and enjoying it.

SLEDDING

Steve took the kiddos sledding on Wednesday while I was at work. It snowed up to 8" in Vegas and snowed in St. George but no snow for us :(. Steve met up on Utah hill with his friend and his kids and had a great time. They had a fire and loved playing in the snow!! They keep asking when they get to go back. After that storm they were still predicting more for Las Vegas and so they canceled school for the next day. SNOW DAY!! CRAZY!!

1ST Clogging Performance

 

Sierra and Makenzie had their first clogging performance at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas. They did a great job and had a lot of fun. Sierra loves to perform and smiled the whole time. We were all amazed at how well Makenzie actually did. We didn't think she would even dance. She enjoys it but has a hard time keeping up with her class because they are all 2 years older than her, but she did. Then they performed here and did even better because they had their whole team there this time. Now mom just needs to get up there with them. They danced to BOOGIE WOOGIE CHOO CHOO TRAIN and then did there favorite step.

FLAG FOOTBALL

 

Drake had a great time playing flag football for the first time. He takes after his dad. He is quick and loves it. He enjoyed every minute of it and was sad to see it end. Steve helped coach with two other dads. They had a great time and did a great job!!

Guitar Recital and Ward Party

Drake had a guitar recital and we also had a ward party the same time and the same night. It all worked out though. Drake did a great job! They played some Christmas songs as a group at the first and then he played his song and because I'm playing catch up I can't remember the name of his song. Oh, well. After he was done we headed to the ward party. I got a few pictures of Santa and the kids. There was a big crowd and we had a great talent show.