30th Birthday Party

For about 9 years now, Derrick and I have SHARED a birthday. There is one day between our birthdays in which we usually go out to celebrate each other instead of giving gifts. But with turning 30 this year, we both agreed a kidless party was necessary. To throw it back old school, we slapped a 90's theme to it.....dress 90's, listen to 90's, and play 90's trivia. Derrick even wanted to venture into the foods we ate in the 90's (Bugles full of Easy Cheese for him), but I opted out of that one (those of you who attended can thank me later). Derrick and I shopped at the thrift store for our 90's threads! I was going for a Paula Abdul/Friends look and Derrick scavenged something similar to Wayne's World in my opinion. We had other great 90's outfits and accessories that friends wore as well, including flannels, an array of jeans, scrunchies, track suits complimented by a discman, overalls, Doc Martens, and many other goodies. Derrick and I have a list of 30's goals and projects.....we are viewing it as a growth period and new season. So here's to the 90's!!

Western Stock Show & Rodeo

Howdy Partners! We hit the rodeo with some friends this year........we made it through the whole show with the help of some kettle corn and cotton candy. Toward the end the kids started to get a little restless, but we HAD to stay to see the bull riding (Derrick and I's favorite part). Kai thinks he might like to take a stab at mutton bustin'! The kids all wore their cowboy/cowgirl shirts and hats. Although as you can see, Kai added a mustache and his boots for a authentic experience. Addie enjoying her cotton candy! Brian, Lindsey and Gavin chillin' during the rodeo. Two new coach drivers. Eli sportin' his cowboy outfit. Addie in the petting zoo. Kai making friends and feeding hay to the goats in the petting zoo.

Pre and Post Christmas festivities

Slightly overdue as usual, but right on time for me. I live by the "better late than never" motto on this blog. We've had a blessed Christmas season. It has been a season of teaching not just about baby Jesus the Savior being born but what does that even mean for us every other day of our year?! Like I've mentioned before we are doing our best to teach our kids Christmas is about Jesus and giving and not Santa Clause and receiving, but it's like swimming up stream in our culture. I'm praising God for other friends, family and church that support these principles along with us. On the way home from church today Kai was lamenting that Christmas is over and Addie just refused to believe it. I know girl, the season just has the tendency to give you warm fuzzy's inside and you just don't want it to end. Although that could also be the tremendous amounts of chai tea and hot chocolate we've been consuming....but either way. The Merry Christmas season was awesome all around, spanning from Thanksgiving to after New Years for us. We did travel to SD for Christmas where I did not exercise my own camera much.....so I will have to post something about that a little later (hopefully before next Dec). This is my version of picture highlights backwards (obviously only including things I thought to photograph) No city slickers here.....we acquired some new weapons as gifts and now everyone can utilize one (or two)! It's the gift that just keeps on giving at our house! I believe this is a lesson in smiling and showing your teeth. Addie the teacher, Eli the student, and Kai the class clown? New Years Eve with our awesome friends Mike and Tammy. Story time MUCH before midnight. My surprise anniversary overnight at Cheyenne Mtn Resort......awesome! Skate Church Christmas Party......a few ugly sweaters. White elephant gift exchange....I think we came away with a '67 corvette. Not bad huh?? Did I mention model size? Group shot...yes, soon enough we will no longer fit in this room....praise God for that! Having all the kids during Skate Church is a party in itself! Sarah and I whipped up a 'better than usual' meal and quite a spread of cookies! Large sunglasses voted best gift! Quite becoming on Eli as well. Father/Son sledding trip. Matt and Derrick took Campbell and Kai to the elementary school nearby for some afternoon sledding. We hit the Cheyenne Mtn Zoo Christmas Lights display this year....very fun and very cold. Here's the boys enjoying a hot chocolate break. Family shot in front of the lit Christmas tree. Goofy Christmas headbands Our magnificent family gingerbread house! Yes pre-made but wonderfully decorated. Addie adding sprinkles to our Christmas cookies. Lots of help on these cookies and lots of excitement about bringing out the sprinkles! Kai and Addie finishing off the peanut butter blossoms with a kiss for a cookie exchange. We may have snuck a few kisses.