New Years in Bozeman

For New Years Eve we headed to Bozeman to spend some time with the family.  The kids were eager to hang out with their cousins!

We spend the first morning sledding.  Gavin was so chill and cute all bundled up!

Payton, Kason, Taylor, and Kenzie making a train.

Brielle and I getting ready to go down.

Now Brielle wanted to go with Grandpa.

Later we put a bunch of our sleds together and made a gigantic train.  SO FUN!

Grandpa was holding us all back.

Then he hopped on and away we flew.

I love all the different seasons and the fun things that are associated with each of them.

Such a fun group!

Later we went to a Bobcat Basketball game.

These boys love basketball.

I had just as much fun watching the kids during the game!  They were danging and having a wonderful time trying to get on the big screen.

Cousins are some of the kids' best buddies!  I love it!!

Gavin just couldn't make it until midnight!  He is just precious when he falls asleep on us.

After a quick nap we woke him up so he would sleep later that night.  That smile melts my heart!

Brielle started falling asleep as well.

Payton and Kason having a snack and getting ready to play some games and ring in the New Year.

Happy New Year to us!

Asher, Kenzie, and Taylor also thought relaxing was ideal.

Time for some celebration cider.

By now Gavin was all tucked in.

It was an enjoyable weekend with loved ones.  The drive home was slow and visibility was terrible.  We were grateful to make it home safe and sound.

Fun During the Break

I can never seem to get enough time with the kids and as a family so we totally look forward to our breaks and spending some quality time together!

A little after Christmas shopping at the mall.  The big boys were with Mckay and the Young Men playing hockey.

Then we ate at Chili's while they were at Pizza Hut.

Gavin loves having his siblings around to play with!

Ready to eat dinner.

Brielle took this funny picture on Mckay's phone.

A late package in the mail for Brielle!  Who doesn't like presents after the fact!?

Mckay has been plowing with the motto to help us and the neighbors get around.  One evening Gavin and I bundled up to join him.  Gavin loves going for rides!

He also loves his time with Daddy!

During the break Kenzie also had a fun project she was hoping to complete.

Her new blanket!

She was eager to see the finished product.

This also made Brielle want to bust out some project stuff.

I love how they enjoy creating things!

Some indoor tent time with Dad.

We have been having fun playing games and making memories!

Christmas Day 2016

Christmas this year happened to fall on a Sunday.  I think it is actually perfect since we get to spend some time thinking about the Savior on His Birthday.  All along the kids had voted to open presents after church since it was only an hour long and then we wouldn't be rushed to get dressed and ready for church after opening presents. 

Interestingly enough, it didn't happen that way!  We planned on stopping after finishing our stockings and then everyone was just so excited that we couldn't wait.  It was fun going with the flow and being spontaneous!

Payton checking out his stocking suffers.

Christmas mornings are full of excitement!

Cute Kenzie ready to open presents.

Sweet Brielle sporting some new socks from grandma and grandpa.

Brown-eyed Gavin getting ready to see what his stocking held.

Magical moments with the kids.  Still a little tired!

Still in jammies.

Payton is all about the gadgets, he was happy to get a flint in his stocking.

Of coarse Gavin wanted to break into his goldfish!

Mckay, reading a note I slipped into his stocking (another tradition of ours).

Brielle was thrilled to get a journal with a lock and key!  I wonder what she will hide in there?!

Kenzie was happy to get a cute new lamp for her room.

Loving her journal!

Taylor opening his present.

Happy to receive some roller skates!

McKenzie also got a fleece blanket kit and is excited for a project to do.

What a sweetheart!

Gavin was really getting the hang of opening presents.  I am surprised at how well he held off all season long!

A toilet just for Gavin!  It is a win win!

Perfect fit for our football loving Taylor!

Gavin was loving opening presents!

He was happy about his new trike.

Cute boy!

Payton was thrilled to see a new drone.

This was something he was really wanting.

Happy times!

Taylor's face said it all when he opened a Wii basketball game!

Brielle is getting a Zoomer Kitten in the mail shortly! (It was delayed in the mail)

Putting the trike together with an eager little boy!

Gavin was so excited to ride it!

Oh so sweet!

For Christmas Dinner we invited Dick, Sarah, and Oli over for a prime rib dinner.  It was sure yummy!

Just might have to be our new tradition.

Gavin also loves minions and looked funny in his new hat.

Christmas evening by the tree.

Wearing our new family pj's (I made for everyone).

Oh and I forgot to mention, this is how the kids woke us up on Christmas morning...we heard a loud horn noise and ran to see what it was only to see a pile of kids at the top of the stairs waiting for the OK to come down.  It was Payton's wake up call with his trombone!

It was a perfect Christmas as a family!