The after Christmas festivities...

After the Christmas celebrations, we just hung out and relaxed before heading back home.  Papa left for work in Alaska and Taraka went to visit Ben's family in Alabama... And my brother Neil and his family went to Utah... So our numbers dwindled... My mom and I took Carter and Hunter to see the dinosaur movie. And I don't recommend it!

This pretty much sums up how we felt... But it means that we were having fun!!

Ava and Chase gave us a piano concert...

On New Year's Eve Carter had taken a late nap, so we didn't put him to sleep until like 11pm. We watched the ball drop and then went to go downstairs to bed... and we found this man at the bottom of the stairs. We had no idea he was down there... I wish I would have known cause he could have celebrated with us :) So we took our first picture of the the new year :)

Chase got some horsey rides with Grandpa...

Carter turned into a punk rocker...

And did some coloring...

Buddies!!

Grandpa and Jason gave Chase a little ride in the blanket...

I think he liked it!

I'm not so sure Ava did :)

And of course we did some of this!

We never want to leave Spokane. Carter always cries for days after we get home that he wants to go back! We had the best time and we can not wait until we get to go home again! Thanks everyone for making our trip so fun and for all the fun memories we made!!

Happy birthday mom!!!!

My mom had her big 60th birthday this year, so we did a party for her. It wasn't going to be a surprise, but it turned out that way and I'm glad it did! It was fun to surprise her... she had no clue!! We decided to make it a beach theme because there is nothing my mom loves more than the beach!!

My sister made these amazing cookies for everyone to take home, and Tisha put them together with some salt water taffy and a cute note!

All the tables had different vases with sea shells and candles in them... complete with a cute chevron tablecloth compliments of Tisha!!

I thought it turned out really cute...

SURPRISE!!! My dad told her that they had to do a walk through with the missionaries at the church for some investigators... She had no idea what she was really doing for!!

She was sooo surprised!! My mom can not keep a secret so to do this without her knowing was amazing!!

We played a little game of "All about Sharon" It was fun...

And she got some sweet gifts :)

We are so grateful for such an awesome and amazing mother. She never ever complains about anything and is always willing to help anyone. She is such a good mom and Grandma and we probably don't tell her enough how much she is loved and appreciated!! So we love you mom and we couldn't have gotten to where we are today without you! You are the greatest!!!

Merry Christmas!!

A couple of days before Christmas, we went to Neil and Tisha's house and had a talent show and did the nativity. It was a lot of fun and the kids had such a great time!!

Carter sang Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and quoted Princess Bride's "I am the dread pirate Roberts, I have come for your soooul." He did a really good job and didn't need help with any of it! The girls and Max played the piano and did an awesome dance for us, and Hunter told some funny jokes! We love our cousins!!

The nativity... 

Chase made a new friend in Andrew....

On Christmas Eve, we moved our stuff from Papa's house to my mom and dad's house. Carter decorated some cookies to leave out for Santa...

And while he was decorating he got a phone call from Santa!! The look on this kids face while he talked to Santa was priceless. It was so stinking cute and he was so happy and amazed that Santa called him! He went to bed one happy boy :) 

Chase and Ava on Christmas morning. Chase slept in a little so Ava had already opened her presents :) Christmas day is always low key at my house. Opening presents, watching movies, having a nice dinner, and playing with our new stuff is always part of the day! It is so fun to sure the magic of Christmas with family!!

And let the present unwrapping begin!!

Santa got Carter the two things that he asked for.... a bow and arrow...

And the movie The Croods... He was so happy!!

Chase got a train... he loves it!!

Chase's loot...

Carter's loot...

Opening presents is so tiring :)

Love love love these boys!!

All of my mom and dad's grandkids...

Carter got right in to playing with his new toys!! Thank you so much Grandma and Grandpa for all the presents and for all you do for us! We are definitely blessed to have such an amazing family that spoils us and takes care of us! I always get sad when Christmas is over, but it was a great one and we can't wait for next year :)