Church in Wyoming--Dec. 29th, 2013

Rusty & Zane left for Pamela's Sunday.  They took my mom's key to Pamela's plus another key that my dad had made for a spare.

 Ben wearing one of the 2 new suits he got for Christmas.  he sure looks grown up and handsome!

 Callum wearing his new suspenders, church pants, & bow tie!  He looks quite handsome too!

 Emmalee also received a new dress for Christmas--so here they are all ready for church.  (And Brienna is in the background with her new skirt.

 Brothers

 Aww--brother & sister :)

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ben--who could resist this smile????

Christmas Break in Lander--Part 2

 Emmalee & Kailey playing in the back yard.

 I love Emmalee's new kitty hat she got for Christmas!  Grandpa Carter said that there wasn't much snow in Lander & they were only predicting an inch or so during the time we were there.  So we almost didn't pack the snow pants--but we thought they might use them at Pamela's.  

But one morning it starting snowing--and it didn't stop most of the day!  Probably 1/2 foot at least!

 Ben had fun outside--and watching the snow plows going up and down the street removing the snow.

 Everyone had fun playing with the magnets that Grandma & Grandpa found at a swap meet (so they were FREE!).  Everyone had so much fun playing with them.

 Emmalee getting ready to play Flinch--that's what we do a lot of when we visit over Christmas break--play games!

 Ben got his own table--since the big table was being used for game-playing!

 Ben playing outside in the snow.

 He had fun piling up the snow (with is hands) & then jumping in it.

 Zane had to "show off" his talents too (or be the center of attention).  I think he played "Mary Had a Little Lamb."  :)

Brienna playing her flute.

Christmas Break--Lander (part 1)

We left for Wyoming on the morning of Dec. 26th.  Rusty took Ethan to the bus stop in IF (& had Ben & Callum).  The rest of us met them in Ririe so we could go to Pamela's house.  Rusty wanted to have an afternoon at her house so we could finish watching "Survivor"--we had watched the whole season except the last 6 episodes.  We made it to Pamela's around 11:30 am only to discover that I didn't have the right keys to her house.  And the hidden key (at her house) didn't work (in either door).  So we ended up going to Maverick (to gas up & have a bathroom break) & heading straight to Lander.

We arrived in Lander around 4:30--just enough time to unload the vehicles & eat dinner.  

 We took some time & went to the church to goof around one afternoon.  Zane & Rusty shooting some hoops.

 The kids had fun running around (Callum in the back left, Alyssa--Laurie's granddaughter--& Ben).

 Kailey (Laurie's other granddaughter) & Emmalee are playing with the big pink ball.  It was great to have a place for the kids to run around & get some of their energy out!

 "half-court" shot by Rusty!  Zane played a game of Around the World with me--and barely beat me.  But I did make it to the last shots before he did.  I guess I still can shoot (a little).

 Ben putting one of his new puzzles together.

 Daddy helping Ben with the puzzle (Sponge Bob)

 Playing "White-Elephant" BINGO.  When you get a bingo, you open a white elephant gift.  Then the next person can either take your gift or keep the one they open.  

 Callum & Alyssa

 The white-elephant presents.

We all had fun playing.  And we all fit into the kitchen!!

Christmas Day

 Santa filled all our stockings--and left us some fun presents!

 and so did Aunt Pamela--the stack of presents from her!

 And look at all the presents around the tree.

 Santa brought Ben a moveable Spiderman--"it looks like he's running!"

 Even Zane was spoiled this year!

 Emmalee didn't just get 1 My Little Pony--she got 2 (from Santa).  And according to her--"this is the best Christmas EVER!"  She also received a Play-Doh ice cream maker.  She didn't come out & ask Santa for this (because it was an "expensive present") but she secretly told Snowflake (our Elf on the Shelf) so luckily the message was delivered!

 Callum with his new suspenders & bow tie.

 Ben opening presents.

 Zane all comfy by the pile of presents.

 Ben was super excited to find a present that was taller than him--and it was for him!  (a mirror for his bedroom)

After opening this present, he had to try it on.  He loves the minions!

It was a great Christmas--as always, we were spoiled.  Everyone received what they wanted (and more).  And even better--we had everyone home & didn't have to pack up the vehicle to leave for Wyoming.  We decided to take Ethan to his shuttle bus stop (in IF) the morning of the 26th & leave for Wyoming from there.

We had omlettes for brunch, & then I made salsa & guacamole for a dinner/snack.  (We also had grilled cheese sandwiches).  It was a great day!

Christmas Eve

 Our kids draw "Secret Santa" names each Christmas time.  The "rules" are:  the gift must be homemade.  They can buy the supplies, but them must personalize themselves.  (in the past, the kids have bought wooden object/toys, & then painted it)

 So on Christmas Eve, after we drive around looking at lights, we open the Secret Santa gifts & guess who gave it to them.

 Emmalee was so excited!

 Ben got a batch of cookie dough truffles (made by Zane)

 Brienna baked Emmalee's favorite cookies (soft-ginger snap cookies) & put it on a pretty plate.

 Yay--a box!  He got a sock dog & a picture made by Emmalee.

 Callum took over my sewing machine for a couple of days & made something for everyone--Zane got a pillow with his name on it.

 Ethan wrote Brienna's name in cool art & then made his own definition of how awesome she is ;)

 Ben made (with Brienna's help) buck-eyes for Ethan.  Ben first thought he had Brienna so while we were shopping the day before, Rusty helped him make a gift for Brienna.  So on the 24th, 

we had to scramble to get something made for Ethan.

My kids love this part of Christmas & try to keep what they are making for each other a secret--right up to when they open their presents.