Thursday, December 31, 2015

New Year's Eve

Yeah for the chance to celebrate yet another holiday.  What a great reason to have a party as we close one year and welcome another!
Gavin thought he was rather tricky as he climbed onto the little ottoman and sat there by himself.
Emry and Brielle are sampling some of the yummy food.
These girls are so funny together.
Gavin took a little rest during the later hours as we were playing a few games.
Eventually I thought it might be a good idea to wake him up so that he would still be tired enough to go back to sleep when we returned home.
Taylor has really gotten into playing board games like this.  In fact, he even plays against himself if others don't want to play.
McKenzie was happy just resting on the couch for a bit.
When we go to Grandma's house, Brielle loves to bust out the coloring things and could do this for hours.
The kids are getting at such fun ages and it is fun to watch them set up and play their own games.
Happy BOY!
This is another quirky thing that Gavin does: He tenses his arms and hands like this and makes a face at you, trying to shock you or something if you say, "Do it".
Silly little boy.
Getting ready to ring in the New Year with glow sticks.
The kids were having a great time.
I feel so lucky to be spending each year together!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Jump Time

During Christmas Break we decided to go to Flippin Family Fun.  The kids had a great time!
The looks on their faces are priceless!
Gavin wanted to explore around too and liked watching the kids go crazy.
Pure JOY!
McKenzie was nice enough to spend a minute and jump with Gavin.  He was super happy!
Payton, Asher, Taylor, and Kason playing in the basketball pit.
Fun boys!
Now they are off to the dodge ball area.
This is such a good place to let out some energy during the long winter months.
Brielle and Emry in the big chair.
Gavin thought it was great.
He sure is growing up and loving life.
Cute boy!
It made for such a fun hour and some more friends showed up after a little while.  This may just have to be something we do during every Christmas Break!

Monday, December 28, 2015

My Grandpa Thornley's Funeral

Mid December my grandfather passed away.  We knew that it wasn't going to be much longer for him before the time had come to say goodbye.  When we went to my parents' during Thanksgiving my dad was sure to Facetime his dad and even made sure that I was able to talk to him one last time.  I remember that my Grandpa was trying to make sure people knew he loved them before his passing.  Growing up we actually lived close to my Grandparents.  In fact, there were some years that we even attended the same LDS church in Kuna. My grandpa always had those cinnamon hard candies in his pocked and was good to share with his sweet-tooth granddaughter! 
How fitting that he was pulled in a wagon to the cemetery behind his favorite Belgian horses.
It sure was a sight to see!
Mckay and Gavin in the corner of the picture.
It was great to spend some time with family again but sad to say goodbye to my first grandparent.
These three were having fun together during the viewing.
Such funny little girls!
Grandpa will be missed!  It was neat to think of his life and enjoy the memories shared about him that day.  Even Spencer and Bill Pearson traveled to the funeral to share their musical talent and sing at my Grandpa's funeral, it was truly neat!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

The Annual Alumni Basketball Game

During Christmas break Mckay's old stomping grounds, puts on an Alumni game of basketball where the old school boys VS the current team.
Mckay out on the court!
The funniest part of going to these games now that our kids are getting older, is the fan club that Mckay and his brothers bring along!  Our kids are found yelling and chanting at the top of their lungs for their Dads and uncles out on the court.  It is quite comical!

A Sledding We Will Go!

For Christmas the kids got a cool tube for sledding from Grandpa and Grandma Swensen!
Kenzie, Taylor, Brielle, and Payton
We hooked them up behind the 4-Wheeler and they were having the time of their lives!
Gavin enjoyed riding on the 4-Wheeler with Dad and Mom.
Although at times all 5 kids were out riding on the tubes and having a blast!
The ski goggles were really coming in handy since these tubes can haul fast and were kicking up a little snow.  It reminds me of boating, only this was not behind a boat and it was snowy instead of warm lake water.  The kids were all out there for such a long time and were loving every minute of it!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Christmas 2015

Christmas is always magical with children.
Payton checking out his stocking stuff.
McKenzie was thrilled it was finally Christmas.
Taylor was also happy to be able to finally open presents.
Brielle checking out the goodies in her stocking.
What a wonderful morning!
Gavin was so fun to watch this Christmas.  He sure has been a huge addition to our family.
We love Christmas morning!
Fun candid pictures of opening gifts.
Making memories.
Trying to figure out what it is.
A new fancy dress.
Looks like Cinderella!
Can you tell Payton is happy with another Nerf weapon?
I can imagine the battles already!
Taylor already put on his new BSU jersey.
And a weapon for Taylor!
Priceless!
A puppy for her doll.
Two sisters who love to dress up and play together/watch Cinderella!
And brothers who are eager to play this new Wii game (Skylanders Racing).
Sweet little Gavin was loving this new toy.
Time to say goodbye to Christopher our Elf.
Merry Christmas!